Martin to challenge Wiles in Democratic primary for El Paso County Sheriff

EL PASO, Texas - Ron Martin, the president of the El Paso Police Officers Association, announced Thursday on Twitter that he will be challenge El Paso County Sheriff Richard Wiles in the Democratic primary next March.

"Its time to tell all my friends, family, coworkers and all of El Paso that I will be running for El Paso County Sheriff in the upcoming elect. Please send to all your friends so we can keep El Paso Strong and keep El Paso safe," Martin said in a tweet.

Adding in a second tweet, " I will be running as a Democrat, but I am an American, so I have voted for both parties in the past. Tired of voting for the lesser of two evils in certain elections. The Sheriff of El Paso County is the lead law enforcement official in El Paso and must follow the laws."

Wiles, who is also a Democrat, took office in 2009 after retiring as the El Paso police chief in 2007 in order to run. He was the police chief for three years, after serving with EPPD since 1982. There was no immediate comment from Wiles on Martin's announcement.

Its time to tell all my friends, family, coworkers and all of El Paso that I will be running for El Paso County Sheriff in the upcoming elect. Please send to all your friends so we can keep El Paso Strong and keep El Paso safe.

— Ron Martin (@RonMart30513003) October 24, 2019

I will be running as a Democrat, but I am an American, so I have voted for both parties in the past. Tired of voting for the lesser of two evils in certain elections. The Sheriff of El Paso County is the lead law enforcement official in El Paso and must follow the laws.

— Ron Martin (@RonMart30513003) October 24, 2019