The upcoming primary election in Johnson County, Kansas, is drawing attention due to the controversial reelection campaign of Sheriff Calvin Hayden. Hayden, who faced no opposition in his previous election, has come under fire for his focus on investigating election fraud, a divisive issue within the county’s Republican party. Despite the lack of criminal charges filed from Hayden’s investigation, Democrats are optimistic about their chances of winning the sheriff’s race in November.
Hayden’s opponents, including a former top deputy, claim he has politicized the sheriff’s office and hindered its crime-fighting efforts. Hayden’s skepticism about the integrity of local and state elections aligns with the narrative pushed by like-minded GOP leaders and former President Donald Trump, who falsely claimed the 2020 presidential election was rigged.
Local Republican leaders who looked into allegations of election fraud found little evidence to support Hayden’s claims. Marisel Walston, a former county GOP chair, stated that while some mistakes were discovered, no fraud was found. Despite this, Hayden remains steadfast in his pursuit of election integrity.
In the upcoming primary race, Hayden faces Doug Bedford, a former Navy Seal and longtime sheriff’s officer. Bedford has criticized Hayden for seeking public attention and breaking from the tradition of being a “silent professional.” The winner of the Republican primary will face Democrat Bryan Roberson, the police chief in Prairie Village, who would be the county’s first Black sheriff.
Hayden’s investigation into voter fraud has raised concerns among local law enforcement, with Roberson arguing that keeping the investigation open without evidence of a crime reflects poorly on the sheriff’s office. Johnson County has seen a decrease in violent crimes over the years, despite a growing population and increased diversity.
The changing political landscape in Johnson County, once a GOP stronghold, has seen a shift towards more Democratic-leaning voters. While Trump is expected to win Kansas again, he may lose Johnson County, where he underperformed in 2020. Hayden’s supporters view his efforts on election fraud as crucial for ensuring election integrity, while some conservative activists have expressed disappointment in his actions.
The primary election will be a critical moment for Johnson County, with voters deciding the direction of the sheriff’s office and reflecting the changing demographics and political views of the county. Ultimately, Hayden’s reelection campaign and focus on election fraud will shape the future of law enforcement in the area and influence the dynamics of local politics.
