Sheriff René P. King Lincoln County Idaho

05/09/2026

One thing I’ve always appreciated about Lincoln County is the people.

No matter our backgrounds, opinions, or challenges, this community has always had hardworking people willing to help a neighbor, support local families, and stand together when it matters most.

We live in a time where negativity and division seem to get all the attention online, but that’s not the full story of who we are here. There’s still a lot of good in this county, and I believe it’s important we continue building strong communities, supporting one another, and having real conversations rooted in respect.

I’m proud to call Lincoln County home.

03/13/2026

There has been a lot of discussion lately about 287(g) and House Bill 659, so I want to clarify something from the perspective of someone actually doing the job.

Law enforcement officers in our area do not stop or arrest people based on skin color, language, or appearance. Our job is to enforce state law. When someone commits a crime under a state statute, they are taken to jail like anyone else.

Policies like 287(g) and House Bill 659 force local law enforcement to carry out federal immigration enforcement duties. This is not optional it is mandatory, and it is federal overreach. I do not agree with this, because it moves us away from the role we swore an oath to uphold.

I am personally against policies that push local officers into federal roles, because the oath I took was to support and defend the Constitution and enforce the laws of the State of Idaho, not act as federal immigration agents. The federal government should not be dictating local law enforcement responsibilities, and our state representatives need to remember that they represent the people of Idaho, not federal agendas. If this passes where would it stop.

Accusations of racial profiling only make that situation worse and damage the trust between law enforcement and the communities we serve.

We can enforce the law, protect our communities, and respect everyone’s rights but we must stand firm against federal overreach and keep local authority in the hands of local authorities.

Rene P. King
Sheriff
Lincoln County

02/09/2026

Why are we so divided?

America was built on strong opinions, open debate, and the freedom to think differently. But somewhere along the way, disagreement started turning into disrespect. We stopped listening. We stopped trying to understand. And we started forgetting that before anything else, we are all Americans.

Being patriotic isn’t about agreeing on every issue—it’s about loving this country enough to treat each other with dignity, to have honest conversations, and to work side by side for a better future. The strength of this nation has never come from tearing each other down, but from standing together in hard times and rising as one.

We can choose respect. We can choose peace. We can choose unity.

And if we do, there’s nothing this country can’t overcome—because the greatest power America has has always been its people, united in purpose and proud to call this land home.
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01/08/2026

One year into my second term as Sheriff, I want to take a moment to reflect and say thank you.

This past year has come with its share of challenges, growth, and hard work. I’m incredibly proud of our deputies, civil deputies, and administrative staff who show up every day committed to serving this community with professionalism and integrity. Their work often goes unnoticed, but it never goes unappreciated.

Over the past year, we worked closely with the County Commissioners and the Clerk to increase deputy salaries and make them more competitive. This was a critical step in retaining experienced staff and ensuring we can continue providing consistent, reliable service to the citizens we serve.

We were also able to add a bailiff position, which has made a significant impact. In 2019, court was typically held one day a week, with only one week a month requiring two days. Today, court runs four to five days a week. Having a dedicated bailiff allows the detective, Chief Deputy, and myself to focus on other critical areas of the office and better serve the community.

We’ve continued to focus on public safety, supporting our personnel, and building trust through accountability and strong community partnerships. While there is always more work ahead, I believe we are moving in the right direction.

To the citizens of our county, thank you for your trust and support. Serving as your Sheriff is an honor I take seriously every day.

René P. King
Sheriff, Lincoln County

01/14/2025

I want to thank the citizens of Lincoln County for your support and for giving me the opportunity to serve as your Sheriff for another four years. I remain committed to protecting your constitutional rights and safeguarding Lincoln County from federal government overreach. I also want to congratulate Commissioner Nathen Schutte for his second term and Commissioner Tim Ridinger, who will bring a lot of knowledge to our County. I will be your Sheriff to talk with during any situation or just to stop in and say hi, my door is always open.

11/06/2024

I am truly grateful for the continued support and encouragement from each of you in my campaign for reelection as Lincoln County Sheriff. Serving our community is a great honor, and with your help, I will continue making a positive difference. Together, we’re building a safer, stronger community, and I am committed to upholding that mission every day. Thank you to everyone who has stood by me, and believed in this campaign. Let’s keep moving forward together!

Rene P. King

11/01/2024

I’m proud to endorse Tim. Like us, he loves Lincoln County and is proud to call it home. I know that he will fight to protect our Idaho values as a commissioner.

Please join me in supporting Tim Ridinger for Lincoln County commissioner!

Paid for by Rene King for Sheriff B

10/27/2024

• Shoshone Precinct – Community Center, 201 South Beverly, Shoshone
• North Shoshone Precinct – Shoshone City and Rural Fire Station #2, 702 W 620 N, Shoshone
• Richfield Precinct – Richfield Senior Center, 130 S Main St, Richfield
• Dietrich Precinct – Dietrich LDS Church, 181 S 650 E, Dietrich
• Kimama Precinct – Dietrich LDS Church, 181 S 650 E, Dietrich

10/27/2024

10/17/2024

Why This Election is Critical for Our Nation’s Future

This upcoming election is one of the most pivotal moments in our nation’s history. Our country is facing serious challenges, and we must come together to protect our communities and prioritize the needs of our citizens. While it is important to support those seeking better opportunities, we must also address the urgent issues that are threatening our safety and security—particularly the need for stronger border control.

One of the most pressing concerns is the situation at our southern border. The lack of proper enforcement has led to a surge of illegal crossings, bringing with it serious risks to our local communities. Among those crossing are not only individuals seeking better lives but also those with criminal intentions—bringing crime, drug trafficking, and violence. These threats have real consequences, from the rise in drug-related deaths due to fentanyl to tragic incidents of violence.

We need to ensure that those entering our country are properly vetted, just as we would expect if we were traveling abroad. Nearly every other nation in the world requires proper documentation and thorough checks before entry. It’s not unreasonable to demand the same level of scrutiny to ensure the safety and security of our citizens.

It’s time to refocus on supporting our own citizens who are struggling. Across the nation, we see communities dealing with poverty, unemployment, and inadequate healthcare. Our resources should be directed first and foremost to helping those who are already here—veterans, single mothers, and those facing economic hardship. By ensuring our borders are secure, we can direct our attention and resources to rebuilding communities and providing opportunities for all Americans to thrive.

This election gives us a chance to take a stand for stronger border policies that prioritize the safety and well-being of our citizens. It’s about choosing leaders who will address these challenges head-on and advocate for a secure and orderly immigration system that respects our laws. By voting, you have the power to shape the future of our country and ensure that we protect what makes our nation strong.

We all want a country where people can pursue better lives, but we must also prioritize the safety and security of our own communities. This election is our chance to take back control and demand a government that puts the interests of Americans first. Let’s make our voices heard at the ballot box and stand up for the future we want for our country.