Wheeler announces reelection campaign

Bonner County Sheriff Daryl Wheeler announced Monday that he will be seeking reelection for a fifth term as county sheriff.

Wheeler has served 25 of his 38 total years in law enforcement in Bonner County. First elected in 2008, Wheeler said he has successfully changed the culture within the sheriff’s office, creating building blocks that, in turn, have transformed the office into an agency that employs staff who are dedicated, courageous and trustworthy.

In 2009, he brought crisis intervention training to the five northern counties and has served on the Behavioral Health Board since its creation in 2014. On the state level, Wheeler served as the president of the Idaho Sheriff’s Association in 2012 and as the chair of the Legislative Committee in 2013.

The sheriff also claims he is known around the nation for stepping in on behalf of Bonner County citizens. During the country-wide COVID-19 lockdowns, he asked Gov. Brad Little to reconvene the Idaho Legislature to make public policy for the state. When the governor allegedly ignored the sheriff’s request, Wheeler refused to enforce what he deemed “unconstitutional” lockdowns, mandatory vaccinations, business shutdowns and church closures in Bonner County.

Wheeler said his primary goal for his fifth term as sheriff is to make the county a safe place to live, work and play. His next goal will be to continue the fight to preserve the land next to the jail for a future justice center.

“It has been an extreme honor to serve as your sheriff these last 15 years,” he said. “I hope to earn your vote once again this May.”