Graham County Sheriff’s Reelection Campaign

In Graham County, the upcoming election season has only one contested race, which will be determined during the primary election.

During the monthly Graham County Republican Conference at Eastern Arizona University on Friday, Sheriff PJ Allred addressed attendees, discussing his reasons for seeking reelection. His opponent, Michael Bodine, the former assistant deputy, was present but chose not to speak. As of now, there are no scheduled discussions between the candidates.

Allred emphasized that he has no interest in any position other than serving the citizens of Graham County, where he has worked in law enforcement for 37 years. After completing his training at the Law Enforcement Training Academy in Tucson, he was offered a role at the Tucson Police Department but opted to return to his home area instead.

“I have never wanted any work other than in our valley,” he remarked.

He began his career as a reserve lieutenant while also working for six months as a corrections officer at Fort Grant Prison. Following that, Allred dedicated 20 years to the Safford Police Department, spending the first three years in patrol before spending the next 17 as a detective. In 2008, he ran for sheriff and won.

Allred highlighted some of his achievements, including the construction of an adult detention facility in Graham County. This $25 million, 68,000 square-foot facility was funded in part by a half-cent sales tax approved by county voters, which took effect on July 1, 2015, and is expected to remain until July 1, 2040. The facility also allows for the housing of federal inmates and inmates from neighboring counties, helping to offset costs.

Allred, often seen during parades and ceremonies wearing a cowboy hat, embodies the image of a traditional Western sheriff.

“People always ask me, ‘Do you have a gun in Graham County?’ Of course, I was raised with them. I’m fine with that,” he shared.

With the rural areas of Graham County having limited law enforcement visibility, particularly in the San Carlos Apache reservations, Allred mentioned that he often patrols the county’s suburbs during the night. “I was sheriff for 16 years and I’m out every night,” he said. “I haven’t quit. I’ll go out every night and patrol our county.”

He believes his long-standing commitment to law enforcement reflects his dedication to the residents of Graham County. “Being a sheriff is a lifestyle, not a 40-hour work week,” Allred expressed.

“I love being a Graham County Sheriff,” he stated. “I want to be a Graham County Sheriff.”

The primary election in Graham County is scheduled for July 30, with early voting starting on July 3.