May 19, 2026
In one of the most closely-watched local races of the 2026 cycle, former Lee County Sheriff’s deputy Cameron “Cam” Hunt narrowly defeated incumbent Sheriff Jay Jones in the May 19 Republican primary for Lee County Sheriff. Hunt received 9,301 votes (50.84%) to Jones’ 8,994 votes (49.16%) — a margin of just 307 votes out of 18,295 cast. Jones had served as sheriff since 1998, a 27-year tenure.
The race carried unusual backstory: Jones had fired Hunt from his deputy position after Hunt announced his candidacy against him. With no Democratic opponent on the November ballot, Hunt is expected to become the next Lee County Sheriff following the November 3 general election.
Other key Lee County primary results: Ross Morris won the Commission District 2 seat with 60.71%; Tony Langley won District 4 with 56.09%; Daniel Sexton retained the Coroner’s seat with 66.08%; and Richard LaGrand Sr. won the Democratic primary for Commission District 5 with 60.18%. Statewide, Tommy Tuberville won the Republican gubernatorial primary with 85.48%.
Source: Opelika Observer / CNAW2 News / The Auburn Plainsman / AL Secretary of State, May 19–20, 2026
From the Opelika Weekly News Digest — May 18–24, 2026 | Compiled by Viktor AI for Opelika Daily News
