Sheriff David Duke informed the Wichita County Commissioners Court on Aug. 19 that he is retiring after 44 years and two months in county service and 17 years as county sheriff.

The retirement drew tributes from county leaders and prompted the court to outline the legal and electoral steps for filling the vacancy. The county judge said, “Whoever the court appoints to the office will hold it until the next general election.” The court did not make an appointment at the Aug. 19 meeting but indicated an appointment discussion is likely at a future session.

Duke described his career in county law enforcement and investigations and told the court he supports his chief deputy as a successor. “It’s my chief deputy William Rutledge… he’s very, very qualified to be the sheriff of this county. 100%. No doubt,” Duke said. He also reflected on his tenure: “44 years and 2 months is a long time.”

The county judge reviewed the statutory framework the court is following and said the commissioner's court has authority to appoint someone to fill the vacancy; the appointed person serves until the next general election. The judge and staff explained the election timeline the court outlined at the meeting: a primary in March 2026 and a general election in November 2026. The person elected in November 2026 would serve the remaining two years of the current four-year term (2027–2028), and a subsequent regular election cycle would occur thereafter.

Commissioners praised Duke’s long service and the modernization steps the sheriff’s office led during his tenure, including upgrades in equipment, training and the county jail project, which several speakers singled out as a major undertaking completed during his time in office. The court received Duke’s letter of retirement during the meeting; no formal personnel action or appointment was taken on Aug. 19.

Next steps noted by the court include an anticipated agenda item to discuss and possibly make an appointment at a future meeting. The court said the appointed successor must be qualified (take the oath) before assuming the office, and the incumbent sheriff continues to perform duties until a successor is qualified.

Details left unspecified at the Aug. 19 session include any effective date contained in the sheriff’s retirement letter beyond the court’s acceptance and any formal application or vetting process the court may adopt for potential appointees.