After having been elected twice as a Democrat, County Clerk James L. (Jimmy) Poss has announced that he is switching parties and will be seeking re-election in 2022 as a Republican.

In a statement released today, Poss said while he is thankful for the support shown him over the years by the local Democratic Party, he does not share the views of today’s national Democratic Party leaders.

“As I continue my job as your County Clerk, I remain excited and humbled having the opportunity to serve you. I take my service to you very seriously. With that said, I want to ask you to understand after months of discerning heartfelt convictions, my individual political commonalities do not align with today’s National Democratic Leadership and I cannot, in good conscious faith continue representing the direction the national party has taken. This is just my personal belief and conviction. I do not fault or judge others with their personal opinions or political beliefs.”

“Only through God’s wisdom, direction and forgiveness, I am able to serve public office with a purpose, faith and accountability. With no disrespect to anyone, I recognize all people and their right for individual beliefs. However, I too have a responsibility for my individual faith, belief and trust in God and this is my strong conviction.  Therefore, because of these reasons, I will be seeking re-election as DeKalb County Clerk in 2022, as a Republican”.

“As a local leader, I will not change my position as a SERVANT TO ALL. I will continue serving with equal service and gratitude, carrying out duties of the office. I will also continue serving with honesty, fairness and respect to every person regardless of your personal opinions or political beliefs. I will continue serving LAWFULLY, with compassion, humility, appreciation and dignity,” he said.

Poss said DeKalb County remains a great place to live and raise families with good hard working people and he is especially thankful to local law enforcement officers, firefighters, EMS and first responders for the job they do and the respect they deserve in serving our county.

“For several years, I served the DeKalb County Ambulance service as an Advanced Emergency Medical Technician. During that time, I obtained vital firsthand experience, attributes and various benefits provided by multiple levels of law enforcement. I cannot imagine our local communities and states without the profession of law enforcement and other emergency services. Everyone deserves quality public services, including professional law enforcement, honoring those who serve and holding accountability to all. Just the same, we should honor and provide the necessities for our nation’s military, ensuring its ability of protecting the United States. May God bless our community, state and nation,” he said.

Poss is in his second term as County Clerk. He was first elected in 2014 and was re-elected without opposition in 2018.