Kyle Weatherly of Richmond is running for Wayne County Sheriff as a Republican candidate in the 2026 primary election.
2026 Election Guide
The Western Wayne News asked candidates in contested races for the May 5 primary election the same questions.
- List your education and employment history highlights (100 words or less).
- What are two specific reasons you decided to run for this office? (100 words or less.)
- If elected/reelected, what are your top three priorities for your time in office? (150 words or less.)
- What are two specific skills you would bring to the office to benefit constituents, if elected/reelected? (100 words or less.)
- What’s one aspect of the government body you’re seeking to join or lead that you think is working well and should continue? (100 words or less.)
- What’s one aspect of the body you’re seeking to join or lead that you think needs to change, and what specific action(s) would you pursue to change it? (100 words or less.)
- Will you accept the results of the election process even if you are not elected/reelected? (50 words or less.)
- With state and federal changes limiting funding for government services, what specific strategies will you pursue if elected to sustain the finances of the body you’re seeking to join or lead? (150 words or less)
- Beyond encouraging attendance at public meetings, how do you plan to involve residents in decision making processes that the office you seek is a part of? (100 words or less.)
- Any other comments you’d like to share about your candidacy? (150 words or less.)
Candidates were given three weeks to respond with a firm deadline and word limits. We share their answers here, unedited from their original form.
For full election coverage, visit the Western Wayne News 2026 Election Guide.
Bio highlights: I have over 20 years of full-time law enforcement experience built in Wayne County. I started in the jail, was promoted to supervisor, then served as a road deputy, patrol sergeant, and led the Criminal Investigations Unit on serious cases, including homicides. I have also served as Chief of Police, leading department operations.
I am an Army veteran, a graduate of Northwestern University’s School of Police Staff and Command, and hold the FBI-LEEDA Trilogy leadership certification. I have worked every level of this profession and am prepared to lead on day one.
Reasons you ran: I decided to run because I care deeply about Wayne County and the people who call it home. After more than 20 years in this profession, I have seen how much strong, steady leadership matters inside the office and in the trust communities place in it. I know this office can do better.
Second, I care about the people who serve here. Deputies, corrections, and support staff all matter. I want to lead in a way that supports them, sets clear expectations, and builds a culture where people are valued, developed, and proud of the work they do.
Top priorities: My top three priorities are clear.
First, One County, One Team through real community policing. Every town, every neighborhood, and every family matters. The Sheriff’s Office will be present, engaged, and working alongside the people we serve to build trust and prevent problems before they start.
Second, strategic and aggressive crime enforcement. We will use intelligence-led policing to focus on the offenders driving crime, not just respond to calls. Criminals will know Wayne County is not a place to test the line.
Third, jail first. The jail is the foundation of this office. Our corrections staff deserve leadership that supports them with proper staffing, training, and resources. When the jail is strong, the entire system is stronger.
This is how we deliver safer communities and a Sheriff’s Office that performs.
I bring full-time, real-world leadership experience at every level of this profession. I have supervised in the jail, worked the road, led investigations, and served as Chief of Police. I have made decisions where outcomes matter, not observed them from the sidelines. …
Kyle weatherly
Specific skills: I bring full-time, real-world leadership experience at every level of this profession. I have supervised in the jail, worked the road, led investigations, and served as Chief of Police. I have made decisions where outcomes matter, not observed them from the sidelines. That experience allows me to lead this office with clarity, accountability, and confidence on day one.
I also bring a proven ability to reduce crime while building trust. I have implemented policies and community-focused strategies that deliver results. I know how to be tough on crime and still lead in a way that strengthens the community we serve.
Should continue: One aspect that is working well is the people in this office. I have worked alongside them in the jail, on the road, and in investigations, and I know the level of effort it takes to do this job right. There are good people here carrying a heavy load every day.
That should continue. What needs to improve is the leadership behind them. When you give good people clear direction, support them when it matters, and hold everyone to the same standard, performance follows. My goal is to build on the strength already here and lead it the right way.
Needs to change: One aspect that needs to change is consistency in leadership and direction across the office and how we partner with our communities. Our small towns and local departments should feel supported, not separate. The Sheriff’s Office should be a resource they can rely on.
I will establish clear standards across every division and be present and accessible as a leader. I will also strengthen relationships with local agencies by being engaged, responsive, and willing to step in and support when needed.
When leadership is steady and partnerships are strong, service improves and every community in this county benefits.
Accept election results: Yes. I respect the rule of law and the integrity of our election process. I trust the voters of Wayne County to make the decision they believe is best. Regardless of the outcome, my commitment to serving this community will remain unchanged.
Funding strategies: With funding tightening, the answer is results and priorities. I have led an agency where staffing, operations, and resources had to produce real outcomes.
I will protect core services first, patrol, the jail, and investigations. I will tie every dollar to measurable outcomes like response times, crime reduction, and operational performance. If it does not move those in the right direction, it does not stay.
I will strengthen partnerships so resources are shared, not duplicated, ensuring better service for every resident.
Engaging the public: I will involve residents by meeting them where they are, not expecting them to come to us. As Chief of Police, I created the Police and Communities Together (PACT) unit, which has been part of over 400 community events in two years.
I will bring that same approach countywide, being present, accessible, and engaged in every community.
People should know their Sheriff, see their deputies, and feel comfortable speaking up.
Other comments: I’m not running for this office to hold a title. This is home. I was born and raised here, and I’ve spent over 20 years serving Wayne County in full-time law enforcement. I started in the jail and worked my way through every level of this profession, earning each step.
I’ve led at the highest level as Chief of Police, responsible for people, operations, and results. This is not theory. I’ve done the job and earned the respect of those who do it every day.
What that means for you is simple: safer communities, faster response, and a Sheriff you will actually see and know.
I believe in being tough on crime, supporting our people, and delivering results.
A version of this article appeared in the April 1 2026 print edition of the Western Wayne News.