Sheriffs, right‐wing extremism, and the limits of U.S. federalism during a crisis

Emily M. Farris and Mirya R. Holman

Social Science Quarterly, 2023, vol. 104, issue 2, 59-68

Abstract: Background During the COVID‐19 crisis, sheriffs across the country vocally refused to implement mask mandates. Objectives In this note, we argue that resistance to mask mandates emerged out of successful efforts to recruit sheriffs into right‐wing extremism (RWE) and its foundations in white supremacy, nativism, and anti‐government extremism. Methods We draw on upon historical analysis and a national survey of sheriffs Results We show how RWE movements recruited sheriffs and that a substantial share of sheriffs adopted RWE attitudes. We argue that this radicalization of county sheriffs primes them to resist a core component of federalism: mandates by supra governments. We identify a relationship between sheriffs. RWE attitudes and their resistance to enforcing COVID‐19 mask mandates. Conclusion Our work demonstrates the importance of considering the implications of violent extremism in the United States, particularly as it aligns with local law enforcement.

Date: 2023
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