John Miller enters race for Sebastian County Sheriff

John Miller, Sebastian County chief deputy sheriff, announced Wednesday (June 4) he will seek the open sheriff seat in the 2026 election cycle. Sebastian County Sheriff Hobe Runion, who is not seeking re-election, has endorsed Miller.

Miller is a Fort Smith native, graduate of Southside High School, and began working in the Sebastian County sheriff’s office in August 2001. His work at the office includes the patrol division, SWAT team, dive team, director of inmate management, jail administrator, and division commander of the bailiff division.

He also is a veteran having served in the U.S. Army Reserves.

“I am running for Sheriff because I believe in leading with accountability, experience, and integrity,” Miller said in a statement. “My time in law enforcement has taught me the importance of transparency, strong leadership, and a commitment to the safety and wellbeing of our community.”

According to his announcement statement, Miller’s job responsibilities have included budget management, staff supervision, crisis response, and policy development. He is a graduate of the FBI-LEEDA Executive Program and the School of Law Enforcement Supervision.

“John has been a cornerstone of our department for many years,” Runion said in a statement. “His dedication to public service, his experience at every level of the organization, and his unwavering commitment to the people of Sebastian County make him the ideal choice to lead our agency into the future. I am proud to endorse him as the next Sheriff of Sebastian County.”

Miller is the second employee of the department to announce for the county’s top law enforcement post, Assistant Jail Administrator Wyatt McIntyre announced his bid earlier this year.

DISORDERLY CONDUCT
Miller in May 2021 was the subject of a disorderly conduct and threatening incident in Greenwood. Miller was then the department’s operations major.

On the evening of May 19, Miller was first observed in his vehicle by two Greenwood Police Department officers. One officer said he told Miller he could smell alcohol and told him to go home. Miller then drove to another residence and began making threats to the occupant of that home.

Miller would eventually return home, and three Sebastian County deputies arrived at his home to check on Miller.

“Sgt. Miner advised that Major Miller appeared to be in a depressed manner and intoxicated. He stated that it took some coaxing but eventually, Major Miller went inside,” the department noted in its review of the issue. “Sgt. Miner stated that just prior to Major Miller’s departure; he took Major Miller’s firearm from him due to his current state.”

Miller would be transferred to court bailiff on Aug. 21, after formally requesting in early July that he relinquish his duties “due to personal issues.” Miller returned to a leadership position on April 1, 2025, when he was promoted to chief deputy.

Two of the three deputies who engaged with Miller during the episode would face punishment for not following department policies and failing to file the necessary reports.

Miller provided the following statement to Talk Business & Politics about the May 2021 incident.

“Earlier in my life, I made the mistake of trying to manage the stress of work and family in the wrong way. I turned to alcohol, and as a result, I let down people who mattered most – my family, friends, and colleagues. I’ve taken full responsibility for those actions, and I carry those lessons with me every day.

“Through recovery, I’ve grown—not just as a person, but as a leader. I’ve learned how to face challenges head-on, how to listen with empathy, and how to lead with humility and strength. That experience has shaped my belief that people can change, grow, and come back stronger – and that includes those in public service.

“I’m running for Sheriff because I believe my past struggles have made me a better candidate, not a weaker one. Our communities deserve leaders who are real, who are resilient, and who don’t back down from hard truths. If my journey can inspire even one person to face their own challenges, then it’s a story worth telling – and a mission worth fighting for.”