SAN ANGELO, Texas — Since announcing bids for the 2024 Tom Green County Precinct 4 constable elections at the end of 2023, Gary Cole and Thomas Bigham have had to venture outside their comfort zones.
Cole, a longtime Tom Green County Sheriff's Office detective investigator; and Bigham, who retired from the San Angelo Police Department in 2009 after a 20-year career, both said their years of experience in law enforcement were strengths to their campaigns.
Both candidates said the undertaking of a political campaign has been a learning experience.
"If anybody says 'running a campaign', you are definitely running,'" Cole said. "It's like 200 miles-an-hour."
Cole said his experience working with constables in Tom Green County during his time as a detective led to his decision to run for the office. He said he received tips from constables during his career that led to breakthroughs and arrests in some of his investigations. Cole said while the role of a constable is mostly civil, he wants to be able to help other law enforcement in any way he can.
Bigham previously served as a Texas Parks and Wildlife Department state park police captain. He said he chose to pursue law enforcement after a police officer spoke to his third grade class. Bigham said his experience in various roles in law enforcement means he has a lot to bring to Tom Green County as a constable.
Early voting ends Friday for the primary. Election Day is Tuesday, March 5.