Jefferson County will head into November with one of its most consequential sheriff’s races in years, as incumbent Jason Pollock faces a direct challenge from former Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office deputy Tyler Anderson in the general election.
Because only two candidates filed by the March deadline, the race bypassed the May 19 primary and goes directly to November — giving both campaigns the entire summer to make their case to voters.
The Candidates
Jason Pollock has served as Jefferson County Sheriff since June 2022, when he was appointed by county commissioners following the resignation of the previous sheriff. He subsequently won a primary election to hold the seat and has been building his record in office since. Pollock has touted his department’s response times, community engagement efforts, and management of a department that serves a large, sparsely populated county with significant tribal land within its boundaries.
Tyler Anderson, a former deputy with the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, positioned himself as an outsider voice calling for changes in department leadership and culture. However, his campaign took a significant hit in May when The Bulletin reported that Anderson had been placed on the Brady List — a database of law enforcement officers with credibility issues or sustained misconduct findings that must be disclosed to defense attorneys in criminal cases.
Brady List and DPSST Review
Anderson’s placement on the Brady List came alongside a review of his law enforcement certification by the Oregon Department of Public Safety Standards and Training (DPSST). A hearing on his certification status was scheduled for May 21, 2026.
The Brady List designation is a significant concern in the context of a sheriff’s race. A sheriff oversees all prosecutions originating from the department, and officers on the Brady List can have their testimony and credibility challenged in court, potentially affecting cases. Whether Anderson’s certification was upheld, modified, or revoked following the May 21 hearing has not been publicly confirmed by DPSST as of press time.
Anderson has disputed the characterization of his record. His campaign materials, filed with Jefferson County Elections, outline his vision for the department, but do not directly address the Brady List matter.
What’s at Stake
The sheriff’s office is one of the most consequential elected positions in Jefferson County, responsible for law enforcement across unincorporated areas, the jail, court security, and emergency coordination with state and tribal authorities. The county’s geographic spread — stretching from Crooked River Ranch in the west to Ashwood in the east and bordering the Warm Springs Reservation to the north — makes the job one of the more demanding in rural Oregon.
Voters will have until the November general election to weigh both candidates. The Madras Bulletin will continue covering this race as more information becomes available, including any update on Anderson’s DPSST certification status.