Jonathon W. Horton announced he’s seeking a third term as Etowah County sheriff, launching his re-election campaign with a message centered on public safety, leadership and continued service to the community.
Horton’s campaign again uses the theme, “A Sheriff for ALL with a Servant’s Heart,” emphasizing fairness, accessibility and community partnerships across Etowah County.
Horton, who first took office in January 2019, expressed appreciation for the confidence Etowah County residents have shown in his leadership since the start.
“Serving as your Sheriff has been one of the greatest honors of my life,” Horton said. “Together with the dedicated men and women of the Etowah County Sheriff’s Office, we have made tremendous progress — and I am asking for the opportunity to continue that work.”
During his first term from 2019 to 2023, Horton oversaw a wide-ranging modernization of the Etowah County Sheriff’s Office, including pay increases for deputies, expanded school resource officer coverage, major jail upgrades, replacement of patrol vehicles, expanded inmate education programs and updated technology and policies.
Officials said those efforts strengthened safety, accountability and operational efficiency across the agency.
Horton’s current term has continued that pace, with the sheriff’s office pointing to additional vehicles and aviation assets, expanded deputy training, new enforcement units, renegotiated federal contracts and continued detention center improvements aimed at reducing contraband and improving security.
“These accomplishments reflect our commitment to safety, accountability, and responsible stewardship of taxpayer resources,” Horton said. “We have made real progress — and there is more work to be done.”
Etowah County operates one of Alabama’s largest county jails, housing county, state, municipal and federal inmates under a direct-supervision model.
“It has taken time to understand and make improvements, and I am proud of the work that has been done,” Horton said. “But we still have work to do. Our goal is to provide the safest environment possible while giving those incarcerated an opportunity for change. We are all in this together, and together we can make a difference.”
“My heart has always been in serving the people of Etowah County,” Horton added. “With your support, I will continue strengthening public safety, supporting our schools, modernizing our operations, and ensuring that our Sheriff’s Office remains one of the most professional and effective agencies in Alabama. I will continue to be A Sheriff for ALL with a Servant’s Heart.”
Horton noted that his family — including his wife of 35 years and their three daughters — remains deeply rooted in Etowah County and invested in the community’s future.
Sherri Blevins is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at [email protected].
