Eric Molitor, acquitted last year on charges related to a 2020 plot to kidnap Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer, has filed to run for sheriff in Wexford County against the incumbent Trent Taylor. Molitor’s campaign message focuses on reducing government involvement and intrusion in people’s lives. He was inspired to run for sheriff after a conversation with Taylor, during which he gained respect for the incumbent but disagreed on the enforcement of the state’s “red flag” gun safety law, which Molitor believes to be unconstitutional.
Taylor, seeking a third term, believes he is constitutionally obligated to enforce the state’s laws, including the gun safety law that Molitor opposes. Molitor was acquitted of charges related to the kidnapping plot against Whitmer, which he says opened his eyes to flaws in the justice system. He believes that individuals like himself, who have been wronged by the system, have a duty to enact reform and be the change they want to see.
Despite being acquitted on the charges, Molitor’s experience has shaped his opinions on government and law enforcement. He denies being completely anti-government or anti-law enforcement, stating that he sees himself as an arbiter between the people and the powers that be. In Michigan, candidates for sheriff must live and be eligible to vote in the county where they are running for a four-year term. Legislation requiring new candidates to have law enforcement experience is currently under consideration in the state Senate.
The Michigan Democratic Party has criticized Molitor’s candidacy, labeling him a “MAGA Republican” due to his past alignment with the Republican Party and support for former President Donald Trump. Molitor, however, previously identified as a “liberal independent” and voted for Democratic candidates like Gretchen Whitmer and Dana Nessel in 2018. He switched to the Republican Party because he believes conservatives are more concerned with protecting all rights, including free speech. Molitor intends to support the Republican nominee in the upcoming election.
The Michigan Sheriffs’ Association supports the legislation requiring sheriff candidates to have law enforcement experience, believing it will enhance the profession. However, the bill is still under consideration in the state Senate. The association did not comment on Molitor’s candidacy, as it is against group policy to do so. Molitor does not have a law enforcement background, having previously worked as a subcontractor in the security field.
Overall, Eric Molitor’s campaign for sheriff in Wexford County reflects his experiences with the justice system, his views on government and law enforcement, and his commitment to enacting reform based on those experiences. His candidacy has drawn criticism from the Michigan Democratic Party, but Molitor’s past as a “liberal independent” and his opposition to government overreach highlight the complexities of his political beliefs. Despite the challenges he faces, Molitor is determined to make a difference and be a voice for those who have been affected by the flaws in the justice system.
