Chilton County Sheriff Kevin Davis plans to seek re-election in 2010, but this time as a Republican candidate.

Davis, who was elected as a Democrat in 2006, had shared his decision with several people prior to Friday. He said he felt that the timing was right to make the announcement.

“My opinion is that I was elected as a Democratic candidate in 2006 and have continued to be a Democrat since that time, therefore I have fulfilled my obligations (to the party),” Davis said.

Davis’ decision was partly based on personal convictions as well as knowledge gained during his first term in office. He said that prior to 2006, he had “no working inside knowledge of politics at all” and that no one in his family has held a political office to his knowledge.

“The Christian values that I have, I feel that they line up more with the Republican Party,” he said. “This decision is based on prayers and guidance from the Lord.”

Others who plan to run for sheriff include Ronnie Gilbert, John Shearon and former Chilton County Sheriff Billy Wayne Fulmer. All reportedly intend to run on the GOP ticket.

The only Democratic sheriff hopeful reported thus far is Terry Wilson.