Former Johnson County sheriff not endorsing Hayden in primary

OLATHE, Kan. — New drama in the Johnson County sheriff Republican primary.

Former Johnson County Sheriff Frank Denning endorsed former Undersheriff Doug Bedford in the GOP race for Johnson County sheriff.

Denning chose not to support current Sheriff Cal Hayden, who replaced Denning as the sheriff in 2017.

“It was time for me to take a position and I have to tell you, it was difficult,” Denning told FOX4. “I struggled with the decision not because one’s bad, one’s good, just because I knew they would present themselves to the public and allow the public to choose their sheriff, but I’m so concerned with what’s going on that I had to do what I did.”

Hayden wouldn’t speak with us on camera but told FOX4 that he was heartbroken to hear the news.

In 2022, Hayden announced that he would investigate voter fraud in Johnson County, stemming from September 2021 complaints about safety and accuracy.

State and local election officials insisted the 2020 election was secure, and demanded evidence.

Hayden held firm and refused to release details. In a statement on July 8, Hayden announced the investigation was on hold.

“We must put this one on the shelf and take a pause,” he wrote.

For Bradford, the endorsement is a huge boost heading into the election.

“Oh I was shocked,” he said. “Very honored but very shocked.” He said that he looks to emulate much of what Sheriff Denning did, if he’s elected to the office. “The whole mindset behind our campaign has been trust, teamwork and transparency. That’s what Sheriff Allenbrand did and that’s what Sheriff Denning did and I hope to emulate what they did.”

The Republican primary in Johnson County is on August 6.

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