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DEXTER L. MINES SR.
Office history
Current office and 2026 campaign
Dexter L. Mines is an independent candidate for Montgomery County Sheriff in the Aug. 6, 2026 election, running against Republican Mike Oliver and independent Johnny Ransdell for the open seat 12. He does not support reinstating the county's public online booking log, arguing a booking photo documents an arrest based on probable cause rather than a conviction while transparency about public safety can still be maintained 2.
Background and career
Mines is a veteran, law enforcement officer, and pastor with more than 30 years across law enforcement, the military, ministry, and public-safety leadership 1. His career has included service with the Chattanooga Police Department, the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office ESU unit, and the Greenbrier Police Department, where he served as a school resource officer 1.
Documented disputes and controversies
A ClarksvilleNow review of the sheriff candidates' personnel records reported two disciplinary actions for Mines: an April 2016 written warning at Greenbrier PD for "conduct unbecoming of an officer" over what he described as inappropriate workplace joking, and an April 2020 one-day P.O.S.T. suspension for failing to maintain harmonious working relationships after remarks about a P.O.S.T. Commission member, which he called a misinterpretation and a learning moment; the review also noted a commendation for a DUI arrest 3.
Sources
Public filings
Candidates and officeholders are required by law to file campaign finance reports and statements of economic interest. The sites below don't support direct links to an individual record — search by last name on each.
Tennessee — campaign finance (search)
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State offices (Governor, TN Senate, TN House, State Executive Committee, statewide judiciary) —
Tennessee Registry of Election Finance.
Click Search for Candidates and PACs, enter last name “SR.”, and submit.
US House, US Senate, and Presidential candidates file with the FEC — see the federal section below. - County and municipal offices (County Mayor, Commissioner, Sheriff, School Board, court clerks, municipal alderman, etc.) — most major TN counties use the EasyVote portal. Select the relevant county and search by candidate name (“SR.”).
Tennessee — statement of interest
- Required for state and local officials and candidates — Tennessee Ethics Commission Conflict of Interest Search. Enter last name “SR.”and, if needed, select the applicable position.