Newton County Sheriff Jackie Knight announced last week that he will not seek re-election in 2019.
Knight said he felt it was the right time to step aside after discussing it with his family.
“My wife told me I could either be sheriff or be married. So, I went with her,” Knight said jokingly. “Really, it was the right time for me to hang it up and let someone take over.”
When Knight finishes out his term this year, he will have served as sheriff for 24 years.
“I’ll be 71 years old this year. It’s been a good ride. It wouldn’t be right to the people of Newton County to stay on another term because I just can’t get around like I used to,” Knight said. “God’s been good to me, and I’d like to thank everyone for their support over the years.”
Knight said he doesn’t know exactly what he’s going to do in retirement.
“I’m going to have to ask my wife what I’m going to do,” Knight said. “Pretty much, I’ll be doing whatever she puts on my list.”
With Knight retiring, law enforcement officers throughout the county are vying for the chance to be the next sheriff. So far, four candidates have filled out the qualifying paperwork at the Circuit Clerk’s office:
Joedy Pennington(R)
Billy Pat Walker(R)
Sammie Stevens (R)
Randy Patrick (I)
Candidates for other Newton County offices include:
Chancery Clerk
George Hayes (R)
Circuit Clerk
Michael L. Butler (R)
Tax Assessor
May Bender (D)
Coroner
Danny L. Shoemaker (R)’
Constable, District 1
Mark Spence (R)
Supervisor, District 1
Kenneth E. Harris (D)
Supervisor, District 2
Joe Alexander (R)
Supervisor, District 3
Charles Moulds (R)
Supervisor, District 4
Charles Godwin (R)
Supervisor, District 5
Glen Hollingsworth (R)
Jacky Johnson (R)
Lester S. Miles III (R)
Charles D. Scoggin (I)
Justice Court Judge, District 1
Scott M. Round (R)
Justice Court Judge, District 2
Justin K. Chaney (I)
Currently no candidates have qualified for Constable, District 2 or County Attorney. Candidates have until March 1 to submit their paperwork to the circuit clerk to be added to the ballot.
