Third Republican Candidate Withdraws From Sheriff's Race

BAIRD, TX – The turmoiled Callahan County Sheriff’s race has lost yet another Republican candidate in the span of a few months. Cliff Griffin, a sergeant with the Taylor County Sheriff's Office, removed his name from consideration weeks after the primary candidates were forced to bow out from the race.

According to KTXS, Sgt. Griffin stated he could not continue in the race, citing the pay cut he would have to take. Griffin currently earns $56,500 a year and would take a $16,000 pay cut if elected sheriff.

"The decrease in pay I would take has proved to be too high and without a secondary income would prove to be a tremendous burden upon my family," said Griffin. "I am lucky to currently be working for an outstanding organization that has treated me amazingly well and has given me the opportunity for a great future within it."

The party’s primary faced serious issues after its two candidates former Chief Deputy Rick Jower and former Clyde Policer Officer Leroy Foley were accused of lying about their military records. Both Jower and Foley resigned from their posts in their respective departments and announced they would drop from the race.

The candidates were unable to drop from the race before the primary, but both asserted they would not accept the nomination. During that time Sgt. Griffin announced his bid for the Republican nomination.

The Callahan County Republican Party cannot nominate a replacement until after June 15 and a write-in candidate could file to run between July 27 and Aug. 25.