Muskingum County race for sheriff will be contested for first time in over a decade
Josh Weaver announces he is running for Muskingum County Sheriff in 2020.
January 17, 2020
For the first time since 2008, there will be a contested race for sheriff in Muskingum County.
This week, retired Ohio State Highway Patrol Trooper Josh Weaver announced he is running against incumbent Matt Lutz, who is approaching 12 years as sheriff.
The registered Republican will be running as an Independent in the 2020 General Election.
A native of Zanesville and current resident of Newton Township, Weaver has spent the past two decades in law enforcement at various capacities.
Weaver began his career as a peace officer in 1997 as an Ohio State Highway Patrol Trooper. A decade later, he was promoted to sergeant where, over the course of six years, he supervised the Columbus and Cincinnati motorcycle units, as well as the Lancaster and Granville patrol posts.
He later returned to Zanesville as a trooper where he retired in November 2018.
Weaver is now the police captain in New Straitsville, a firefighter and EMT in Newton Township and a board member for Muskingum Behavioral Health.
“I’ve been retired for over a year, and I’m seeing that a lot of these topics were coming up, and I would like to be able to make a difference,” said Weaver in reference to recent discussion throughout the state regarding second amendment rights.
Weaver is an advocate for gun rights, including constitutional carry, and believes it is the duty of sworn officials to defend those rights.
“Law enforcement, military, people have taken the oath to uphold the constitution ought to stand by the constitution,” said Weaver. “They’re the ones who are going to keep us from being torn apart.”
In addition to defending gun rights, Weaver said he will protect the citizens of Muskingum County by working with his staff and other agencies in the county as a team.
“The sheriff ultimately answers to the people of Muskingum County and should do what’s in their best interest,” said Weaver. “The sheriff should also cooperate with local law enforcement agencies within the county to benefit their entire community.”
Those wanting to learn more about Weaver can do so during a meet-and-greet Saturday from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m at 3i Holsters located at 923 Putnam Ave. in Zanesville.
Brad • Jan 27, 2020 at 8:11 pm
Big – Beefy – White – guy, runs against big – beefy – white – guy. Where’s the change?
Tim • Jan 26, 2020 at 11:48 am
Good for him for giving it a shot, but will lose big in the election. Don’t waste your time Josh!
YAY! • Jan 24, 2020 at 4:26 pm
FINALLY! Someone who is not a complete buffoon! CIAO MATTY!
Sandy Carr • Jan 22, 2020 at 9:33 pm
That needs attention what happen to all those missing girls never solved . I hope those families get closure
Kay A Clymer • Jan 19, 2020 at 8:36 pm
Josh will be coming to our Zanesville Patriots Meeting on Thursday, March 19, 2020, at the Helen Purcell Home, 1854 Norwood Blvd. at 6 P.M. Mark your calendar and come for a greet and meet!
Kim Mitchell • Jan 18, 2020 at 1:09 pm
I had an incident with the Sheriffs Dept in 2018 that was swept under the carpet and I had all the evidence to convict the perpetrator and the sheriffs department did not do anything. I had to do all the investigation myself and pretty much push the perpetrator in a corner to solve the issue for myself but he got away with so much and been arrested many times before. I would not donate to the auxiliary for this reason and I do not respect the sherrif for letting this happen. If your going to let criminals keep being criminals, how are you protecting the citizens of this community. I’m also tired of seeing them driving while on their cell phones. We DO need a change!!!!!!!
Rob • Jan 17, 2020 at 7:41 pm
Good, present leadership stinks,the dept (like Cunningham) do not even conduct investigations nor will some even arrest ppl who threaten to assult someone but they have time to do a YouTube video. Even if you go down and complain in person nothing is done.
steve longstreth • Jan 17, 2020 at 5:23 pm
he has my vote its time for a change
Dwight • Jan 17, 2020 at 3:14 pm
Right on
Cheryl Flores • Jan 17, 2020 at 2:15 pm
Sounds great. He will have my vote
Greg farrow • Jan 17, 2020 at 1:01 pm
I’m with u sir u have r vote time for a change u go Josh