Baldwin County Commissioner, Retired Trooper Will Run for Sheriff in 2026
By Rick McCann
Blue RAM Media/Gulf Coast News
June 6, 2025
BALDWIN COUNTY Ala. A Marine Corps veteran, retired Alabama Law Enforcement State Trooper, and a Baldwin County District 2 Commissioner, Matt McKenzie says that he will run for sheriff of the county in 2026.
Huey “Hoss” Mack retired last year to take another position and Governor Kay Ivey appointed Sheriff Anthony Lowery to fill the position for the remainder of Mack’s term.
But McKenzie has voiced interest in the position since last year when Mack left office and he believes that his experience and service speaks for itself.
“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.”
“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.”
As a longtime law enforcement officer with the State of Alabama, he 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 and he believes that he can provide the county with a better, more streamlined law enforcement agency.
As a resident of Barnwell, I understand the growth that is quickly changing this county and the need for the county law enforcement agency to be well equipped, trained, and well paid to protect the citizens of Baldwin County. Matt and his wife Cristie and two daughters live in the county just outside of Fairhope.
He was elected as a county commissioner three years ago and has since continued to work with local law enforcement 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 the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge #43 in Fairhope and serves as an executive member of the Baldwin County Republican Party.
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