WARNER ROBINS, Ga. — For the first time in half a century, the Houston County Sheriff’s Office has a new sheriff.
After months of campaigning, Matt Moulton has been elected the new sheriff with just under 60% of the vote, eeking out a victory over Arthur Harris.
It comes after Houston County’s long-time sheriff Cullen Talton died near the end of October. In September 2023, Talton said it was time to hang up the badge and not seek reelection after 13 terms as sheriff.
Before being elected sheriff, Moulton served as a lieutenant in the Houston County Sheriff’s Office investigations division.
Seen in some ways as the continuation of Talton’s term, Moulton received Talton’s endorsement back in January
Here's how Houston County voted in the race for sheriff.
Results:
Arthur Harris: 40.6% - 32,437 votes
Matt Moulton: 59.4% - 47,393 votes
A crowded primary
Talton’s decision to retire created a political frenzy on the republican front. Four Republican candidates entered the fray: Moulton, William Kendall, Slate Simons and Jimmy Dunn.
Harris was the only Democrat running for the position.
In the primary, Moulton secured 57% of the vote, beating second-place finisher Kendall with 25% of the vote. He also avoided a run-off election.
The elevation of Moulton marks a new chapter in the history of the Houston County Sheriff’s Office, the first time a new sheriff has been elected in 52 years.
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