HOUSTON COUNTY, Ga. — A campaign website shows Houston County District Attorney William Kendall is running for Houston County Sheriff after the retirement of Cullen Talton.
In a phone call with 13WMAZ, Kendall says that he has not officially announced his run for sheriff, but he filed paperwork with the Secretary of State around Nov. 9 or Nov. 10.
"I'll make an official announcement in the second week of December," Kendall said. "More to follow."
On the website, it outlines Kendall's policy objectives and more about his background.
At the top of his website, it says: "Service. Integrity. Leadership."
He emphasized his focus on open lines of communication and said that, during his tenure as District Attorney, "the days of having a DA sit in the office behind a closed door are over."
He says that he believes in access and said "I have always answered the call and will never turn anyone away."
He highlighted his focus on leadership, transparency and a fiscally responsible sheriff's office.
Kendall also highlights his work on reducing overdose deaths.
"I am happy to report we have been successful in reducing overdose rates and have made 76 arrests in the first 60 days," the website said.
Kendall and his family lives in Kathleen and are members of the Southside Baptist Church. He served in the Marines for eight years. He has served as District Attorney since September 2021.
"I am seeking your Vote to allow me to continue to protect this community as teh next Sheriff of Houston County," the website said. "God Bless!"
Kendall joins Slate Simons in seeking to replace Sheriff Talton, who has helmed the sheriff's office for 51 years. Simons served as a sergeant under Talton.
The race for sheriff will not happen until November 2024 but a primary will take place in May.