Two familiar candidates face off again to see who will be elected Muscogee County sheriff

A familiar showdown is set to take place again between the incumbent Democratic candidate for Muscogee County sheriff and his Republican challenger.

Incumbent Muscogee County Sheriff Greg Countryman Sr. will face off against Republican candidate Mark Lajoye for the second time.

Countryman defeated Lajoye in the 2020 election, with Countryman receiving 50,812 votes to Lajoye’s 27,765, the Ledger-Enquirer reported.

Countryman previously worked for the Columbus Housing Authority police and the Muscogee County Sheriff’s office before becoming marshal in 2005 prior to being elected Muscogee County’s first African-American sheriff.

Lajoye spent 40 years in the infantry, airborne and special operations forces after joining the Army at age 18. He also worked for the Columbus Police Department for 13 years.

Both candidates have extensive education and hold multiple degrees.

Countryman has a doctorate of philosophy in Christian counseling from St. Thomas Christian University, a master’s of science theology from Ohio Christian University, a master’s in public administration from Columbus State University, a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Troy University, and an associate’s degree in criminal justice from Georgia Military College, the Ledger-Enquirer reported in 2020. Countryman is a graduate of the Georgia Command College.

Lajoye has a master’s of law degree from St. Louis University, and a bachelor’s and an associate’s degree in criminal justice from Troy University, the Ledger-Enquirer reported.

This is Lajoye’s fifth time running for sheriff. He lost to Donna Tompkins in 2016, to John Darr in 2012 and again to Darr in 2008 as a write-in candidate.

Past history between candidates

Lajoye apologized to Countryman in June after he made statements about Countryman’s son that he admitted were untrue.

“I recently published false and defamatory statements regarding Greg Countryman, Jr. I falsely accused Mr. Countryman, of speeding, illegally using public vehicles, violating Georgia law, and incompetence,” Lajoye said in a public statement. “None of these statements were true, and I recklessly published them without making sure.”

The statement continued, “I was wrong and should not have said these things. I deeply apologize for any pain or embarrassment I have caused Mr. Countryman and his family.”

Countryman also made a statement on the issue, saying he always tries “to teach my three sons to be honest, fair, and to look for the best in people.”

As my opponent has now openly admitted, he attacked my son’s character by posting false, malicious, and defamatory statements about my son (and about me) on his social media page for all to see. As he has now had to admit, none of these statements were true, and his actions were reckless and showed a true lack of care and common decency,” Countryman said.

The Muscoge County sheriff’s race will be decided in the general election on Nov. 5. Early voting is set to start Oct. 15, and absentee voting is also an option in Georgia.