Crowded Bibb Co. sheriff race features longtime incumbent, some candidates disqualified

Election Day is around the corner and Bibb County residents will have some important issues to vote on next month.

Georgia’s Primary Election will take place on May 21, and six candidates are vying for Bibb County sheriff. Incumbent Sheriff David Davis is among those, running for a fourth term.

In this race, two candidates have been disqualified from running after election officials determined they didn’t turn in the proper paperwork. Ron Rodgers and Marshall Hughes were ruled ineligible because they didn’t qualify properly and, despite a lawsuit challenging the decision, both candidates have been denied reinstatement to the race.

That leaves four candidates officially in the running, though it’s unclear if Rodgers or Hughes will make additional efforts to get back on the ballot.

Here is a look at the candidates running.

SHERIFF DAVID DAVIS, INCUMBENT

Davis, a Democrat, is a graduate of MaconState College and the FBI National Academy and is currently in his third term as sheriff.

Davis is a member of the Georgia Sheriffs’ Association, where he serves on the Standards and Training Committee. He’s also part of the Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police, the FBI National Academy Associates, the Peace Officers Association of Georgia, the Fraternal Order of Police, the National Sheriffs’ Association, the International Association of Chiefs of Police, the American Jail Association and the Georgia State Joint Terrorism Task Force Executive Board.

He also serves on Georgia’s Juvenile Justice State Advisory Group, having been appointed by Gov. Brian Kemp, and is a member of the Exchange Club of Macon and the First Baptist Church of Christ in Macon.

Davis said “Together.Stronger.Every Street” is more than just a slogan and embodies the essence of his campaign and signifies shared responsibility to create a community that is resilient, united, and empowered.

“Under my leadership, we will continue to bolster our law enforcement efforts, ensuring that our officers are equipped with the necessary tools and resources to combat crime effectively,” he said. “We will invest in advanced technology, modern surveillance systems, and data-driven strategies to proactively identify and apprehend those who seek to harm our citizens.”

Davis said the fight against crime requires the active participation of every citizen and said he will continue to forge strong partnerships with community organizations, faith-based groups and local businesses.

Davis said he will also intensify focus on early intervention and prevention programs, particularly for Macon youth.

“By engaging with schools, parents, and mentors, we will create safe spaces and positive outlets for our young people, guiding them away from the destructive path of violence, towards a future filled with hope, ambition, and opportunity,” he said.

Davis said he will continue to address community crime, community outreach and citizen involvement for crime prevention. He also wants to address managing the jail and concerns with staffing.

Davis said under his leadership the county will continue its ongoing renovations and maintenance efforts in the jail to keep it viable and livable until a new jail is constructed, make sure its recruitment efforts receive the support needed to attract qualified individuals to become law enforcement officers in Macon-Bibb County, and will continue to partner with community members and listen to citizens and develop more programs which will serve their needs for a safer and informed population.

“We are currently implementing programs to reach preschool and elementary school children and their parents,” he said. “We hope to become involved in these lives in an effort to guide them into a positive and meaningful start in life.”

Davis said if he is re-elected, he will continue to serve the community and work to make it stronger. He said if voters choose a different candidate he will make sure the person is given the information and guidance necessary for them to be effective once they assume office in January of 2025.

DEANDRE HALL

Hall, currently working as a detective, is a graduate of Westside High School.

Hall said his ideas for improving Bibb County include building manpower and focusing on retention and growth within the sheriff’s department, which he said is key when it comes to safety and better serving our community, focusing on juvenile and adult reform, and improving the jail as well as the process of rehabilitation for offenders with a goal of offenders to returning as positive members of society.

Hall said he would also like to establish a law enforcement precinct back in the middle of downtown.

“Downtown has long been recognized as a hub for entertainment, drawing visitors near and far. I would like to ensure continued growth and prosperity,” he said.

Davis said implementing a pay scale and incentives for the deputies in an effort to make the department more attractive, as well as creating a space for career advancement, was also on his agenda.

Hall said under his leadership, there would be a more proactive approach to current crime issues to focus on the root causes of crime as well as creating more intervention and prevention programs as it pertains to mental health, substance abuse, and repeat offenders.

CHRIS PATTERSON

Patterson is a retired law enforcement officer who served with the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office for 32 years.

Patterson has worked traffic and security for private schools and churches and participates with urban improvement groups and the Historic Vineville neighborhood.

Patterson said if elected, he plans to improve safety for businesses and citizens, rebuild the integrity and image of the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office, and re-establish the community’s trust in law enforcement.

Patterson said he feels current key issues include salary and leadership for deputies and staff, hiring qualified deputies, re-establishing training and standards, and restructuring the department’s budget.

“I would actively increase the numbers in deputy hiring and retention and would find and re-allocate funding to bring about positive change,” he said.

Patterson said there must be a change in leadership to provide an increase in deputy numbers, lower response times, and improving law enforcement.

“The way for positive change is to vote for your choice of a great candidate who will drive a safer community in Middle Georgia through better law enforcement,” he said.

CHRIS PAUL

Paul served over twenty years as a sergeant in the Bibb County Sheriff’s Office and is also the former executive director of Macon Regional Crimestoppers, a local non-profit serving eight counties.

Paul has received numerous awards during his law enforcement career, including the Award of Merit, commendations by the Chief of Police, Officer of the Month, Investigator of the Month, and more, according to his website.

Paul’s website states he holds many certifications including, D.A.R.E. instructor, hostage negotiator, field training officer, INTOX Model 5000 Certification, Drug I.D. Certification, and Marijuana certified examiner.

The site states Paul spent time in both public and private schools teaching students about the Eddie Eagle Program. It states Paul also takes an active role in the Youth & Intervention Unit.

Issues Paul plans to address if elected include lack of leadership which has left the community vulnerable, jail deputies forced to check cell blocks alone, a lack of jail staff and poor jail security, an increase in the rate of homicides, and outdated ideas and practices that no longer work.

“I’m running for Sheriff to help make Macon-Bibb a better place. I don’t care about the accolades or money—I care about the people of Macon-Bibb and their well-being. Alongside other first responders, I want to make Macon-Bibb safer for our seniors, more valuable to our youth, and more vibrant for the economy,” Paul said. “I believe that with God on my side and the support from people like you, I can be the new Sheriff to make this city one of the best cities in the United States of America.”

While Hughes and Rodgers were disqualified, the two still have campaign presences and it’s unclear if they’ll seek other ways to get back in the race. Here’s what they shared about their goals if they were elected.

MARSHALL HUGHES

Hughes, a Macon native and Northeast High School graduate, actively participates in Beulahland Bible Baptist Church and The House Of Hope Macon.

Hughes is currently a criminal investigator who closely collaborates with the Macon district attorney, according to his website.

Hughes’ website states he has a clear vision to create a new direction fostering safety and prosperity with a goal to build a robust partnership between law enforcement and the community, addressing challenges and creating a safer, more vibrant environment for all residents.

The website states that as sheriff Hughes will increase presence in all areas - especially high crime areas, implement neighborhood walk-throughs to meet and understand the communities he serves, and restore sufficient response times on patrol.

RON RODGERS

Rodgers is an Army veteran with degrees from Fort Valley State University and Columbus State University. He attended the Georgia Chief of Police Academy, Virginia FEMA - Emergency Management Institute and United States Army Officer Basic Command School. He also did FBI LEEDA training and completed incident response to terrorist bombing instruction at New Mexico Tech, according to his website.

Rodgers’ website states he spent more than 12 years serving as a military police officer in the U.S. Army, Army National Guard, and Army Reserve and is currently the director of the Southwest High School Law Academy.

Paul says on his site that delayed response times, mental health crises, substance abuse, lack of community trust, inadequate crisis management, insufficient victim support, negative law enforcement image, youth at risk, lack of transparency, limited community oversight, and unrecognized community efforts are all issues in Macon-Bibb law enforcement.

If elected, Rodgers plans to address these issues with improved coordination between law enforcement, fire departments, and medical services for quicker emergency response. He also plans to advocate for restorative justice and diversion programs to address underlying causes of crime. He also wants to create channels for community feedback and involvement in law enforcement policy development, and more, according to his website.

Since there is no Republican candidate, the sheriff’s race will be decided in the primary.

Voters can take a look at a comprehensive election calendar, voter registration status and voting precincts on the Georgia Secretary of State’s website.