Sheriff Troy Peterson endorses Matt Haley in Harrison County Sheriff’s race
Harrison County Sheriff Troy Peterson has announced he is endorsing Matt Haley for the position.
Matt Haley is facing Louis Elias in the primaries for the sheriff’s position next Tuesday.
If there is a runoff, it will be held on August 29th.
Sheriff Peterson calls Haley’s qualities as a leader unparalleled.
He says in a statement: “I was firm in the beginning by telling both candidates that I did not want to be a part of this election process. I feel as though I’ve done my time and wanted each of them to run on their own merit.”
Sheriff Peterson says he was “poked in the chest” so he is now publicly endorsing Haley.
Haley said in a statement: “I am humbled by Sheriff Troy Peterson’s endorsement. To have such a great leader and pillar of our community express his faith in me and my ability to do the job is very heart felt. Sheriff Peterson has lead the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office since 2016, he has always put his employees and this community first. As Sheriff I will do the same. Service before self!”
Elias said to WXXV in a statement: “Contrary to the statements set forth in Sheriff Peterson’s letter, Sheriff Peterson failed to mention that he encouraged me to offer my candidacy as Sheriff of Harrison County expressing to me in no uncertain terms that I was the most qualified person within the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office to serve as the next Sheriff.”
“I am sure Sheriff Peterson inadvertently failed to mention that fact. Sheriff Peterson also failed to mention the close relationship that once existed between his family and mine. I am sure the omission was just an oversight. For years, our families joined together for many vacations. Why the endorsement of Matt Haley? The stark reality is this is not about endorsing Matt Haley; it is about mounting opposition to the election of Louis Elias regardless of who my opponent may have been. Matt’s candidacy is the vehicle to accomplish Sheriff Peterson’s objective. The genesis of the anger directed at me by Sheriff Peterson since my announcement has never been discussed or really commented on. I disagreed with Sheriff Peterson about how he handled the tragic shooting on Interstate 10 that resulted in unnecessary loss of life. I cannot discuss this incident any further.”
