Chad Payne, a 17-year veteran of law enforcement, who worked for nine years as a sergeant with the Houston County Sheriff’s Office, has announced that he will run for sheriff of Houston County in the Republican primary election. He will be squaring off against incumbent Sheriff Cullen Talton, who is seeking his 10th term.
Payne, 41, lives in Kathleen with his wife, Pat, and two children. He is currently a deputy sheriff and Criminal Interdiction Expert with the Butts County Sheriff’s Office.
A specialist in highway drug investigations who has trained young officers across the state, he is an army veteran.
In making his announcement, Payne said, “We need a change in law enforcement in Houston County. With the growth in the county, we need increased law enforcement efforts.”
The primary election will be held on July 15. Because there is no Democratic candidate for sheriff in this election, the winner of the Republican primary will be the next sheriff.
