Chris Green

Chris Green has announced he will run for Smith County sheriff in the 2024 election.

During a conference to announce his candidacy Wednesday at the Regions Building in downtown Tyler, Green expressed his intentions on running as a fiscal conservative, tackling jail and staffing issues.

“I believe the citizens are looking for a conservative leader and champion to overcome excess spending of the taxpayer dollar and to fortify trust among the people in this great community,” he said at the conference. “I believe a true conservative leader can — and should — find ways to lower costs in the budget, rather than increase costs.”

Green commended county leaders for increasing law enforcement salaries by 19 percent over the last three years.

“I am grateful that our county leaders, both past and present, have seen the need to recognize the importance of investing in your local law enforcement,” he said.

Green served in law enforcement for over 30 years, with 20 years as an active Texas Game Warden and over a decade as a Reserve Special Game Warden.

Green ran for sheriff in 2012 and 2016, and lost to current sheriff, Larry Smith, who will be seeking reelection.

While Green believes Smith has “had a good run,” believes “change is needed.

“We need a fresh start,” he added.

At the conference, Green said animal cruelty is at an all-time high. If elected, he would provide a detective or two, dedicated to support local animal rescues, as well as animal control.

“The innocent animals that are plagued with unfit and unsanitary living conditions, as well as cruel treatments, are often discarded,” he said. “It takes a compassionate leader to see this issue and address it.”

He also mentioned “top heavy administration” in the sheriff’s office.

“We need more boots on the ground to deter crime in our neighborhoods and communities and less brass in the office,” Green said.

He also wants to lower insurance costs.

“With public safety being the goal of all law enforcement, it starts with law enforcement being safe in their own everyday functions,” Green said. “We hold the public accountable every day for their driving and their choices… law enforcement should be no different… if anything, held to a much higher standard.”

The biggest components of Green’s platform include tackling issues with Smith County jail facilities, employee safety, inmate security and meeting the minimum standards of the Texas Jail Commission.

“It’s probably the biggest responsibility for a sheriff,” he said. “We also know that mental health issues are on the rise in the nation… it’s no different here in Smith County.”

He hopes to have a plan to handle non-violent offenders where incarceration is not the answer.

“Detention officers are overworked and grossly short staffed,” he said. “…I can assure that under the right leadership, we can do better as a county.”

Current Smith County Sheriff Larry Smith announced his reelection bid on May 25 in Tyler during his annual birthday dinner. Smith intends to seek his fourth term in office as part of the 2024 election.

He has over three decades of experience in local and federal law enforcement. He has been the sheriff of Smith County since 2013.

Smith said in May that as long as he has the support of his family and is in good health, he will continue to serve the community of Smith County.