CONTRIBUTED BY THE CAM HUNT
CAMPAIGN
OPINION — Lee County native, Marine Corps veteran and former Deputy Sheriff Cam Hunt has officially announced his candidacy for Sheriff of Lee County in the 2026 election.
Hunt, who was born and raised in Opelika and Auburn, has dedicated his life to service — first as a Marine Corps officer and later as a law enforcement officer in his home county. After graduating from Auburn University with a degree in political science and a concentration in international relations, Hunt was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps, where he served, both stateside and abroad, as a field artillery officer and completed his service at the rank of Captain.
Following his military service, Hunt returned to Lee County with his wife, Kalyn — a native of Smiths Station — to raise their three children, Presley, Parker and Barrett. He began his law enforcement career at the Opelika Police Department, where he served in the patrol division, investigated traffic homicides, joined the Lee County SWAT team and earned FBI certifications as both a firearms instructor and a law enforcement sniper. In 2023, he joined the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, where he served until his recent termination following his decision to run for sheriff.
In announcing his candidacy, Hunt emphasized his campaign values of justice, liberty and accountability:
Justice — ensuring fair and consistent enforcement of the law while protecting the rights of every citizen.
Liberty — defending constitutional freedoms while keeping communities safe.
Accountability — holding both criminals and the Sheriff’s Office itself to the highest standards of integrity and transparency.
“I respect the office of Sheriff and the men and women who serve in it,” Hunt said. “Being let go was not easy, but it has only strengthened my commitment to the citizens of Lee County. Lee County deserves a sheriff who not only enforces the law but also protects the rights of every citizen and ensures accountability within the office itself. My life has been dedicated to service — as a Marine, as a police officer, as a deputy sheriff and now as a candidate for sheriff. This campaign is about giving the people a choice in leadership and bringing fresh leadership to the sheriff’s office — leadership rooted in justice, liberty and accountability.”
Hunt’s campaign will focus on strengthening community trust, protecting constitutional rights and implementing proactive public safety initiatives to keep Lee County safe and strong.
