OKLAHOMA CITY (Free Press) — As election day approaches, Oklahoma County residents will cast their ballots for several races, from national to local, including the highly contested race for sheriff in Oklahoma County.
In a rematch of their 2020 contests, incumbent Republican Sheriff Tommie Johnson III will face the Democratic challenger Wayland Cubit to serve the next four years as Oklahoma County Sheriff. Johnson was elected over Cubit in 2020 by a margin of nearly six points.
Sheriff Tommie Johnson III
Johnson, an Oklahoma native and decorated law enforcement professional, is running for a second term with a platform focused on prioritizing mental health solutions, ensuring quick response times, keeping drugs off the streets, and upholding accountability in law enforcement.
He has secured endorsements from former Sheriff P.D. Taylor, Oklahoma City Mayor David Holt, and former Oklahoma City Police Chief Wade Gourley.
Johnson began his law enforcement career with the University of Oklahoma Police Department. He joined the Norman Police Department in 2015 and was later promoted to the rank of Master Police Officer.
During his campaign, he’s touted that he has fulfilled his campaign promises from his first run, implementing them within his first year in office.
Among these promises was implementing a body camera program that equipped Oklahoma County deputies, warrant officers, and investigators with 40 Axon body cameras that are automatically activated when a weapon is drawn, when emergency lights turn on, or when another person is within a certain proximity of the officer.
Johnson did not respond to interview requests in time for publication.
Johnson is one of nine members of the Oklahoma County Criminal Justice Authority, also known as the “Jail Trust,” which oversees the Oklahoma County Jail. The trust was established in 2020 by the Oklahoma County Commissioners to transfer control of the jail from the sheriff’s office to the trust.
The County Jail has become one of the deadliest in the nation since the Trust assumed control, according to data reported by the Oklahoman in May of 2023. The jail has had a long history of problems nearly since its inception in 1991, especially when it comes to jail deaths.
As The Frontier reported in September, staffing problems continue to cause short-staffed shifts, making it harder to adequately monitor detainees and their well-being.
The County Jail has reported seven deaths in 2024 and over 40 since the Trust took over.
Wayland Cubit
The issues surrounding the County Jail motivated Cubit, a seasoned law enforcement professional, to run again against his opponent, whom he says is not doing enough to address the problem.
In an interview with Free Press, Cubit criticized the incumbent Sheriff for neglecting the issues facing the County Jail and for not showing up to Jail Trust meetings to address them.
Cubit emphasized his extensive experience and knowledge, which he believes make him a stronger leader for the county. He plans to address jail concerns by actively engaging with the Trust, attending meetings and listening, contrasting his proactive approach with his opponent’s absence.
“I know he’s not 100% percent responsible for every decision, but every major decision that is made at the jail is made by the jail trust and the Sheriff is one of two elected officials that sit on that trust and the fact that he misses a majority of the meetings and doesn’t partake or add any value to those meetings is unnerving,” Cubit said. “He is the one person on the jail trust that actually uses the jail, he should care more than most.”
Cubit’s other priorities include addressing the fentanyl crisis, improving school safety, and providing mental health support for both deputies and civilians.
Voting Information
Early voting will be held from Wednesday, Oct. 30 to Friday, Nov. 1, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Saturday, Nov. 2, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Election Day, Nov. 5 at your local precinct voting station.
Voters can access the OK Voter Portal to find a designated polling place and a sample ballot.
Brianna Garcia is a freelance journalist covering local politics and culture for Free Press. She has a degree in Journalism from the University of Central Oklahoma.
