Cullman County Sheriff Matt Gentry, a Republican, announced on Friday he was running for the Public Service Commission in 2026.
The commission is responsible for regulating utilities in Alabama. Gentry is running for Place One on the commission currently held by Jeremy Oden.
“I want to thank all the citizens of Cullman County and their support of me the last 11 years as sheriff. Of course, I’ll finish out this term but I just look forward to serving all citizens of Alabama and being a voice for them,” Gentry told 1819 News on Friday.
Gentry also stated that when elected, transparency would be at the forefront, as he has held thousands of community meetings, public events, and citizen classes as Cullman County Sheriff.
“Access to elected officials shouldn’t be hard. I will always have an open-door policy to anyone who wants to meet with me, and I won’t disappear if elected. I will continue to travel the state to hear citizens' concerns”, said Gentry. “My whole life has been about protecting and serving the people who have given me the honor to serve them,” he said. “From small farms to front porches, people deserve someone who’ll fight for them, and I know what it’s like from my 25 years in law enforcement to go to work every day to fight for those individuals who need help. That’s what I aim to do when elected to the PSC.”
According to his campaign, in the first two weeks of fundraising, Matt Gentry raised $97,800 and also loaned the campaign $100,000 for a total of $197,800.
A formal campaign kickoff event will be announced soon.
Gentry is married to Susie, and they have two sons, William and Walker. They also have three dogs and a herd of Longhorns.
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