WACO, Texas — Texas Gov. Greg Abbott gave his endorsement to McLennan County Sheriff Parnell McNamara for Sheriff in a news release sent Tuesday morning.
“Throughout his law enforcement career, Sheriff Parnell McNamara has worked tirelessly to advance tough-on-crime policies that help make Texas a law and order state,” Abbott wrote. “He’s worked to crack down on drugs and human trafficking and put dangerous criminals behind bars. He keeps the hammer down on the criminals and rides herd on the lawless which is why I am proud to endorse Sheriff Parnell McNamara for re-election.”
McNamara has held the office since 2013. He's also been endorsed by State Sen. Brian Birdwell and U.S. Rep. Pete Sessions, according to McNamara's Facebook page.
McNamara is running against Jeff Aguirre who received an endorsement from the Waco Police Association in January.
The Association said that it chose to endorse Aguirre through a vote by its members, who voted 77.5% in favor of Aguirre and 10% for McNamara, with 12.5% expressing no endorsement at all.
The Waco Police Association is made up of 322 total members, with 229 sworn officers, 20 civilians and 73 retired law enforcement officers.
Aguirre has also been endorsed by the Hewitt Police Officers Association, according to a post on his Facebook page.