Elect Joe Mark Johnson for Simpson County Sheriff

05/20/2026

To say I’m disappointed is an understatement but we will move on. I will continue to work for Simpson County every day.

I want to THANK each and every person who supported me from the bottom of my heart. My family (especially my wife), my friends….I don’t even have the words to begin to express how much you all have meant to me throughout this election. Thank you all so much.

05/14/2026

05/06/2026

Good afternoon, Simpson County. I hope everyone is doing well. As we approach the final stretch of this campaign, I wanted to take a few moments to reach out and thank the people who have made these past several months so meaningful.

This campaign has been a whirlwind, and we have spent countless hours traveling across the county, knocking on doors, and meeting with residents. I sincerely appreciate every individual who has taken time out of their day to speak with me, share their concerns, and discuss the future of Simpson County. I also want to thank my family, friends, and supporters who have worked tirelessly to help spread our message. Over the next 13 days, we will continue making our rounds and speaking with as many residents as possible.

My goal has always been clear: to keep Simpson County as safe as possible. In preparation for the future, I have already been in contact with command staff at the Franklin Police Department and the Simpson County Detention Center to discuss how I would like to strengthen cooperation, joint operations, and training opportunities between all three agencies if elected sheriff. I believe strong communication and teamwork between agencies are essential to providing the highest level of public safety for our community.

I also want to address another topic that has been discussed throughout this campaign. No, I am not DOCJT certified, and that is not a legal requirement to serve as your county sheriff. The role of the sheriff is to provide leadership, direction, and oversight for the sheriff’s office. Day-to-day patrol duties are carried out by the deputies employed by the office.

I have great respect for our current sheriff and the service he has provided to our county. Like any effective sheriff, his role is focused on leadership — ensuring the office is staffed with the right people in the right positions to keep our county safe, ensure taxes are collected efficiently, and fulfill the responsibilities of serving the courts. Throughout my career, I have demonstrated strong leadership abilities, and I am fully confident in my ability to serve Simpson County effectively in this role.

I encourage everyone to exercise their right to vote, and I truly appreciate the support, encouragement, and kindness shown to me throughout this campaign.

EARLY VOTING – May 14th, 15th, and 16th | 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM
First United Methodist Church

ELECTION DAY – May 19th | 6:00 AM – 6:00 PM
First United Methodist Church
AG Building
Salmons General Baptist Church
LifePoint Church
Zion Lutheran Church

04/20/2026

DEADLINE TO REGISTER TO VOTE:

*If you will be turning 18 by November 3rd, 2026 you can register to vote and be eligible for the May Primary

04/06/2026

I would like to take a moment to address several topics that have recently been raised—first and foremost, my qualifications for the office of Simpson County Sheriff.

It is important to recognize that some of the core responsibilities of the Sheriff’s Office are often overlooked. The primary duties of the Sheriff include the collection of taxes, serving as an officer of the courts, and the service of legal process such as warrants and subpoenas.

I have great respect for our current Sheriff and believe he has carried out the duties of the office in a highly professional manner. In addition to the statutory responsibilities, the role of Sheriff also requires strong leadership—managing deputies, overseeing operations, and ensuring the office runs efficiently and effectively while he is not personally out patrolling the roads nor making arrests.

The deputies of the Sheriff’s Department are the ones tasked with protecting the citizens of Simpson County through patrol and enforcement. The deputies are directly supervised by the Chief who reports to the sheriff. As in any successful force, there is an operating chain of command. The Sheriff’s role is to lead, support, and guide those deputies. For that reason, the question of “road deputy experience” should not overshadow the importance of leadership, management, and accountability.

Throughout my career, I have built extensive experience leading teams, managing budgets, and making responsible decisions that impact our community. Most importantly, I am committed to serving the people of Simpson County with integrity and dedication.

I would not have chosen to run for this office if I did not believe I was the right candidate to serve. I humbly ask for your support and your vote on May 19th for Joe Mark Johnson as your next Simpson County Sheriff.

03/16/2026

Hey everyone. I hope you all are trying to stay warm with this arctic blast coming through. All the shirts are in and I have a few more hats and signs available. If you would like anything, please let me or Alison McMillan Johnson know and we will get you set up. Thank you all for your continued support.

Updated: Response has been absolutely humbling from you guys tonight. Stock is running low already. If you have reached out to us, we have shirts pulled and ready to deliver. If not, here is what I have left:

6 Hats - couple of each design
3 XL shirts
8 2XL shirts
1 3XL shirt
Few dozen yard signs.

If any of these will work for you, shoot us a message. Thank you all so much.

02/27/2026

Garrett and I are out putting up signs today. If you’ve already contacted me, I’ve got you on the list and we’re gonna get you today. If you’ve not contacted me yet send me a message and I’ll get you one today.  Thank you to everyone for the awesome support.

02/26/2026

02/26/2026

The Simpson County Young Republicans are hosting a meet and greet tonight at The Homeplace. 20+ of your local republican candidates will be there. We look forward to meeting so many of you tonight and in the upcoming weeks/months. What an excellent opportunity for our community to get to know who your candidates are.

02/13/2026

I would like to thank the Franklin Police Department for the opportunity to come over today and teach a Taser recertification class. Also enjoy the opportunity to keep our community safe.