Johnson poised to make history as sheriff
In a historic election Tuesday, Republican Tommie Johnson III defeated Democrat Wayland Cubit to become the next Oklahoma County sheriff.
Johnson ,31, will be the county's first Black sheriff, and he hopes to usher in a new generation of leadership focused on improving transparency, officer pay and community relations.
“I am honored and humbled to be elected Oklahoma County sheriff ,” Johnson said in a statement. “My oppo
nent waged a solid campaign, and even though our race was contentious, Wayland Cubit has my respect both asa man and an officer. I look forward to pioneering a new era in law enforcement in which public safety and community respect go hand-in-hand.”
Johnson won over 52% of votes Tuesday, defeating Cubit by more than 16,000 votes, according to unofficial election results from the Oklahoma State Election Board. Johnson defeated incumbent P. D. Taylor in a runoff earlier this year.
Cubit ,51, is along time Oklahoma City police officer who championed his decades of experience and past successes with the department. He did not immediately return requests for comment.
Johnson has been an officer with the Norman Police Department since 2015 and campaigned on his ability to modernize the sheriff's office while continuing to “respect the law” and engage the community in conversation.
His immediate plans once taking office include beginning a body-camera program for deputies in the field, creating a process to help individuals pay off court fines and fees and publishing user-friendly versions of the office's budgets and policies.
At various campaign events and news conferences, Johnson voiced his opposition to decreasing police funding, his belief that systemic racism is not present in law enforcement and his support for keeping ICE in the Oklahoma County jail.
The role of sheriff has drastically changed now that the position is no longer responsible for managing the county jail. Johnson said he plans to have good working relationships with other county officials and the Oklahoma County Jail Trust.