Hello,

I’m Sheriff Jay Cantrell and I’m asking for your vote for Washington County Sheriff in the Republican Primary on March 3, 2026.  

Washington County has been home to my family for several generations, so I have a strong connection and commitment to this county and to the residents who live here. 

I was raised in rural West Fork, Arkansas and attended West Fork Public Schools, just as my parents did before me.  My family and I continue to live on our family farm in the Zinnamon Community.

I have been married to my wife, Kelly, for 38 years, and we have four amazing children, Clayton (33), Baylea (30), James (18), and Jordan (15).  

My heart for service was shaped early by my parents, my faith, my involvement in scouting, my involvement with the West Fork High School Fire Marshal Program, and volunteering for the West Fork Fire Department.   

I found my true calling in 1981 at the age of 21 when I was hired by then Washington County Sheriff, Bud Dennis.  I first worked in the jail, which was located in the basement of the Historic Washington County Courthouse at the time.  Shortly after, I transferred to patrol and attended the Arkansas Law Enforcement Training Academy in Camden, Arkansas.  I have had a lifelong dedication to the safety of our community, and I’m thankful and honored to have been able to serve the residents of Washington County for so many years in this profession that I love.

Throughout my law enforcement career, I have been fortunate to receive some of the best training available.  Among the thousands of hours of training I have received, some of the most notable are my attendance and graduation from the Internationally recognized Federal Bureau of Investigation National Academy in Quantico, Virginia, the Drug Enforcement Agency’s Drug Unit Commander Academy in Quantico, Virginia, the Arkansas Criminal Justice Institute’s (CJI) School of Law Enforcement Supervision, and (CJI) Arkansas Leader.  More importantly, I have been mentored by some of the finest law enforcement role models in the state.

Being involved in my community and giving back has been an integral part of my life, both personally and professionally.  I was a founding member of the Strickler Volunteer Fire Department, have been a hospice volunteer and 4-H volunteer leader, assisted with children’s youth summer sports activities, was a Community Ambassador with the Single Parent Scholarship Fund NWA, and you may have seen me at the Sheriff’s Office smoker over the years, cooking for many community events throughout Washington County.  I served for eight years as a Board Member of the FBI National Academy Associates Arkansas Chapter, including two years as state President. I also currently serve on the Board of Directors of the Bugscuffle Cemetery.  

In 2005, I began serving as Chief Deputy and second in command under Sheriff Tim Helder. Together, we grew an agency that is second to none, and continues to be one of the premier law enforcement agencies in the state.  

I have now served as your sheriff since January 1, 2023, and I can tell you it has been a privilege and an honor.  Servant leadership is in my heart and in my DNA, and I will continue to serve my community and the employees of the Washington County Sheriff’s Office with integrity, professionalism, respect and fairness.  I am truly grateful for the support and faith you have placed in me, and I ask for your continued support as I seek re-election in 2026.

Sincerely,

Sheriff Jay Cantrell