Lee County sheriff candidates tackle growth, jail issues, public safety at packed forum
Candidates in the race for Lee County Sheriff shared their priorities and encouraged voter participation following a public forum held Monday night at the Opelika Public Library.
The event drew a large crowd as residents gathered to hear from those seeking to lead the Lee County Sheriff’s Office ahead of the May 19 election.
Candidates for Lee County sheriff stand together following forum at Opelika Public Library on April 14, 2026. (Image/Colin Scroggins)
During the debate, candidates – Cam Hunt and Jay Jones – were asked about a wide range of issues facing the county, including political activity by sheriff’s office employees, constitutional carry laws and deputy safety, fentanyl and the opioid crisis, inter-agency partnerships, managing rapid population growth, school safety, jail management, mental health and substance abuse in the jail system, and their closing vision for the future of the office.
Candidate Cam Hunt said his campaign is centered on three principles: justice, liberty, and accountability.
Candidate Cam Hunt discusses his campaign principles following forum at the Opelika Public Library on April 14, 2026. (Image/Colin Scroggins)
“Justice meaning that the law is applied fairly and consistently across the board. Liberty means that your constitutional rights are defended. Accountability means that everyone is held to the same standard, from the top down, including the sheriff,” Hunt said.
Hunt said the turnout at the forum showed strong community interest in the future of local government.
“It’s not every day you see a room this size packed out with this many people for a local race,” Hunt said. “That tells me that people are paying attention and getting involved.”
He also urged residents to make their voices heard at the polls.
“Real change happens at the local level, and I cannot stress how important May 19th is for people to actually get out, show up, and vote,” Hunt said.
Incumbent Sheriff Jay Jones discusses his campaign principles following forum at the Opelika Public Library on April 14, 2026. (Image/Colin Scroggins)
Incumbent Sheriff Jay Jones also praised the turnout and said public forums are important opportunities for voters to learn about the office and the candidates.
“There’s at least 200 people in the room. That’s great for a local race,” Jones said. “People getting involved, that’s what it’s all about.”
Jones said his campaign is focused on his record in office and continuing programs aimed at public safety. He pointed to initiatives including women’s safety programs, firearms education courses, services for senior citizens, and Project Lifesaver.
“We have accomplished many, many goals through the years,” Jones said. “I plan to continue to ensure that not only do we have that high standard in place and continue to keep it there, but enhance it as time goes by.”
Jones also encouraged voters to remember the election date.
“May 19th is kind of an odd day. It’s not a usual election time,” Jones said. “People coming out on May 19th is going to be critical.”
Community members take campaign signs a month before election day following public forum on April 14, 2026. (Image/Colin Scroggins)
To watch the public forum between the candidates, click here.
The Lee County Sheriff’s race will be decided in the May 19 election.
Related stories
SafetyOpelika Fire Department equips all 90 firefighters with new communication-enhanced masks
SafetyHunter rescued from tree after tree stand malfunction in Tuskegee National Forest
LocalOpelika Chamber honors local first responders at 2026 Valor Public Safety Awards
Crime & SafetyMISSING PERSON: Chambers County Sheriff’s Office searching for 35-year-old woman
Crime & SafetyMuscogee County Sheriff’s Office awarded $118,000 grant for local DUI and aggressive driving enforcement