Lee County Sheriff Jay Jones announced his intention to run for re-election today.

Sheriff Jones posted to social media Tuesday afternoon ‘just to make sure there is no doubt,’ after ‘numerous people in the community’ asked if he was running for re-election as Sheriff next year.

Sheriff Jones has been the sheriff of the county since 1998, and is currently serving his seventh term.

Sheriff Jones first began his law-enforcement career with the Lee County Sheriff’s Office in 1975 while a student at Auburn University.

Since then he has served as a Corrections Officer/Communications Operator, a sworn Deputy Sheriff, among other positions.

“He has experienced all aspects of the operations of the Sheriff’s Office, moving up in the ranks through the years to the Sheriff’s Office Chief Investigator in command of the Investigations Division,” the sheriff’s office website said.

Sheriff Jones holds a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice from Auburn University (1976) and a master’s in Administration from Troy State University (1980).

He has completed advanced law enforcement training, including the FBI National Academy and other executive development programs. His professional affiliations include several state-appointed committees and commissions related to law enforcement and criminal justice.

He is a member of multiple professional law enforcement organizations and currently serves on boards for local community and youth organizations.

Additionally, he is civically involved through the Auburn Rotary Club and Bleecker Ruritan Club, and has taught criminal justice as an adjunct instructor at Auburn University and Southern Union Community College, according to the website.

The Republican Primary is taking place on May 19, 2026.