JACKSON, Wyo. — Eric Snow, a patrol deputy with the Teton County Sheriff’s Office (TCSO), is running as a Republican to challenge incumbent Matt Carr in the general election for Teton County Sheriff.

Snow has been with TCSO since 2022, and he currently resides in Alta with his wife and three children. He told Buckrail that he and his wife originally moved to Wyoming seeking a life of freedom and individual liberty. During his time as a patrol deputy, Snow has seen the “critical role” that the Sheriff plays in public safety and community trust.

“I’m running because I believe Teton County deserves strong, principled leadership that enforces the law without political bias, prioritizes proactive public safety, and keeps our community the safe place we all love,” Snow said via email.

Before joining TCSO, Snow said his previous work experiences taught him to lead teams, build partnerships, communicate effectively and solve problems strategically. With the law enforcement agency, he has earned certifications as an instructor of both standardized field sobriety tests and emergency vehicle operations, and as a drug recognition expert. He was a recent recipient of an award from the Governor’s Council on Impaired Driving for advancing roadway safety and DUI enforcement in Wyoming. Snow believes that his operational knowledge and private-sector leadership will assist him in modernizing and strengthening the Sheriff’s Office.

Community engagement, transparency and delivering results are top priorities for Snow. His campaign is focused on strong immigration enforcement and upholding the rule of law, aggressive targeting of drug dealers and distribution networks, child and youth safety, and law enforcement housing solutions.

“Residents deserve to know what’s happening in their community, not hear about it second-hand,” Snow said. “Right now, I believe voters want a Sheriff who is not only tough on crime and committed to public safety, but who also listens, engages, and builds trust through consistent transparency.”

Snow sees a need for proactive enforcement and deeper partnerships with other agencies in order to combat the challenges of drug activity, housing affordability, community trust, and illegal immigration. He believes that if the County cooperates with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and honors civil detainers, it will prevent the need for more disruptive ICE enforcement activity — like targeted raids in local neighborhoods.

“We’ve seen the problems that arise when cities adopt a ‘sanctuary’ approach and refuse to cooperate,” Snow said. “Look at the results in Minneapolis, where lack of cooperation has led to increased tension and less effective public safety overall. … Public safety requires that we enforce the law and work effectively with our federal partners while protecting the rights of legal residents and citizens of Teton County.”

Monica is a Staff Reporter who studied journalism at Syracuse University and has been in the valley since 2015. She loves writing about the local food and bev scene, especially craft beer. When she’s not on the clock, you can find her paddle boarding, sewing, or whipping up a new recipe at home.