Llano County JP to run for sheriff, backed by retiring Blackburn
Llano County Precinct 1 Justice of the Peace Marquis Cantu announced his resignation and intention to run for sheriff during the Commissioners Court meeting Oct. 23. Current Sheriff Bill Blackburn does not intend to run for re-election in 2024 and plans to endorse Cantu. Staff photo by Dakota Morrissiey
Llano County Precinct 1 Justice of the Peace Marquis Cantu announced his resignation and intention to run for sheriff in 2024. Longtime Sheriff Bill Blackburn, who is not running for re-election, said he will back Cantu in his bid for the badge.
Cantu made his announcement during the Llano County Commissioners Court meeting Monday, Oct. 23. The court accepted his resignation, which will go into effect on Oct. 31. Cantu cannot hold an elected position while campaigning for another, per Article XVI Section 65 of the Texas Constitution.
“I’m going to run for sheriff because Sheriff Blackburn intends to retire this year,” Cantu told the court.
Blackburn confirmed the statement in an interview with DailyTrib.com after the meeting. He has served in the position for the last 16 years and plans to retire at the end of his current, four-year term to which he was elected in 2020.
Cantu cited as credentials for the sheriff’s job his 25 years with the Texas Department of Public Safety, including eight years as a Texas Ranger assigned to Llano, Burnet, and San Saba counties.
“I think law enforcement is something that is in your blood,” he told DailyTrib.com. “I feel that my credentials and my experience would be a great asset as a sheriff here in Llano County.”
Cantu was sworn in as Precinct 1 justice of the peace in January. He said he knew he wanted to run for sheriff once he heard Blackburn would be retiring.
He plans to file as a candidate in the Republican primary, which will be held on March 5, 2024. The general election is Nov. 5, 2024.