Who should I vote for in the Lauderdale County Sheriff race?

SpectrumVote doesn't endorse anyone or tell you how to vote. Compare each candidate's record, funding, outside spending and endorsements on this page, then decide based on the issues that matter most to you. Enter your address at spectrumvote.com to see this race next to everything else on your ballot.

When is the election?

The general election was Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Counts are unofficial until each state certifies its results over the following weeks; your state or county election office has the official results.

Lauderdale County Sheriff

Last updated Sat, Nov 7, 4:03 PM ET

1 candidate · General election, November 3, 2026

What this office does

The county's chief law-enforcement officer. Runs the sheriff's office and usually the county jail, patrols areas outside city police departments, and serves court papers.

Immigration enforcement (ICE 287(g))

Lauderdale County's sheriff's office has 3 agreements with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) under the 287(g) program: Jail Enforcement Model (signed June 12, 2025); Warrant Service Officer (signed June 12, 2025); Task Force Model (signed October 17, 2025).

Jail Enforcement Model: identifying and processing people booked into the county jail on state or local charges who may be removable.
Warrant Service Officer: serving ICE administrative warrants on people already held in the county jail.
Task Force Model: limited immigration enforcement authority during routine police work, under ICE oversight.

Under 287(g), ICE trains and authorizes local officers to carry out some federal immigration duties. From ICE's list of participating agencies, as of October 28, 2026. Whether to keep, change or end an agreement is up to the sheriff.

Candidates

Joe Hamilton

Republican · $2,116 raised (state filings)

Not enough public record yet to place on the left–right scale.

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Next elections here

2028 presidential election · Who has filed so far, from FEC filings

Also on Lauderdale County ballots

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Quick answers

Who is running for Lauderdale County Sheriff in 2026?: Joe Hamilton (Republican).
What does this office do?: The county's chief law-enforcement officer. Runs the sheriff's office and usually the county jail, patrols areas outside city police departments, and serves court papers.
Who should I vote for in the Lauderdale County Sheriff race?: SpectrumVote doesn't endorse anyone or tell you how to vote. Compare each candidate's record, funding, outside spending and endorsements on this page, then decide based on the issues that matter most to you. Enter your address at spectrumvote.com to see this race next to everything else on your ballot.
When is the election?: The general election was Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Counts are unofficial until each state certifies its results over the following weeks; your state or county election office has the official results.

Not sure how to decide? Read our nonpartisan guide to the Lauderdale County ballot.

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