Lincoln County Sheriff Steve Young has announced that he will seek re-election in 2026, pledging to continue the work he and his team have accomplished since he first took office in January 2023.
Young, who was elected sheriff in November 2022 after a 37-year career in law enforcement, said serving the people of Lincoln County has been the greatest honor of his professional life.
“Being elected by the people of Lincoln County to be their Sheriff was and is the greatest honor of my life, and I truly appreciate the faith placed in me by this community,” Young said. “I made a promise to never take that trust for granted.”
Young began his law enforcement career in 1985, serving in various departments before returning to Lincoln County in 2008 to become Star City’s police chief. He led the department until his retirement in 2016, later re-entering law enforcement to pursue his longtime goal of serving as sheriff.
Since taking office, Young said his administration has worked to modernize the sheriff’s office and improve public safety through a number of key initiatives, including:
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Hiring the county’s first full-time criminal investigator in over a decade.
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Securing raises for sheriff’s office employees to make salaries more competitive.
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Updating deputies’ equipment with new firearms, body armor, tasers, and radios.
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Upgrading patrol units and implementing a program to keep older vehicles safe and serviceable.
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Beginning installation of a 1,000-gallon fuel tank to save money on fuel costs and ensure emergency readiness.
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Acquiring a patrol and rescue boat to strengthen water safety efforts.
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Revamping jail policies, equipment, and training, earning the facility a 100% audit rating from the state in 2025.
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Establishing an Auxiliary Deputy program to assist with detainee transport, allowing deputies to remain on patrol.
Young credited his command team, county leaders, and the Quorum Court for helping the sheriff’s office achieve these improvements with the resources available.
Looking ahead, Young said his priorities include further upgrades to the jail, improvements to the 911 system and radio room, and expanded training to better serve the community.
“I want to see this job through,” Young said. “I want to complete what I was elected to do on November 8, 2022. I ask for your support again in March of 2026 to finish what I started.”
Young emphasized that his office remains open and accessible to all residents. “As long as I am Sheriff, my door remains open for any concerns or questions,” he said.
