Vergil Rochelle Ratliff

This page was current at the end of the individual's last campaign covered by Ballotpedia. Please contact us with any updates.

Vergil Rochelle Ratliff

Democratic Party

Elections and appointments

Last election

March 5, 2024

Education

Bachelor's

Texas Southern University, 1982

Graduate

Texas Southern University, 1994

Personal

Birthplace

Texas

Religion

Baptist Christian

Profession

Government administration

Contact

Campaign website

Campaign Facebook

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Vergil Rochelle Ratliff (Democratic Party) ran for election for Harris County Sheriff in Texas. She lost in the Democratic primary on March 5, 2024.

Rochelle Ratliff completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. Click here to read the survey answers.

Biography

Vergil Rochelle Ratliff was born in Texas. She earned a bachelor's degree from Texas Southern University in 1982 and a graduate degree from Texas Southern University in 1994. Her career experience includes working in government administration.

Elections

2024

See also: Municipal elections in Harris County, Texas (2024)

General election

General election for Harris County Sheriff

Incumbent Ed Gonzalez defeated Mike Knox in the general election for Harris County Sheriff on November 5, 2024.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Ed Gonzalez (D)	53.2	789,828
		Mike Knox (R)	46.8	693,524

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	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 1,483,352
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
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Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for Harris County Sheriff

Incumbent Ed Gonzalez defeated Dana Wolfe, Vergil Rochelle Ratliff, and Joe Inocencio in the Democratic primary for Harris County Sheriff on March 5, 2024.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Ed Gonzalez	67.0	108,718
	Submit photo	Dana Wolfe	16.3	26,384
		Vergil Rochelle Ratliff	12.2	19,760
		Joe Inocencio	4.5	7,340

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	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 162,202
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Republican primary election

Republican primary for Harris County Sheriff

Mike Knox defeated Joe Danna, Glenn Cowan, and Paul Day in the Republican primary for Harris County Sheriff on March 5, 2024.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Mike Knox	56.4	95,671
		Joe Danna	17.2	29,179
		Glenn Cowan	16.9	28,713
		Paul Day	9.5	16,052

---

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 169,615
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Endorsements

Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Rochelle Ratliff in this election.

Campaign themes

2024

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

Vergil Rochelle Ratliff completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Rochelle Ratliff's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

Expand all | Collapse all

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Throughout my 38-year law enforcement career, I've accumulated invaluable experience essential for effective leadership.

Presently a Captain with the Texas Comptroller of Public Accounts - Criminal Investigation Division, I've navigated diverse roles—from patrolling Houston's streets to conducting undercover operations, investigating officer misconduct, and mentoring youth in underserved areas like Cuney Homes.

In the 1990s, amidst the crack cocaine epidemic, I led the "Acres Homes War on Drugs," earning acclaim from President George H.W. Bush. Appointed by Mayor Annise Parker and reappointed by Mayor Sylvester Turner, I serve on the Board of Managers for the Greater Harris County 911 Network.

My career boasts numerous accolades, including the Presidential 1000 Points of Light Award and recognition for life-saving feats and leadership in 2023. Continuously refining my leadership through education and practical application, I've assumed roles in employment, politics, and community service.

Committed to professionalism and excellence, I stand resolute amid public scrutiny, steadfast in my mission to rebuild community trust in law enforcement. My journey exemplifies unwavering dedication to public service and community empowerment, demonstrating my resolve to effect positive change in the lives of those I serve.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

• I will address the issues that matter to YOU - like road rage, elderly abuse, and the abuse and the abduction of our children.
• It's TIME to take back care, custody, and control of the Harris County jail.
• I have over 40 year's of law enforcement experience and I am Committed To Service in Harris County.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Making a safer Harris County, particularly in regards to:

- Road rage
- Elderly abuse
- The abuse and abduction of our children

- Custody and control issues in the Harris County jail

What qualities does this office possess that makes it a unique and important part of the state government and legal system?

As a candidate for the Harris County Sheriff's Office, I recognize the unique and critical role it plays within the state government and legal system.

My campaign focuses on addressing key issues such as road rage, elderly abuse, child abuse and abduction, and reclaiming care, custody, and control of the Harris County jail.

The Sheriff's Office is instrumental in ensuring public safety, enforcing laws, and delivering justice for all residents. With a jurisdiction covering a diverse and populous area, our responsibilities include maintaining order, responding to emergencies, and investigating crimes.

Additionally, we oversee the county jail system, where implementing rehabilitative programs is essential. These platform points are central to my vision of effective governance and community protection.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

I would recommend "The Audacity of Hope" by Barack Obama. It offers insight into my political philosophy, emphasizing the importance of hope, unity, and pragmatic solutions to complex challenges.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

As an elected official, it's vital for me to be honest, accountable, and open in all my actions to earn trust from the people I serve.

I will lead effectively, listen to the needs of my constituents, and collaborate with others to find solutions to our community's challenges.

Putting the community's interests first, being understanding, and being adaptable are also key traits I strive to embody.

Having a clear vision for the future guides me in making decisions that benefit everyone in our community.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

My extensive 40-year experience in law enforcement equips me with the qualities needed to be a successful officeholder.

My leadership skills, developed through various roles, allow me to effectively manage the Harris County Sheriff's Office.

I'm committed to public service and upholding justice. Strong communication skills help me engage with diverse communities, building trust and collaboration.

My integrity, ethical conduct, and dedication to serving all residents make me well-suited for this role.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

The core responsibilities for someone elected to the Harris County Sheriff's Office include ensuring public safety, upholding the law, and providing justice for all residents.

This involves addressing pressing issues such as road rage, elderly abuse, child abuse and abduction, and effectively managing the Harris County jail system.

Additionally, maintaining order, responding to emergencies, and investigating crimes are essential duties within our diverse and populous jurisdiction.

Implementing rehabilitative programs to reduce recidivism and promote community safety is also a crucial aspect of the role.

As Harris County sheriff, the well-being and protection of all residents will be my top priority.

Are there any little-known powers or responsibilities held by this office that you believe more people should be aware of?

Yes, there are several lesser-known powers and responsibilities held by the Harris County Sheriff's Office. One is managing the county jail system, including overseeing inmate care and custody.

The office also serves civil process, executes warrants, and provides security for county facilities and courts.

The Sheriff also enforces state laws and local ordinances, investigates crimes, and collaborates with other agencies.

Do you believe that it's beneficial for holders of this office to have previous experience in government or politics?

My 40+ years of working in law enforcement give me a deep understanding and insight into what our community needs and what role the sheriff's office can play in creating a safer Harris County.

With my experience, I can lead the Sheriff's Office and deal with the tough issues we face in Harris County. I look forward to bringing my deep knowledge of law enforcement and my dedication to serving our community.

What kind of skills or expertise do you believe would be the most helpful for the holders of this office to possess?

The most helpful skills for serving as Harris County Sheriff include strong leadership, good communication, and having a deep knowledge and understanding of law enforcement.

It's also important to understand criminal justice laws, be able to handle crises, and work well with different groups of people.

Since Harris County is diverse, it's crucial to be respectful of different cultures.

Being good with technology and understanding data can also make law enforcement better.

But most importantly, being dedicated to helping people, being honest, and doing the right thing are key.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

I believe that financial transparency and government accountability are essential pillars of effective governance.

Transparency ensures that taxpayers know how their money is being spent and holds government officials accountable for their actions. It fosters trust between the government and the public, which is crucial for a healthy democracy.

Accountability ensures that elected officials are responsible for their decisions and actions, and it allows for oversight to prevent corruption and misuse of public funds.

I strongly support measures to promote financial transparency and accountability at all levels of government.

Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.

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