Former Grant County Undersheriff Todd McKinley filed to run for sheriff Monday, Jan. 25.

Current Sheriff Glenn Palmer had already filed for re-election to the position. McKinley is currently the director of Grant County Community Corrections.

In a written statement, McKinley said he decided to run after witnessing the “audacity of individuals who think they can dictate the course of Grant County, without the input of all.”

“When I took my first oath of office as a reserve deputy on April 3, 2000, it was that I would support the Constitution and the laws of the United States and of the state of Oregon, and to honestly and faithfully perform the duties imposed upon the member under the laws of Oregon,” he said in the statement. “I do not remember that there were any clauses that told me this was optional, and up to my interpretation of the Constitution and laws.”

Grant County Clerk Brenda Percy said, if only two candidates are running for sheriff, the race will go directly to the general election in November. If three or more candidates file, the race will first take place during the May primary, with the top two candidates proceeding to the ballot during the general election.