SMITH COUNTY -- The 20-12 race for Smith County Sheriff is underway.

Thursday night, Smith County Chief Deputy Bobby Garmon officially announced-- he will be running for the position on the Republican ticket.

He kicked off his campaign at a home in Tyler.

Garmon says, he's the best man for the job because he's done all of them.

He says, his experience is what gives him the advantage.

Garmon say, "I think this race is going to be a very hard race that I'm going to run on by experience. I've been in the sheriff's office for 31 years. I started as patrolman and worked to the top."

Smith County Sheriff J.B. Smith says, "I'm supporting Bobby cause anyone involved in public office needs to be involved in the community. There's not an individual in this community more involved with the Red Cross, Azleway's Boy Ranch, Tyler Jc's, and his list goes on and on. He's just a great guy."

The filing period for the sheriff's race is underway.

Although there are a number of people running against Garmon, like Retired ATF Senior Special Agent Larry Smith.. and Smith County Constable Precinct Three Captain Donn Rust.

Those are the only two people we have confirmed at this time.