Jefferson County sheriff easily wins Democratic nomination for third term
Sheriff Mark Pettway won the Democratic nomination without a runoff as he seeks his third term in office.
Ethan Parker 
Jefferson County Sheriff Mark Pettway has secured a decisive path forward in his quest for a third term, winning the Democratic nomination outright without the need for a runoff election.
The 62-year-old incumbent faced two challengers in the primary race. Chris Anderson, a former Birmingham Police Department homicide investigator known for his appearances on The First 48, finished second. Longtime deputy and narcotics investigator Jude Washington, husband of Bessemer Cutoff District Attorney Lynneice Washington, finished third.
Election Results
- Pettway: 65,130 (75%)
- Anderson: 16,418 (19%)
- Washington: 5,467 (6%)
“God is with me,” Pettway said following his victory. “He is why I win. I thank the voters and all who supported my campaign. I especially thank my wife and family for being my support.”
Reflecting on his tenure, Pettway credited the voters' faith in his office's ability to curb local crime. “I believe that the people see the work we have done to help bring down crime,” he said. “We will continue to make this county safe for everyone.”
General Election Outlook
With the primary behind him, Pettway turns his attention to the November general election. He is set to square off against Republican candidate Jacob “J.J.” Reach, a retired captain from the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office who currently serves as an investigator for the Calera Police Department. Reach advanced to the general election unopposed.
A Proven History
Pettway made history in 2018 as the county’s first Black sheriff, overcoming the odds to defeat former Sheriff Mike Hale. Interestingly, in a surprise move this election cycle, Hale endorsed Pettway in the primary. By 2022, Pettway secured his second term by defeating Republican challenger Jared Hudson.
Pettway, a product of the Birmingham and Jefferson County school systems, graduated from Ensley High School before attending Jefferson State Community College and earning a business administration degree from Faulkner University. His law enforcement career began in 1991 with the Birmingham Police Department, followed by a stint with the Fairfield Police Department before joining the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office in 1999, where he served in the detective bureau until his initial election as sheriff.
