DALLAS COUNTY, Ala. (WSFA) – After more than two decades in law enforcement and two terms as Dallas County’s Sheriff, Mike Granthum has announced he will not seek re-election.
Granthum made the decision public after months of reflection, saying it was shaped by a combination of health concerns, financial considerations, and a desire to leave the sheriff’s office stronger than he found it.
“I chose not to run for re-election this time,” Granthum said. “I’ve served for two years as sheriff, but I’ve been with this office for about 25 years total. At some point, it’s time to pass the torch.”
Health scare changed perspective
One of the most significant factors behind Granthum’s decision was a serious health scare late last year. He revealed he underwent open-heart surgery, an experience he says forced him to reevaluate his priorities.
“When you go through something like that, it kind of changes your path and your direction,” Granthum said. “Things that used to seem important aren’t as important anymore. You start prioritizing family, friends, and your health.”
Granthum says his recovery has gone well and that he plans to complete the remainder of his term if his health continues to progress.
“I’m not cutting my term short,” he said. “The people elected me for four years, and I plan to serve that time.”
Financial considerations also played a role
In addition to health, Granthum pointed to financial realities tied to the state retirement system. He explained that his retirement benefits currently exceed his salary as sheriff.
“This past term, I actually started losing money by coming to work every day because my retirement would’ve been more,” Granthum said. “But I felt like I owed it to the people because they trusted me and elected me.”
Granthum said he originally planned to serve just one term but ran again out of a sense of responsibility to the voters of Dallas County.
Leaving the office better than he found it
Reflecting on his time as sheriff, Granthum says his main goal was to leave the department in better condition than when he took office.
“I was always taught that when you borrow something, you leave it better than you got it,” he said. “That was my main goal, and I think we’ve done that.”
Among his proudest accomplishments, Granthum points to rebuilding trust between law enforcement and the community — something he says was especially important when he took office.
“My biggest accomplishment is bringing trust back to the sheriff’s office,” he said.
Granthum also highlighted community policing efforts, partnerships with local schools, and a youth apprenticeship program that allows high school and college students to experience law enforcement firsthand.
Last year, Dallas County recorded just one murder outside of city limits — a statistic Granthum says reflects strong cooperation between deputies and the public.
“I’ve never solved a case without the help of the community,” he said. “That trust is what makes everything work.”
Looking ahead
Although he will not run again, Granthum says he is not disappearing from public life.
“I’m just taking a break for a minute,” he said. “There are some other things I may look into down the road.”
He added that he is committed to helping ensure a smooth transition for the next sheriff and is willing to offer guidance if needed.
“I want the next sheriff to do better things than I’ve done,” Granthum said. “That’s the goal.”
As the next election cycle begins, Granthum urged voters to carefully consider who they choose to lead the department.
“Elect somebody who’s going to work for the people, not somebody who just wants a title,” he said. “And give the next sheriff a fair chance.”
Primary elections are scheduled for May 19, with runoffs on June 16 and the general election on November 3. The newly elected sheriff will take office in January 2027.
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