Gov. Abbott backs Sheriff Waybourn in Tarrant County election

On Monday, Republican Tarrant County Sheriff Bill E. Waybourn received an endorsement from Texas Governor Greg Abbott for his re-election campaign against Democrat Patrick Moses, scheduled for November 5. Abbott praised Waybourn's commitment to public safety and his tough-on-crime policies, which he claims have made Tarrant County a model for addressing issues like human trafficking and illegal immigration. Despite this support, Waybourn faces criticism due to the high number of inmate deaths at the Tarrant County Jail since he took office in 2017. Since Waybourn's tenure began, at least 64 inmates have died in custody, with over half of those deaths attributed to natural causes or medical issues. The controversial death of U.S. Marine Corps veteran Anthony Johnson Jr. has drawn significant attention, as two jailers have been indicted on murder charges related to the incident. This has sparked calls for accountability and systemic reforms within the county's correctional facilities. Waybourn has publicly acknowledged the concerns surrounding inmate deaths, emphasizing the importance of accountability and the need for responsible actions from jail staff. He has also pointed out that the Tarrant County Jail meets established standards and that jailers undergo extensive training, including de-escalation techniques, to prevent such incidents. The upcoming election will not only determine the future leadership of the Tarrant County Sheriff's Office but also reflect the community's response to the ongoing issues within the jail system and the broader implications for law enforcement in Texas.