Early voting starts Oct. 21. Election Day will be held Nov. 5.
Candidates were asked to keep responses under 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.
Jimmy Fullen
Experience:
35 years full-time law enforcement veteran
Occupation:
Chief Deputy for [Galveston County] Constable’s Office, Precinct 2
Candidate Website:
https://jimmyfullen.com
Why are you running to be Galveston County Sheriff?
To bring immediate change, reduce crime through proactive policing and increased patrols. Street level drug interdiction, aggressive recruitment [and] retention, accountability and fair and equitable promotional processes. Eliminate the “good ‘ole boy” system.
If elected, what would your top priorities be over the coming term?
Once elected, my top priorities will be to reduce gang-related shootings and other violent crimes related to the drug trafficking trade coming from the southern border. Prostitution, burglaries, thefts and nuisance abatement issues in our unincorporated portions of the county.
What will you bring to this office in terms of your qualifications or perspective?
As a former police chief and elected constable, I have the proven leadership abilities, know-how and managerial skills needed to lead the sheriff’s office to a higher level of professional standards and national accreditation. As sheriff, I will make our office the premier law enforcement agency in the region.
Mark A. Salinas
Experience:
Bachelors [in] criminal justice, master peace officer, mental health certification, school resource certification, 20-plus years experience
Occupation:
investigator at a constables office in Harris County
Candidate Website:
https://www.votesalinas.com
Why are you running to be Galveston County Sheriff?
I want to be sheriff to strengthen community trust, enhance public safety and promote transparency in law enforcement. My goal is to foster stronger relationships between law enforcement and citizens, ensuring a fair, accountable and bipartisan approach to keeping Galveston County safe for all residents.
If elected, what would your top priorities be over the coming term?
My priorities are enhancing public safety, improving community engagement, modernizing law enforcement with better de-escalation training and technology, and supporting officer well-being. I’ll work across party lines to address issues like mental health and addiction, focusing on solutions that reduce crime and ensure a safer, united Galveston County.
What will you bring to this office in terms of your qualifications or perspective?
I bring over two decades of law enforcement experience to the role of Galveston County Sheriff, including positions in juvenile investigations, patrol, school resource officer, courthouse security and corrections. My deep understanding of community-oriented policing, coupled with leadership roles, ensures a balanced, experienced and compassionate approach to public safety.
