New law forces sheriff’s candidate out

The race for Liberty County’s top law enforcement officer will have one less contender after a new Texas law that changes requirements for sheriff’s candidates across the state took effect in September of this year.

Just days before the deadline to file for a place on the primary ballot, Curtis McKinney withdrew his challenge against incumbent Sheriff Bobby Rader.

That new law requires any candidate for sheriff to hold a permanent peace officer’s license and have at least five years’ experience as a paid peace officer.

McKinney, who filed to challenge Rader in the March Republican Primary, does not meet those requirements, as he has never been a peace officer.

“To my supporters, due to the new mandates that were put in place on Sept. 1, 2023 I no longer qualify for that office,” McKinney told The Vindicator in a statement late Tuesday.

McKinney was made aware of the change in the law earlier this week by The Vindicator after information about changes to the law came to light.

In the past, a candidate could run for sheriff without having certification as long as they obtained the necessary training and license within two years of their election.

The new law comes from legislation filed by State Sen. Phil King, a Republican from Weatherford, Texas, who authored SB 1124 last spring.

The bill intended to ensure anyone seeking that office had training and experience in law enforcement.

Texas Public Radio reported that King addressed fellow lawmakers with his concerns about underqualified individuals in the sheriff ’s office.

“Somebody can be elected sheriff, be handed a gun and badge who’s never been a law enforcement officer, never been to an academy, never had any experience or training at all, they can be handed a gun and a badge, the very next day they could be in charge of a mass shooting at a school or some other dangerous situation,” he said. “They also the next day would be taking over a jail and all of the liabilities and responsibilities.”

McKinney was understanding of the change, and while saddened to step back, the now-former candidate complimented Rader and wished him the best.

Rader was grateful for the kind words and commended McKinney for his desire to serve the community, especially through faith-based programs, which he laid out in a recent campaign announcement.

“Mr. McKinney is a good man. He is certainly not ashamed to be a Christian and that means a lot. He would have been a worthy opponent. I want to thank him for showing an interest in improving the Sheriff ’s office,” Rader said.

Rader encouraged McKinney to follow his dream and work to garner the necessary experience so that he might one day be able to run for sheriff.

“I hope that he will do the things necessary to meet the qualifications and he will file to run again! I want to thank him for wishing me luck,” Rader said.

With the deadline to file approaching Monday, Dec. 11, it appears Rader may run uncontested if no other candidates arise.

It is also noted that the new rules allow an individual with five years as a federal investigator or 10 years of combined active military or national guard service to run for sheriff, as long as they complete the necessary training by the second anniversary after their election.

Keep up with all the latest local election news in The Vindicator and subscribe today at thevindicator.com.