A former Sampson County law enforcement officer, who served in both the Sheriff’s Department and with the Clinton Police, announced Thursday morning his intention to file for sheriff as a Republican, setting up a local GOP primary between himself and longtime Sheriff Jimmy Thornton.
Tracy Jackson, the current police chief in Stedman and a Sampson County native, issued a press release Thursday morning making that announcement official.
In a telephone interview just before the release hit socials, Jackson said it was “an honor” to toss his hat into the ring for Sampson’s top law enforcement job, noting that he felt it was time for a change.
“I am humbled and excited about this opportunity. I’m going to file and then I’m gonna see what God has planned,” he said in that interview.
The filing period opens Dec. 1.
Thornton took to social media just after 3 p.m. Thursday, several hours after Jackson announced his intentions, saying he, also, intended to file to keep his seat.
“Friends are calling today, urging me to run for sheriff,” Thornton wrote on his Sheriff Jimmy Thornton Facebook page. “I appreciate their support. And the answer is yes, I am running.”
Thornton has served as Sampson County sheriff for 23 years come December. “I feel like I still have something to provide the citizens of our county,” he told The Sampson Independent Thursday afternoon. “Every day brings on more challenges and situations that need to be addressed. I don’t know that anyone’s job is ever finished. Each of these 23 years, I have learned something new.”
Jackson, who is still sworn as a part-time officer with the Clinton Police Department, working Agri-Expo events and ball games after hours, said he sees law enforcement as a calling, and his run for sheriff as a way to serve the county and its residents.
“My running provides an opportunity for change in the county,” Jackson stressed. “I think it’s just time for change, time for something new, a way to move forward.
“As Sheriff Thornton’s sixth term comes to an end, we feel that now is the time for new leadership and a new direction. We need an experienced fighter with fresh ideas that will provide the solutions required for the safety of our citizens and communities,” said Jackson in his prepared remarks.
“As I previously worked at the Sheriff’s office to protect the people of Sampson County, I witnessed first-hand the need for improvement. We need a sheriff that understands the value of a dollar, especially taxpayer dollars,” he said in his release.
“Sampson County voters deserve a sheriff who will be accountable, responsive and transparent. We need a sheriff who will be innovative and will use technology to reduce crime in the county. We need a sheriff who will put the people first, not focus on a vengeful political agenda,” he added.
Jackson has over 15 years of experience in law enforcement, and he has also been a part of law enforcement instruction at several community colleges. He has served in the Sampson County Sheriff’s Office and in local agencies, including Clinton Police and Stedman Police. He has served his community in a variety of ways including coaching at Clinton High and Sampson Middle School as well as serving on the Board of Directors for Sampson Community Theatre.
Jackson and his wife, Natalie Jones Jackson, have four children, and two grandchildren.
He stressed that he is a man of faith with a strong Christian background and is currently serving as deacon at Clinton Community Church.
His sister Terri Jackson Shaffer and her husband live in the Plain View community, where Andy, serves as pastor of “The Journey Church.”
A 1989 graduate of Clinton High School, Jackson has a bachelor’s degree from the University of Mount Olive in business management.
He said he believes in a pro-active approach in law enforcement versus sitting back and waiting for things to happen.
“As sheriff, I want to be a leader, but also a servant to the people. I want to be about developing and keeping relationships strong, treating people right, the things that allow you to work together,” Jackson said.
Thornton said he encourages anyone who’s interested to run for political office, and he welcomes the opportunity to run again. “I’m most appreciative of the honor to be able to serve as sheriff for 23 years. I hope the people of Sampson County realize the value of what we’ve done for them. Their safety is my top priority and always will be.”