Cullman County, Alabama

Cullman County Sheriff

See where Whaley stand on public safety and schools. Names follow official Cullman County election filings.

About this race

May 19 Republican primary result, per the Cullman Tribune: Chad Whaley won with 66.68 percent (10,257 votes) over Tim Creel (33.32 percent). Incumbent Sheriff Matt Gentry did not seek re-election. No Democrat qualified, so Whaley is the sole nominee on the November 3 ballot.

What this office does

Sheriff. The sheriff runs the county's law enforcement agency, operates the county jail, provides courthouse security and serves court papers such as warrants, subpoenas and evictions. In many counties the sheriff's office is the primary police force for areas outside city limits. The sheriff hires deputies and manages the office's budget within what the county board approves.

This race. Every voter in Cullman County votes on this seat. One name is on the ballot for this seat.

We use AI to research and write election information. Errors are possible. Verify important details with official sources.

Alabama › Cullman County › Cullman County Sheriff

Chad Whaley

Republican

Top priorities

From other published sources

Jail operations and staffing, per Cullman Tribune
School safety and drug enforcement, per Cullman Tribune

Biography

Chad Whaley has served the Cullman County Sheriff's Office since 1999, holding roles from detention deputy to patrol supervisor, SWAT team leader, school resource officer and public information officer, per the campaign site. Per the campaign site, he graduated from Hanceville High School, attended the University of Alabama and completed training at the Selma Police Academy in 2000.

Campaign site (opens in a new tab)

Next on your ballotCullman County Revenue Commissioner

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Voting info and more

Questions about this race

Who is running for Cullman County Sheriff in 2026?

One candidate is tracked for Cullman County Sheriff on the November 3, 2026 ballot: Chad Whaley. Candidate information follows official Cullman County election filings; verify with the official election office linked below. See where they stand on public safety and schools.

When is the Cullman County Sheriff election in Alabama?

Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Registration deadlines, early voting dates and mail ballot rules for Alabama are on the Alabama election hub at theballotbrief.com.

How do I see my exact Cullman County ballot?

Enter your ZIP code in the lookup at theballotbrief.com for the statewide and congressional races, or a full street address to add the county, city and district contests for that location.

Verify this race

Candidate roster from official Cullman County and state election office filings, last verified October 15, 2026. Bios and priorities carry their attribution inline.

Cross-check with the official Alabama election office, or see the full Cullman County sample ballot and your exact ballot by address.

The rest of your Cullman County ballot

13 tracked races in Cullman County, Alabama. Landed here from another county's search? Look up your own ballot below.

Also on your ballot

Cullman County Commission, District 1 Cullman County Commission, District 2 Cullman County Coroner See all 13 Cullman County races

Candidate profiles

Chad Whaley, full profile Official Alabama election office