HOUSTON COUNTY, Ga. — The nation’s longest-serving sheriff has endorsed a candidate in the race to replace him.
Cullen Talton says he wants Lieutenant Matt Moulton to succeed him as sheriff.
Moulton’s been in law enforcement for 24 years and in Houston County. He has been a training officer, a traffic supervisor, drug investigator and worked in criminal investigation.
The two held a news conference this morning at the Sheriff’s Office in Perry.
“I want to introduce a young man who is going to take my job. I am going to introduce Matt Moulton.” Talton said “Matt is the kind of person we will all appreciate after we elect him sheriff. He is going to be our next sheriff.”
Talton was first elected sheriff in 1972 and he plans to step down at the end of the year. Two other candidates are running including Houston County District Attorney William Kendall and former Houston County officer Slate Simons.
Candidates qualify in March and the county votes on May 20.
Will Kendall sent a statement after Talton's endorsement:
"While I greatly appreciate Sheriff Talton and the years of excellent service he has dedicated to our community, this news does not change our campaign strategy of service and integrity. The sheriff is the highest ranking law enforcement officer in the county and a constitutional office. Therefore, it should be left to the people of Houston County to choose who their next sheriff will be based on experience, track record, and who is best equipped to serve. Simply put, this is not a position that can be handed down or given to a friend. I'm sure voters respect Sheriff Talton's opinion, but Matt Moulton will have to earn the support of the citizens of this county like any other candidate.
Our campaign has had incredible momentum with an amazing outpouring of local support, which includes leaders in the community who already knew of Sheriff Talton’s hand-picked successor. We will continue working hard to earn votes through qualifications not political influence. I wish each candidate the best in pursuit of office during this election and the very best to Sheriff Talton as he closes out his final term in office and his extraordinary career.
Semper Fi and God Bless!"
Slate Simons told 13WMAZ in a phone call: "I just think it's gonna be a good and healthy race and I think the citizens of Middle Georgia will pick the best candidate to serve the citizens."