Jefferson County voters will decide who leads the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office this November — and the race is already shaping up to be one of the county's most closely watched contests of 2026.
Incumbent Sheriff Jason Pollock faces challenger Tyler Anderson, a former JCSO deputy, in the November 3 general election. The race did not appear on the May 19 primary ballot — meaning all registered voters, regardless of party affiliation, will weigh in this fall.
Who Is Jason Pollock?
Jason Pollock has served as Jefferson County Sheriff since June 2022, when he was appointed by county commissioners after the previous sheriff resigned. He won the full four-year term later that year. Pollock has emphasized patrol staffing and public safety in underserved parts of the county during his tenure. Jefferson County Commissioner Mark Wunsch, reelected in May, has credited Pollock's administration with adding five officers to the department over the past three-and-a-half years.
Who Is Tyler Anderson?
Tyler Anderson brings 17 years of law enforcement experience, including six years in the Jefferson County Jail and six years on the Central Oregon SWAT team. He has campaigned on themes of accountability, transparency, and expanded patrol presence in outlying communities.
"I'm a big believer in accountability and transparency for the citizens of Jefferson County and I don't believe that's happening," Anderson said during his campaign announcement. "I think we need to start serving the outlying communities and having a patrol presence there."
The Brady List and Credential Questions
Anderson's campaign has faced significant headwinds. In May, it was reported that Anderson is on the Brady List — a database of law enforcement officers whose credibility issues must be disclosed to defense attorneys in criminal cases. His presence on the list stems from a March 2025 investigation into allegations of an inappropriate relationship with a confidential informant, which led to his firing from the JCSO.
The Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) held a review of Anderson's law enforcement certifications on May 21, 2026. The outcome of that hearing could have significant implications for whether Anderson would be able to legally serve as a commissioned law enforcement officer if elected.
What Voters Are Watching
The sheriff's race is one of two major contests heading to the November 3 general election in Jefferson County, alongside the county clerk position, where the only candidate is Lyndsay Hessel. The commission races were decided in the May primary, with incumbents Wunsch and Kelly Simmelink both winning their respective races convincingly.
With a November election still months away, both campaigns have time to make their case to voters. The Madras Bulletin will continue to cover this race closely, including any updates on Anderson's certification status and campaign developments from both candidates.