Appelhans and Wyatts Feud over the Albany County Sheriff Race
Courtesy photo from publicregistry.us
Democrat Aaron Appelhans is reelected to the Albany Sheriff office over Republican candidate Daron L. Wyatt after months of a bitter feud between the two parties. Appelhans won 7,426 of the votes over Wyatt’s 5,670 votes with a total of 13, 403 votes during this critical election.
Before the election was called, Appelhans posted his Facebook page, his statement for the election.
“I’m running for re-election as Sheriff to build on six years of restoring professional conduct and fiscal responsibility.” Wrote Appelhans, “I bring experience in engineering, project management, counseling, and law enforcement—serving as Detective, Sergeant, and Sheriff since 2010. Mental health remains a top priority. My goal is to train all deputies in de-escalation and crisis intervention while providing trauma support for first responders. As a 25-year Laramie resident, I understand rural law enforcement, handling everything from interstate pileups to search and rescue. I am committed to maximizing available resources to provide the comprehensive response Albany County residents deserve.”
This re-election success for Appelhans and this loss for new candidate Wyatt was the most contentious run in Albany County’s 2026 midterm election.
There were accusations and controversy that plague both candidates throughout their runs. Appelhans was accused of being responsible for the high death rate of prisoners in the Albany County Detention center during which 5 prisoners died during the year 2019, with one being natural, 3 being suicide, and 1 being undetermined. Wyatt was accused of having excessive use of force complaints during his time as a law enforcement officer.
Additionally, Appelhans accused Wyatt of being on the Brady List, which is for law enforcement who have credibility issues. Further inspection, this claim was shown to be false in the case of Wyatt.
Wyatt also criticized Appelhans views on ICE law enforcement in Albany County. Including the debate towards giving ICE the ability to hold someone for an additional 48 hours if they are found eligible for release. Also, Appelhans legal arguments against how warrants from different agencies hold different weights in different areas, and that an ICE warrant isn’t the same class as an Albany County court one.
The most recent controversial action taking during the feud was when FBI director Kash Patel visited Albany County recently. Wyatt participated in the meeting and Appelhans said it was not appropriate for Wyatt to attend. Wyatt, who is a reserve Laramie County Deputy, said he was networking for regional communications.
The Albany County Sheriff responsibility is too general manage county-wide law enforcement efforts and public safety agencies. This includes management of the Albany County Detention Center.
COUNTY SHERIFF REP DARON L. WYATT 5,670 DEM AARON APPELHANS 7,426 Write-In Totals 39 Total Votes Cast 13,135 Overvotes 0 Undervotes 268 Contest Totals 13,40
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