Baldwin County District 2 Commissioner Matt McKenzie will run for sheriff in 2026.
"As sheriff, my focus will be building trust, strengthening partnerships, and ensuring every citizen feels protected and heard,” McKenzie said. “I am excited to get to work on my campaign and to share my vision for the future with the voters.”
McKenzie, a Marine Corps veteran and retired Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) state trooper corporal, voiced interest in the position after Huey “Hoss” Mack retired last year. However, Gov. Kay Ivey appointed Sheriff Anthony Lowery to fill the position for the remainder of Mack’s term.
McKenzie said his experience in law enforcement and as a Baldwin County Commissioner has helped him develop an understanding of what changes are needed.
"I want to bring a fresh start to the Baldwin County Sheriff's Office," McKenzie said. "I want to bring excitement and energy to the younger men and women just starting out in the law enforcement journey. I want to provide additional career enhancement avenues for our veteran officers. I want to really focus on pay raises for the deputies.”
McKenzie said an important change would be to make job functions easier by streamlining processes within the department.
During his time with ALEA, McKenzie oversaw driver license offices in Mobile, Baldwin, Escambia, Washington, Clarke, Choctaw, Monroe, Butler and Conecuh Counties. He also took part in an immigration program along with ICE agents to remove illegal aliens from Alabama.
He was elected as a county commissioner three years ago and has since continued to work with local law enforcement by voting on funding for the sheriff’s office.
“I am thankful to all the people that voted me in as their County Commissioner for District 2 and I hope that I have shown to them my commitment and dedication to serve them,” McKenzie said. “I promise them I will continue to give that same effort and commitment to bringing strong law enforcement values to Baldwin County.”
McKenzie is a member of Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #43 in Fairhope and serves as an executive member of the Baldwin County Republican Party.
Matt and his wife Cristie live in Barnwell with their two daughters.
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