Two unsuccessful former candidates have joined the incumbent's anointed in the running to be Durham County's next sheriff.

Tony Butler (right) and Roy Taylor (below left) have submitted written statements of intent to the Durham County Board of Commissioners, along with Chief Deputy Mike Andrews. Retiring Sheriff Worth Hill named Andrews as his successor of choice when he announced his resignation last week.

Butler, a minister who is a former deputy sheriff and state patrol officer, has run against Hill four times, most recently in 2010.

Taylor, who owns a private security firm, ran in 2010.

Andrews (right) joined the sheriff's office in 1979 and was appointed major in charge of day-to-day operations in 1999. Hill appointed him chief deputy in 2008.

Like Hill, all three candidates are registered Democrats, though Taylor ran as a Republican last year.

State law empowers county commissioners to appoint a successor to serve out the term of a sheriff who leaves office. Hill's term runs until December 2014.

Anyone interested in the job has until 8:30 a.m. Monday to submit a written statement of interest to Michelle Parker-Evans, clerk to the Durham County Board of Commissioners.

Candidates are also expected to speak during the commissioners' Monday morning work session.

Hill announced last week that he is retiring after 17 years as sheriff at the end of this year, citing concern for his wife's health.