MACON, Ga. — In two of Central Georgia's largest counties are hosting competitive primary elections for the county sheriff.
In Bibb County, Sheriff David Davis is facing a slew of challengers seeking to oust him from his long-held post.
In Houston County, the retirement of Sheriff Cullen Talton has opened the floodgates for candidates hoping to replace one of the longest-serving sheriffs in the entire United States.
With many people throwing their hat in the ring, we break down who has qualified in these races so far:
Houston:
Matt Moulton: Houston County Sheriff's Office Lt. Matt Moulton is running for the sheriff's office. He has been in law enforcement 24 years. You can read more about his career here.
Slate Simons: After 20 years in law enforcement, Simons is putting his hat in the ring. He was the first person to announce back in November 2023, and according to the Georgia Secretary of State's Office, he's owned Reece Heating and Air during his time away from law enforcement. You can read more about Simons here.
Will Kendall: After being appointed Houston County District Attorney, Kendall is hoping to shift from prosecution to law enforcement. You can read more about Kendall's career here.
Jimmy Dunn: He helped start the WRALL Challenger League in 2010 for special needs and handicapped kids in Houston County. You can read more about his campaign here.
Arthur Harris: The only Democrat in the running, according to the Georgia Secretary of States Office, Harris listed his occupation as "sports official."
Bibb:
Chris E Paterson: Before retiring to run for sheriff, Paterson entered the ring after 32 years in the sheriff's office. He retired at the rank of captain. You can read more about Paterson here.
Christopher Paul: After starting off as a member of the Macon Police Department, Paul then joined the sheriff's office after consolidation in 2014. Now, according to his secretary of state filings, he is a code enforcement officer. You can read more about Paul here.
David Davis: Incumbent David Davis is hoping to stay in as Bibb County Sheriff for a fourth time. Davis acknowledged struggles over his last term, like October's jail escape and ongoing staffing shortages. He points to falling violent crime numbers and more job applications flowing into his office as successes. You can read more here.
DeAndre Hall: Macon native DeAndre Hall spent over a decade in the Bibb County Sheriff's Office before becoming a Fort Valley investigator, according to his filings with the secretary of state's office. You can read more about Paul here.
Marshall Hughes: After spending 9.5 years as a sheriff's deputy, Hughes's history in Macon runs deep. He graduated from Northeast High School. His filings say he is a business owner. You can read more about Hall here.
Ronald Rodgers: After 30 years in law enforcement, Rodgers filings with the secretary of state office say he is a law instructor educator. He previously served as police chief of Centerville. You can read more about Rodgers here.