Meet the Republican candidate running for Blaine County sheriff

Hughston, a 54-year-old resident of Hailey, is running as a Republican candidate for Blaine County Sheriff. He faces the winner of the Democratic primary between incumbent Sheriff Steve Harkins and Hailey police officer Morgan Ballis. Hughston has been deeply involved in the community, volunteering over 6,000 hours as a reserve deputy, training new officers, and receiving two Idaho Governor’s Brightest Star awards. He emphasizes the importance of building trust and positive relationships between law enforcement and the community, fostering open communication, and promoting safety through partnerships.

Hughston’s platform focuses on mental health, transparency, and accountability. He plans to address mental health issues within the criminal justice system by establishing a mental health liaison and preventing the cycle of criminal behavior through support and treatment. He advocates for a comprehensive criminal justice strategy that includes community watch programs and the use of cutting-edge technologies and data analytics. Hughston, a long-time conservative, believes the role of Sheriff should be based on individual qualifications rather than political affiliations.