← Latest · Oct. 2, 2026 · Tift County / Tifton, GA
Local Government · Tift County
Tift County Sheriff Gene Scarbrough won't seek a fifth term; Tifton mayor responds
Tift County Sheriff Gene Scarbrough announced Oct. 1, 2026, on the official Tift County Sheriff's Office Facebook page that he will not seek a fifth term in 2028.
Scarbrough said he made the decision after several months of discussions with family and friends. He said he is announcing early because he understands several people plan to seek the office if he does not run, and he hopes the announcement will "give the prospective candidates ample time to present their desires and qualifications to the registered voters of Tift County." He has not publicly given any other reason. Any County News asked him.
He said he will continue to serve "to the best of my abilities" for the remaining 27 months of his fourth term. WALB reported Scarbrough has served four terms.
Mayor's statement: Tifton Mayor Julie Smith sent Any County News this statement on Oct. 2: "Sheriff Scarborough leaves 'big shoes' to fill and we look forward to building on the foundation of Sheriff Scarborough as a new person steps in to fill this important role in Tift County in the coming years."
Any County News has also asked the Tift County Board of Commissioners chair and the Tifton police chief for comment and will update this story if they respond.
Sources: Tift County Sheriff's Office official Facebook post (Oct. 1, 2026) · WALB (Oct. 1, 2026) · Statement from Tifton Mayor Julie Smith to Any County News (Oct. 2, 2026)
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