Dallas Co. Sheriff Mike Granthum to retire, won’t seek re-election

From the West Alabama Newsroom–

Big news coming out of Dallas County tonight regarding Campaign 2026.

Action 8 News has learned that Sheriff Mike Granthum — will not seek reelection this year.

After two terms in office — Dallas County Sheriff Mike Granthum — has decided to retire. He says it was a bitter-sweet decision — that wasn’t made lightly.

“It’s kind of hard. And uh, it wears on your heart. Because the people they just, you know they put faith in you,” he said.

“It’s a joyous moment but it’s a sad moment if that makes sense.”

Granthum says there were three major factors that played a role in his decision. Personal finances. Health. And timing.

“As many years as I have in, my retirement is actually more than my salary. And it’s been like that this whole term. At the age I am with the health scare I had, that’s important to me right now. I mean I have to have finances for my future.”

Granthum says a recent health scare required an open heart surgery that included two bypasses. And although he’s fully recovered now — he says the experience changed his outlook on life.

“It does change your thought process — and you realize how important health is,” Granthum said.

“And that played a major role in my decision making.”

Granthum says with the end of his time as sheriff clearly in site — he’s proud to be leaving behind a sheriff’s office — in better condition than he found it.

“My deputies and my support staff and stuff have done a tremendous job. I been blessed to work with some of the best people in the business. We have a good sheriff’s office — and the last sheriff before me he did an excellent job, and I was able to take it to the next level. I hope the next sheriff that comes in is able to do the same thing.

The primary elections are May 19th — runoffs are June 16th — and the general election is November 3rd.

Election winners will take office in January of 2027.