County

Sheriff, Hardin County

Vote for: 1
Term: 4 years
Candidates: 2
Election: Nov 3, 2026

What this office does: The sheriff is the county's chief law enforcement officer; the sheriff's office also collects property taxes and serves court papers.

Candidates Compare by issue

Willie Oden

Republican

Retired U.S. Army sergeant major · Radcliff

The gist

Pledges to strengthen public trust in the sheriff's office
Pledges focus on domestic violence, child abuse and trafficking
Pledges to be visible in the community and available

More about Willie

View sources (1)

Pledges to strengthen public trust in the sheriff's office
Oden wants to extend life of serving to sheriff's office
News coverage · The News-Enterprise · Nov 13, 2025 · thenewsenterprise.com
“I want to strengthen public trust and partnerships between the sheriff’s office and citizens.”
Pledges focus on domestic violence, child abuse and trafficking
Oden wants to extend life of serving to sheriff's office
News coverage · The News-Enterprise · Nov 13, 2025 · thenewsenterprise.com
“Domestic violence, child abuse and human trafficking are issues he is determined to tackle together with the deputies who serve their community.”
Pledges to be visible in the community and available
Oden wants to extend life of serving to sheriff's office
News coverage · The News-Enterprise · Nov 13, 2025 · thenewsenterprise.com
“I will be out in the community being involved. I will also make time to be in the office to meet with anyone”

John Ward

DemocraticIncumbent

Hardin County sheriff

The gist

Pledges to serve all residents regardless of politics
Supports advanced tactical training for sheriff's deputiesIn office

In office = from the candidate's own official statements or legislation as an officeholder, not their campaign.

More about John

View sources (2)

Pledges to serve all residents regardless of politics
Ward secures spot as Hardin County's sheriff
News coverage · The News-Enterprise · Nov 10, 2022 · thenewsenterprise.com
“be the sheriff for all of Hardin County, not just supporters”
Supports advanced tactical training for sheriff's deputies
Sheriff Ward introduces SRT to Fiscal Court members
News coverage · The News-Enterprise · Jul 30, 2026 · thenewsenterprise.com
“our citizens deserve deputies who are prepared, disciplined and trained to respond safely and professionally … The SRT consists of ten specially selected deputies who have received advanced training”

Challengers are listed first and incumbents last; otherwise candidates appear in ballot order. The Gist does not rank, rate or endorse candidates. Only positions backed by a cited source are shown; 2 issues covered in this race.