Two Democratic sheriffs in Georgia have crossed party lines to endorse Republican gubernatorial nominee Rick Jackson, arguing public safety should take priority over partisan loyalty.
Lowndes County Sheriff Ashley Paulk and Dooly County Sheriff Craig Peavy announced their support for Jackson over Democratic nominee Keisha Lance Bottoms, Atlanta News First reported. Paulk said “public safety is more important than political affiliations,” while Peavy said he believes Jackson will stand with sheriffs and serve as a “true partner” in protecting communities.
Both sheriffs hold office as Democrats. Paulk has won seven elections as a Democrat, but the endorsement is not his first break with the party. He previously backed Republican Gov. Brian Kemp and said he could not recall supporting a Democrat for statewide office.
Peavy has a record of supporting Republicans. He was among the Georgia sheriffs who endorsed Kemp’s reelection and later backed Republican Attorney General Chris Carr during the 2026 gubernatorial primary. Peavy nevertheless won reelection as a Democrat in 2024, defeating Republican Chuck Gordon with more than 80% of the vote.
Jackson thanked the sheriffs and promised support for law enforcement recruitment, retention, training and resources. Bottoms’ campaign had not responded to Atlanta News First’s request for comment when the report was published.
The endorsements arrive as the governor’s race remains tight. An InsiderAdvantage survey conducted Aug. 16-17 found Jackson and Bottoms tied at 46%, with 8% undecided. The poll surveyed 800 likely voters and had a 3.46-percentage-point margin of error.
For Jackson, the endorsements offer public-safety credibility with rural Democrats. For Bottoms, they give Republicans another opportunity to contrast her Atlanta record with law enforcement concerns outside metro Atlanta.
