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 ROY MICHAEL “MIKE” OUSLEY

Hello friends and neighbors,

My name is Roy Michael “Mike” Ousley, the son of Roy and Charlene Ousley, and the grandson of Estill and Lucy Ousley and Chester Garrett and Ima Jean McCoy of Bull Creek in District 1.

I am proud to officially announce my candidacy for Magistrate of District 1 in Floyd County.

My wife, Crystal Rose Ousley, and I have been together for 20 years. We’ve raised five wonderful children and are blessed with two amazing grandsons. Both Crystal and I were raised right here in District 1 — I grew up on Left Fork of Bull Creek, where we still live today, and she was raised on Wills Branch by Wallace and Connie Calhoun.

Crystal’s dad is Gary Sheffield, and her grandfather was Clarence “C.C.” Sheffield, who helped build many of the schools in District 1. Their legacy of hard work and dedication runs deep in this community — and I’m proud to carry that forward.

I’m the youngest of three children, and the only one who chose to stay in Floyd County to raise my family. I have a deep love for this place and know we can — and should — be doing better.

I’m not a wealthy man, and I won’t be running a campaign based on big money or special interests. This campaign will be run — and won — by hard work, honesty, and personal connection. When we take office, we will owe nothing to anyone except you, the people of District 1.

I will be nobody’s puppet or yes-man — I will be your voice in the county.

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💡 WHY I’M RUNNING

Like many of you, I’ve watched our county change — and not always for the better.

Our oldest son had to move to Virginia to find work. That’s not right. Families in Floyd County should have good-paying jobs right here at home.

If you look around, you’ll see vacant buildings where businesses once stood — and county property sitting unused that could be turned into opportunities: new jobs, a YMCA, or even a Sportsplex. We just need leadership willing to make it happen.

Our roads, creeks, and ditches have gone far too long without proper maintenance. The creeks are full of runoff, contributing to flooding every time it rains. The citizens of District 1 deserve better.

Too often, decisions — like moving our 911 center — are made without asking what you, the people, think. That’s not leadership.

I’m running to give the people of District 1 their voice back — to say no new taxes, demand accountability, and make sure your input is heard before votes are taken.

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🤝 MY PROMISE TO DISTRICT 1

✅ I will work relentlessly for every citizen — no matter your last name, income, or background.
✅ I will be available 24/7, 365 days a year — every resident will have my number.
✅ I will create the first-ever District 1 webpage so you can stay informed, ask questions, and get answers directly.
✅ I will fight to improve our roads, hollers, and communities, not just in District 1, but across Floyd County.
✅ I will support a cost-of-living increase for our hardworking county employees.
✅ I will work to build a recreational facility for our youth right here in District 1 — so our kids don’t have to go elsewhere for opportunities.
✅ I will propose that when a loved one passes, the county helps with grave digging at no cost, using county equipment or work-release programs.
✅ I will make sure FEMA funds go where they belong — into District 1 repairs and recovery.
✅ I will never dodge a question, never back down, and never forget who I work for — you, the people.
✅ And most importantly — you will see and talk to me often, not just every four years. 👋

I’m not a politician looking for a retirement job. I’m a working man who knows what it means to put in long hours and keep your word.

If, after two years in office, you don’t see real change, I will step down voluntarily. That’s how strongly I believe in accountability and results.

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⚒️ ABOUT ME

I’ve spent my life working with my hands — from Mountain Pipeline to the surface mining industry, following in my father’s footsteps. I bring years of experience operating equipment — from excavators to dozers to loaders — and I bring common sense and work ethic to match.

I’ve coached youth football at Allen Elementary for six years and softball in the Minnie League, meeting families from all over Floyd County. Those experiences showed me what community truly means — and inspired me to fight for a better future for our children.

I’m 45 years old, and I’ve seen magistrates come and go. It’s time for new blood, fresh ideas, and a voice that truly works for the people.

I know there will be different parties in Fiscal Court, and I will work with anyone to get things done for District 1. I’m not a radical Republican — I’m a common-sense Republican who believes in results over rhetoric.

If you give me this opportunity, I promise I won’t let you down. Together, we’ll take our district back and build a brighter future for our children and grandchildren.

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🙏 MY VALUES

My favorite Bible verse is Isaiah 40:31:

“But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.”

That verse reminds me to never give up — even when the road gets tough.

For most of my life, I was a Conservative Democrat, but as the party changed, I no longer identified with what it stood for. After prayer and discussion, my wife and I switched to the Republican Party — not out of politics, but out of conviction.

I don’t judge people by their party — I judge them by their morals and their heart. ❤️

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💬 A MESSAGE TO THE PEOPLE OF DISTRICT 1

I’m not asking for a job — I’m asking for a chance to make a difference.

Let’s put the citizens back in control of Floyd County.
Let’s rise together, rebuild District 1, and create a brighter tomorrow for our children and grandchildren.

Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is a mystery. But today is a gift from God — and it’s time we use it to rise again.

🗳️ Vote Roy Michael “Mike” Ousley for Magistrate – District 1
Be the change District 1 needs! 🙌

Thank you, and God bless.