Editor’s note: Mountain Top News invites all candidates in our coverage area to submit press releases announcing their entry into the 2026 election. Submissions can be up to one typewritten page, along with a photo that contains no text. These announcements will be posted for free on our website. Please submit your announcements to news@mountain-topmedia.com.

by ELLIS McCOY

Let me introduce myself to voters who don’t know me. My name is Ellis McCoy, of Belfry. I have lived in Pike County all my life. I have filed for sheriff of Pike County, having served for more than 40 yeras as a volunteer deputy sheriff under three sheriffs.

It was my choice not to go on their payroll, simply because it did not pay enough. However, I had as much authority and worked as many hours, if not more, as the paid deputies. That is one thing I hope to do as sheriff of Pike County is to increase wages.

I am a Christian and member of Leckieville Freewill Baptist Church. I will always put God and family first, but will commit to serving the residents of Pike County to the very best of my abilities and experience.

I will have more deputies patroling your neighborhoods. I plan to be more involved with other agencies to get drugs off our streets. I will be a hands-on sheriff and you will have not only the office phone numbers, but my personal numbers as well.

I will always see guidance and direction from God, and my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. I sincerely ask and would appreciate your support and vote in May 2026. God bless each of you.