Statewide races aside, Tuesday night was a historic night for multiple sheriff’s offices across Mississippi. Take a look back at what we thought were the three biggest sheriff races in this year’s primary election.
Tuggle becomes second Black sheriff in DeSoto County
Starting in DeSoto County, Thomas Tuggle became the second Black man to be elected sheriff and the first since 1873.
Tuggle, a military veteran and retired lieutenant colonel for the Mississippi Highway Patrol, defeated DeSoto County Supervisor Michael Lee in the Republican primary, and with no Democrats on this year’s ballot, Tuggle will sweep November’s general election.
“We bring 30 years to the table, and I’m going to put 30 years of experience to work for people in DeSoto County. We’re excited about it,” Tuggle told reporters at his watch party. “My opponent is a great guy, and I have nothing bad to say about him. I haven’t said anything negative about him. This is a great county. This is a big county, and I have the experience, the courage, and the knowledge to deal with the threats that are racing this county.”
Jones blows out Crisler in Hinds County
In what was easily one of the largest defeats of election night, incumbent Hinds County Sheriff Tyree Jones beat challenger Marshand Crisler by a whopping 70 points in the Democratic primary.
The overwhelming margin of victory in the Jones-Crisler rematch was somewhat surprising, given Crisler’s history with the sheriff’s office. However, Crisler’s campaign was severely damaged after he was charged in April with bribery and selling ammunition to a convicted felon while in the position of interim sheriff in 2021.
Jones, who beat Crisler by 20 points the first time they ran against each other, spent two decades with the Jackson Police Department prior to becoming sheriff. He will now have a chance at his first full term in office when he goes up against independent Reginald Thompson in the November 7 general election.
Harrison County elects Haley as Peterson’s successor
Voters of Mississippi’s second most populous county chose Matt Haley as their new sheriff, following the recent retirement announcement from two-term Sheriff Troy Peterson.
Haley, who defeated Louis Elias by around six points in the Republican primary, has served in a variety of positions with the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office over the last 25 years. With no Democrats running for the position, Haley will be unopposed in the general election.
“We knew it wasn’t going to be an easy win, but when this started, I told everybody I refused to be outworked and I think that’s what made me successful in the end,” Haley said. “The current sheriff, Troy Peterson, has laid a great foundation. We’re going to build on what he’s already started.”
