Jefferson County voters were still counting primary ballots on May 20 when, the very next day, the sheriff's race took a dramatic turn.
On May 21, the Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST) Police Policy Committee voted to permanently revoke the law enforcement certifications of Tyler Anderson — the challenger who has spent the past several months campaigning against incumbent Sheriff Jason Pollock. The decertification is for life. Anderson can never legally work as a law enforcement officer in the state of Oregon again.
Anderson, a 17-year law enforcement veteran who appeared on Oregon's Brady List of officers flagged for credibility concerns, sharply criticized the process that led to the ruling.
"None of the witnesses, my background investigators or members of the public that we've asked to be interviewed were interviewed," Anderson told the DPSST committee before its vote.
Still on the Ballot
Despite the permanent decertification, Anderson has not withdrawn from the race. He is still set to appear as the Republican challenger against Pollock in the November general election. Oregon law does not explicitly require candidates for sheriff to hold a valid DPSST certification at the time of filing — a gap that legal observers say could allow him to remain on the ballot even though he could not legally exercise the full powers of the office.
The Jefferson County Sheriff is the county's top law enforcement officer — responsible for leading the county jail, patrolling unincorporated areas, and overseeing a department of sworn deputies. Oregon statute requires any individual exercising peace officer authority to hold a valid certification. If Anderson were to win in November and attempt to take office, he would face an immediate legal conflict.
Pollock in the Driver's Seat
Sheriff Pollock did not face serious competition in the primary. With Anderson's certification now permanently revoked, Pollock heads into the fall as the heavy favorite to retain his seat. Primary election results will be officially certified by the Oregon Secretary of State on June 25, 2026.
The Madras Bulletin will continue reporting on this developing story, including any appeal Anderson may pursue and the legal questions surrounding his candidacy.