{"biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\nNikia Elliott is the Republican nominee for Bedford County Sheriff in the August 6, 2026 county general election; the seat is open because longtime Sheriff Austin Swing is retiring rather than seeking re-election [1][4]. Elliott's platform centers on \"compassionate policing,\" including autism-specific law-enforcement training, a zone-based patrol model to improve response times, investment in modern equipment, mental-health support for first responders, and a combined approach to drug prevention, enforcement and rehabilitation [1].\n\n## Background\nA lifelong Bedford County resident and second-generation law-enforcement officer, Elliott is the father of a son with autism, an experience he says has shaped his policing priorities [1].\n\n## Career\nElliott has more than 25 years in law enforcement and currently serves as Chief Deputy of the Bedford County Sheriff's Office, with over six years in executive leadership overseeing more than 120 employees across patrol, corrections and administration [1]. He has worked in nearly every division, including SWAT and investigations, led the department through Tennessee Tier 1 Accreditation, and reports a 4% recidivism rate through inmate-rehabilitation programs [1].\n\n## Sources\n[1] [Nikia Elliott: Experience rooted in service - Good News Exchange (Shelbyville)](https://goodnewsmags.com/shelbyville/nikia-elliott-sponsored-content/) - accessed 2026-07-23\n[2] [Elliott For Sheriff (campaign site)](https://electelliott4sheriff.com/) - accessed 2026-07-23\n[4] [After 50 Years, Bedford County Sheriff Austin Swing leaves a Legacy - WGNS Radio](https://www.wgnsradio.com/article/94304/after-50-years-bedford-county-sheriff-austin-swing-leaves-a-legacy-of-reform-and-compassion) - accessed 2026-07-23","campaigns":[{"contest":"sheriff_unexpired","county":"Bedford","county_count":1,"electiondate":"Thu, 06 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT","pgr":"general","state":"TN","title":"Sheriff"}],"cf_filings":[],"firstname":"NIKIA","fullname":"NIKIA ELLIOTT","lastname":"ELLIOTT","office_history":[{"campaigns":[{"contest":"sheriff_unexpired","contest_title":"Sheriff","county":"Bedford","county_count":1,"electiondate":"2026-08-06","office_county":null,"office_key":"sheriff","office_title":null,"party":"R","pgr":"general","state":"TN"}],"county":null,"cycles":[{"general":{"contest":"sheriff_unexpired","contest_title":"Sheriff","county":"Bedford","county_count":1,"electiondate":"2026-08-06","office_county":null,"office_key":"sheriff","office_title":null,"party":"R","pgr":"general","state":"TN"},"party":"R","primary":null,"term":null,"year":2026}],"office_key":"sheriff","office_title":"Sheriff","state":"TN","terms":[]}],"summary":"Chief Deputy of the Bedford County Sheriff's Office and Republican nominee for sheriff in 2026, running on 'compassionate policing.'","terms":[],"token":"D2Vx3Jp8hy"}