Nearly a dozen Georgia sheriffs have become political yo-yos.

Eleven of the 37 sheriffs that Democratic attorney general candidate Greg Hecht claimed switched their endorsement to him last week are now disputing the claim.

Republican incumbent Attorney General Sam Olens’ campaign said Tuesday that 11 sheriffs who Hecht said abandoned Olens’ team are still on the incumbent’s side.

“I’m proud to support Sam Olens, and I am shocked that his opponent claimed to have my endorsement,” Lanier County Sheriff Nick Norton said in a statement.

Hecht’s team, however, said its announcement was “all aboveboard.”

“These sheriffs told Greg they support him, and we took them at their word. A clerical mistake was made with respect to Sheriff Norton, and that has since been corrected,” Hecht spokesman Joe Cullar said. “But Greg individually spoke with each of them listed, asked for their support, and they said they support him.”

About the Author

Keep Reading

President Donald Trump speaks at an event to promote his domestic policy and budget agenda in the East Room of the White House, Thursday, June 26, 2025. (Jose Luis Magana/AP)

Credit: AP

Featured

University System of Georgia Chancellor Sonny Perdue said joining neighboring states to form a new accreditation agency will “keep Georgia’s universities among the best in the nation." (Jason Getz/AJC)

Credit: Jason Getz/AJC