Meet the candidates
Lindemann and Gleason have each served in Williamson County for multiple decades. Gleason received 56.06% of votes for sheriff in the 2020 election.
Early voting runs from Oct. 21-Nov. 1, and residents have until Oct. 7 to register to vote. Voting locations and the sample ballot are available on Williamson County’s website.
Candidates were asked to keep responses within 50 words, answer the questions provided and avoid attacking opponents. Answers may have been edited or cut to adhere to those guidelines, or for style and clarity.
*incumbent
Matthew Lindemann (R)
Experience:
Retired Texas Ranger, 39 years as a law enforcement officer
Occupation:
Williamson County Precinct 3 constable
Candidate Website:
https://www.lindemannforwilcosheriff.com
Why are you the best candidate for this seat?
For 39 years, I have protected and served Williamson County, including 21 years as a Texas Ranger. I have the varied experience needed to improve public safety, increase collaboration and lead WCSO to ensure that Williamson County is a safe place to live and raise a family.
If elected, what are your goals for Williamson County?
I will run a Sheriff’s Office that is tough on crime [and] accountable to the public; increase cooperation with local, state and federal partners; improve transparency within the community; focus on new programs to protect our community’s most vulnerable populations; and prevent future failed state jail inspections.
What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve noticed within the county, and how would you work to address them?
I-35 and population growth. We need resources to keep pace with the population growth. Also, criminals use I-35 to traffic drugs and people, and we must have a sheriff who makes it known that Williamson County upholds the law. I won’t stand for criminals putting our residents at risk.
How will you prioritize the citizens of Williamson County, if elected?
I will prioritize responsible communication with the public, transparency and accountability. Building trust is essential to public safety, so I will ensure regular communication with residents, helping them connect with the deputies who protect the community and me. I will uphold the law to protect law-abiding citizens.
What values helped shape your campaign for county sheriff?
Devotion to protecting my community and service drives my campaign. I’ll use my experience as a former Williamson County Sheriff’s [Office] deputy, DPS trooper, Texas Ranger, and constable to enhance public safety and serve our community. I’m committed to respect and accountability, ensuring WCSO serves and protects all Williamson County residents.
Mike Gleason* (D)
Experience:
Law enforcement professional for 31 years
Occupation:
Williamson County Sheriff (2021-present)
Candidate Website:
https://www.sheriffgleasonwilliamsoncounty.com
Why are you the best candidate for this seat?
I am the best candidate for this seat because I am already elected by the Williamson County voters as Sheriff. I have been employed by the Sheriff’s Office since 1993, except for the previous administration of Robert Chody. I have worked in every aspect of the Sheriff's Office.
If elected, what are your goals for Williamson County?
I will continue to operate within my budget and create cost savings measures like I have done in the last for four years saving taxpayers millions of dollars. I will continue to keep the office transparent and constitutionally grounded.
What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve noticed within the county, and how would you work to address them?
The challenge is growth. We need to decentralize out of Georgetown and have substations strategically located throughout the county’s 1,124 square miles so that deputies remain in their assigned areas; not going back and forth to Georgetown for menial duties which now can be up to one hour trips each way.
How will you prioritize the citizens of Williamson County, if elected?
I continually prioritize the citizens of Williamson County—they are why this office exists, my staff and I all have open door policies and work daily with our Community Engagement Unit to meet and address the needs of all our citizens. We can be contacted by phone, numerous social media ...
What values helped shape your campaign for county sheriff?
My campaign is based on “righting the ship.” We are laser focused on bringing respect and dignity back to the Sheriff’s Office; our performance over the last four years validates that statement.
