A longtime sheriff in Lee County was defeated in Tuesday’s primary election, ending nearly three decades of leadership in the county sheriff’s office. Jay Jones, who first took office in 1998, lost his re-election bid to former deputy Cameron Hunt, commonly known as “Cam” Hunt. Hunt secured a narrow victory with approximately 51 percent of the vote.
Jones began his law enforcement career in 1975 as a deputy while attending Auburn University. Over the years, he also worked as an adjunct professor in criminal justice and became one of the longest-serving sheriffs in the region. During his tenure, Jones said his office maintained working relationships with federal agencies, including cooperation with immigration authorities when individuals in custody were subject to federal detainers.
Immigration enforcement became a major issue during the campaign. Hunt criticized Jones for not enrolling the sheriff’s office in the federal 287(g) program, which allows trained local officers to assist with certain immigration enforcement responsibilities under the supervision of Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Hunt argued that participation in the program would strengthen cooperation with federal authorities and improve public safety.
Jones defended his office’s approach, saying the sheriff’s department already worked closely with federal immigration officials without formally participating in the 287(g) program. He also raised concerns about the administrative responsibilities and potential costs associated with joining the initiative. According to Jones, the county had continued honoring lawful detainers and assisting with transfers to federal custody when required.
The race intensified further after Hunt was dismissed from the sheriff’s office in October 2025. Jones stated that Hunt was terminated after announcing his campaign for sheriff while still employed as a deputy. The firing added tension to an already competitive race and drew increased public attention to the contest in Lee County.
Hunt’s victory marks the first change in leadership for the Lee County Sheriff’s Office in nearly 30 years. Political observers noted that immigration policy and law enforcement cooperation with federal agencies became central topics in the campaign, reflecting broader national debates over border security and local participation in immigration enforcement programs.
