Mark Harrell, the Autauga County Sheriff who made headlines by clearing out the county jail over health concerns about the building, emerged from Tuesday's primary as the winner of the Republican runoff, regaining his position.
Harrell won Tuesday's runoff election against Prattville Police Department veteran Ty Thompson, after neither had gained 50% of the vote in the May primary.
Harrell secured 55% of the vote compared to Thompson, who secured just 45%.
Harrell gained national headlines in 2024 after he evacuated the jail, saying he has a "moral obligation for the safety, health and security of all individuals who come through the doors of the Autauga County Metro Jail."
Harrel placed responsibility for the jail's conditions on the Autauga County Commission, claiming the facility would have to improve before employees or inmates would return.
According to Harrell, the Autauga County Commission had consistently failed to adequately address the safety concerns, which mainly stem from the prolific presence of black mold and water damage in the building.
Harrell has no Democrat opponent for the November general election.
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