HOUSTON COUNTY, Ga. — When America's longest-serving sheriff took the podium Tuesday morning, Cullen Talton said, "I'ma introduce a young man who's gonna try to take my job."
He doesn't make many public appearances, but Talton showed up Tuesday morning at the newly renovated Houston County annex to endorse one of his officers to succeed him.
For over half a century, Sheriff Talton's been elected 13 times; today, he says he wants Lt. Matt Moulton to succeed him as sheriff.
"He is going to be our next sheriff," Talton said.
Surrounded by supporters — including his parents and community leaders —Moulton says Talton's endorsement is the greatest honor he could have.
"You guys are all a testament for what Sheriff Talton has done for this county," Moulton said. "If not, you wouldn't be here supporting me because he made a phone call."
Moulton oversees criminal investigations at the Houston County Sheriff's Office.
Serving 24 of his 28 years in law enforcement in Central Georgia, he's also been a Warner Robins police officer.
"As the race stands, I am the only active law enforcement officer in this race for sheriff," Moulton said.
His opponents, so far, are Will Kendall and Slate Simons.
"Whenever you have a vision for something, there's always those that try to create division," Moulton said.
Kendall is the district attorney of Houston County.
Moulton said they both attend South Baptist Church; he said he's had a professional relationship with the district attorney since before he was appointed into his role.
Simons is a former Houston County sergeant.
Moulton said he's known him since he's been in the county's law enforcement; he said they were colleagues when Simons worked at HCSO.
His biggest critic, Moulton said, is himself; he said he's tried to learn from mistakes.
"I replay it over and over again in my head and wonder what I could've done different or what I could've done better," Moulton said.
13WMAZ called Simons and Kendall about Talton's endorsement.
Simons said, "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."
Kendall said, "This is not a position that can be handed down or given to a friend... We will continue working hard to earn votes through qualifications not political influence."
Right now, the only candidates for Houston County sheriff are Republicans.
Candidates can qualify for the election in March and folks can vote in May primaries.