The race for sheriff has taken a decisive turn with the endorsement of Major John Simmons by retired Police Chief Harold Brooks. In a high-stakes contest already drawing strong opinions from local voters, this endorsement adds weighty credibility to Simmons’ campaign—and may shift the momentum in his favor. As ballots prepare to be cast, all eyes are on how this support will influence undecided voters and law enforcement communities alike.
Chief Brooks, a respected figure with more than three decades in law enforcement, stated that Simmons’ commitment to justice reform, community engagement, and organizational transparency sets him apart from the competition. The endorsement not only positions Simmons as a frontrunner but also brings broader conversations about the department’s direction, leadership quality, and public safety strategy into sharper focus.
At a glance: Key details about the endorsement
| Endorsed Candidate | Major John Simmons |
| Endorsed by | Retired Police Chief Harold Brooks |
| Election Type | County Sheriff Election |
| Announcement Date | April 22, 2024 |
| Main Opponent | Cpt. Lisa Fernandez |
| Primary Issues | Accountability, Crime Prevention, Community Policing |
Why the endorsement matters now
Endorsements in law enforcement races carry more than symbolic value—they often serve as strategic leverage in voter persuasion, fundraising momentum, and internal morale. With Brooks’ long-standing reputation as a reform-driven but disciplined leader, his public support of Simmons sends a strong signal to voters, especially those affiliated with public safety sectors.
“This isn’t just a political move; I trust John Simmons’ vision for modern, accountable policing. He understands both the hardships officers face and the trust we must maintain in our communities,” Brooks stated during a press conference on Monday.
In a year where trust in public institutions remains shaky, especially within policing, endorsements from widely respected figures like Brooks may sway voter trust and confidence. Simmons, who has served 22 years in the sheriff’s department, is already advocating stronger community-police relations, smarter crime response protocols, and more transparency in officer conduct and decision-making processes.
Who is Major John Simmons?
Simmons began his career as a patrol deputy and rose through the ranks to Major, overseeing special operations and internal affairs. His career has been marked by landmark initiatives, including the implementation of a bodycam policy years before it became a national trend, as well as launching youth engagement programs targeting crime prevention among teens.
“I’m honored to receive Chief Brooks’ endorsement. He’s someone I’ve admired for years, and his support reflects a shared belief in disciplined reform and service leadership,” Simmons said in a statement.
Simmons is also endorsed by three retired fire chiefs, two civil rights organizations, and the County Correctional Officers’ Guild, strengthening his base among both rank-and-file law enforcement and community stakeholders.
How it contrasts with Lisa Fernandez’s campaign
Captain Lisa Fernandez, Simmons’ chief rival in the race, has also built her campaign on reform—but with a heavier focus on administrative overhauls and controversial staffing realignments. While she has seen support from some progressive political action committees, her critics argue that her emphasis on inside restructuring lacks the on-the-ground field experience needed in a Sheriff’s Office leader.
The gap between Simmons’ and Fernandez’s law enforcement philosophy is growing more pronounced following Brooks’ endorsement. While Fernandez argues for structural policy reviews and budget reassessments, Simmons is centering his campaign on field ethics, proactive patrolling, and community trust-building.
Winners and losers from the latest developments
| Winners | Losers |
|---|---|
| John Simmons | Lisa Fernandez |
| Law enforcement unions backing Simmons | Progressive PACs hoping to reform departments internally |
| Community-police relationship advocates | Candidates with narrow administrative platforms |
Potential impact on voter turnout
Historically, sheriff races don’t attract the highest turnout rates, but key endorsements like this one have the power to energize a broad base that includes law enforcement families, civic-minded voters, and long-time residents concerned about crime and safety. Campaign staff for Simmons noted a sharp uptick in volunteer signups and event attendance just days after the endorsement went public.
When a person like Harold Brooks speaks, a lot of people listen—including people who haven’t voted in years.
— Karen Linwood, Political Analyst
Expect grassroots voter mobilization efforts to double in the coming weeks, especially in suburban and rural precincts where Simmons’ campaign plans to bolster visibility. Whether or not this translates into a surge at the polls remains to be seen, but optics and momentum are clearly in motion.
What it signifies for broader law enforcement policy
Even apart from this particular election, Brooks’ endorsement is part of a shifting terrain in law enforcement leadership—favoring reform but not wholesale defunding, emphasizing performance accountability while still backing officer morale and safety.
If Simmons wins, expect increased use of smart surveillance technology, an expansion of community-based crime prevention, and new department-wide training standards. He has repeatedly voiced interest in adopting data-driven policing tools and reviving neighborhood liaison roles, many of which were dissolved during previous administrations due to budget cuts.
The sheriff’s office needs someone who understands boots-on-the-ground work but also has the vision for innovation—that’s John Simmons.
— Denise Alton, Crime Prevention Specialist
Brooks’ endorsement suggests not only affinity with Simmons’ specific policies but also a generational transfer of trust and strategic vision—a form of succession planning for responsive law enforcement leadership.
What to expect in the final stretch of the campaign
With aggressive ad placements, town halls, social media pushes, and fundraisers ramping up, both sides are escalating efforts as election day looms. Monitor debates, polling shifts, and how undecided voters respond to the increasing visibility Simmons is enjoying post-endorsement. Watch also for possible endorsements from sitting city council members or local business chambers, as these could further tip the balance.
As it stands now, the addition of Chief Brooks’ voice to Simmons’ campaign may have fundamentally reshaped the race. The final test, as always, will be at the polls—but momentum and key endorsements suggest a strong finish for Simmons if his campaign maintains the current trajectory.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who is retired Chief Harold Brooks?
Harold Brooks is a former police chief with over 30 years in law enforcement, known for his role in pushing community-first policing and departmental transparency. He retired with high public approval and remains a respected voice in public safety discourse.
Why did Chief Brooks endorse John Simmons?
Brooks cited Simmons’ balanced approach to law enforcement—combining field experience, reform initiatives, and an understanding of modern policing needs—as the basis for his endorsement.
What are Simmons’ top policy priorities?
Simmons focuses on community policing, proactive crime deterrence, greater transparency via tech, and morale-building within the department through support and training.
Has Lisa Fernandez received any major endorsements?
Yes, Fernandez has support from a few progressive groups and administrative reform advocates, but not from any high-profile law enforcement figures to date.
When is the sheriff election taking place?
The county sheriff election is slated for June 15, 2024, with early voting beginning in late May.
How has the public reacted to the endorsement?
Initial reactions online and in community forums suggest a favorable response, with many voters citing renewed confidence in Simmons’ leadership capabilities.
What impact could this have on future sheriff elections?
This endorsement may set a precedent for law enforcement transitions that stress both continuity and innovation, influencing how future candidates shape their platforms.
Is this race expected to be closely contested?
Yes, early polling suggests a tight race, although Simmons appears to be gaining ground after the endorsement from Chief Brooks.