A Marine Corps veteran and local law enforcement officer announced his intention to run for Sheriff of Lee County Tuesday afternoon.

Cameron Hunt announced his intention to run in a press release to CNAW2News.

Hunt, a native of Opelika and Auburn, has spent his life in service—first as a U.S. Marine Corps officer and later as a law enforcement officer in Lee County.

After earning a Political Science degree from Auburn University, he served as a field artillery officer in the Marines, reaching the rank of Captain. After returning home, he joined the Opelika Police Department, working in patrol, traffic homicide investigations, SWAT, and earning FBI certifications.

In 2023, he moved to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, where he was a patrol deputy until ‘being terminated after deciding to run for Sheriff’, Hunt said.

Hunt said his campaign focuses on fair law enforcement, protecting citizens’ rights, upholding constitutional freedoms while ensuring safety, and maintaining integrity and transparency within both the Sheriff’s Office and the justice system.

“I respect the office of Sheriff and the men and women who serve in it,” Hunt said. “Being let go was not easy, but it has only strengthened my commitment to the citizens of Lee County. Lee County deserves a Sheriff who not only enforces the law but also protects the rights of every citizen and ensures accountability within the office itself. My life has been dedicated to service — as a Marine, as a police officer, as a deputy sheriff, and now as a candidate for Sheriff. This campaign is about giving the people a choice in leadership and bringing fresh leadership to the Sheriff’s Office — leadership rooted in justice, liberty, and accountability.”

Hunt’s announcement follows Sheriff Jay Jones intention to run for re-election.

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