From sports to sheriff: Jimmy Dunn announces campaign bid

HOUSTON COUNTY, Ga. — Jimmy Dunn has a track record of forging new career paths, and he’s hoping to continue doing so with his bid for election to the position of Houston County Sheriff. He recently announced his campaign in early February, joining the race as the most recent candidate to do so.

Now, Dunn has launched his campaign, discussing county concerns and scheduling events, giving credit to his campaign manager Wendy Guenthner.

Dunn is a Houston County native who grew up playing sports and later worked for the Warner Robins American Little League. He mentioned that his proudest moment during that time was starting the WRALL Challenge League in 2010, which provided the opportunity for all children to play baseball, regardless of their ability. Dunn’s latest coaching experience was with Mossy Creek Middle School.

With family at Robins Air Force Base, Dunn followed in their footsteps and worked there for 23 years. He now works for a federal government contracting company that supports the base.

Dunn was motivated to run for office due to the exceptional leadership he had witnessed, including that of former county commissioner Larry Snellgrove, his coach Tommy Morris, and Sheriff Cullen Talton. After a conversation with Snellgrove about his aspirations, coupled with encouragement from several community members, Dunn’s desire to run for office solidified.

As a devout Christian, Dunn believes that his calling to serve his community through politics is God-given. He takes the time every day to express his gratitude to God for His guidance.

“The vision’s been there by great men of success, like [Snellgrove.] I gave him total credit, him and Sheriff Talton watching me raise up and giving me pointers,” Dunn said.

The position of the sheriff is highly valued and currently has three other contenders vying for it: District Attorney Will Kendall, Lt. Matt Moulton, and former Sgt. Slate Simons. Dunn mentioned that he respects each candidate immensely, and emphasized that his campaign is more than just a political competition.

“This is reaching into the community and finding out what resources we can help them with,” Dunn said.

Dunn’s mindset is rooted in his upbringing, serving as a source of inspiration for coaching and driving his actions.

“Everything I do is heart-driven. I’m 100% … my motto is 110%: play mad but under control. And I tell people that’s how I live my life, in everything I do. Mentally, spiritually, physically, that’s what I do,” Dunn said.

Dunn hopes to build on Sheriff Talton’s foundation to enhance the county’s progress.

“What Sheriff Talton has done is great things. It’s just a different era now. So, to me, it’s to leave this community in better hands for the next generation,” Dunn said.

Dunn expressed his desire for the community to return to taking care of each other.

“Let’s build this community like we used to live. I know it’s hard, with 171,000 [people.] But can we do it? Yes, it’s doable. We’ve got to get all parties to believe it, starting with the families at home. And we have to make them feel like they can make a call to the sheriff, to me saying Jimmy, we need help out here,” Dunn said.

Dunn has identified caring for those experiencing mental health crises and addiction as key priorities. He believes that these issues cannot be resolved by simply incarcerating those affected. Additionally, Dunn highlighted tackling youth violence as another priority.

Dunn is confident in his leadership abilities, longevity in the community, and his willingness to connect with citizens. He believes that collaborating with other community leaders is crucial to achieving his vision as sheriff.

“If all of us is community driven, we’ll work together, we’ll get a better Houston County,” Dunn said. “My main goal is leave it for the next generation and generations to come.”

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