Adam Chenoweth

I’m running for Yellowstone County Sheriff because I believe public safety should be built on experience, accountability, and a real understanding of the community we serve. I’ve lived in this region for the past 17 years—building my life here, raising my child here, and investing in this community not just as a professional, but as a parent and neighbor. While I come from Wyoming roots, Montana is home. It’s where I earned both my bachelor’s degree and my Master of Social Work, and it’s where I’ve committed my career to serving others.

My path to leadership started early as an Eagle Scout, where I learned discipline, service, and responsibility to others. That foundation carried into my military service, where I served as an infantry squad leader in the United States Army, both on active duty and in the National Guard. In that role, I was responsible for the lives of my soldiers, making decisions under pressure, and leading from the front. The military taught me accountability, teamwork, and how to operate in high-stakes environments—lessons that directly translate to leading a sheriff’s office.

Here in Yellowstone County, I’ve served directly in law enforcement as both a detention officer and a deputy with the Yellowstone County Sheriff’s Office, and as a reserve officer with the Laurel Police Department. I understand the job from the inside—what it takes to run a jail, respond to calls, and support deputies on the ground. I’ve seen firsthand the pressures placed on law enforcement, and I know where the system works and where it begins to break down.

My education and career have given me a broader perspective on public safety. I hold a degree in Criminal Justice and a Master of Social Work, and I currently serve as a Criminal Defense Investigator and Case Manager for the Public Defender’s Office. That experience has allowed me to see the justice system from multiple angles—law enforcement, corrections, and defense. I’ve worked closely with individuals struggling with addiction, mental illness, and instability, and I’ve seen how those challenges contribute to crime when they go unaddressed. That insight matters if we want real, lasting solutions—not just repeat cycles.

I’m not running to maintain the status quo. I’m running because Yellowstone County deserves leadership that understands the full picture—law enforcement, prevention, accountability, and community trust. With deep roots in this community, a lifetime of service, and experience across every part of the justice system, I am ready to lead with common sense, transparency, and a commitment to real results.