A total of 31 North Carolina sheriffs will seek to remain in their posts for the next four years. midterm elections Tuesday, November 3th.
In contrast, 69 other bailiffs They have already ensured the continuity of their administrations after obtaining their parties' nominations in the primary of March 3, 2026, which cleared the way for their re-election in November.
Counties and candidates for sheriff's office
Of the 31 sheriffs seeking to retain their positions, 13 are Democrats, 16 are Republicans, and 2 are independents.
Among the incumbetors seeking re-election are Quentin Miller of Buncombe County; Bobby Kimbrough of Forsyth; Danny Rogers of Guilford; and Willie Rowe of Wake.
Below is the list of the 31 sheriffs who will face off in the November elections.
| County | Alguacil | general election |
|---|---|---|
| Anson | Scott Howell (U) | vs Tim Watkins (D) |
| Beaufort | Scott Hammonds (R) | vs Corey Dixon (D) |
| Bladen | Jim McVicker (R) | vs Chris Hunt (D) |
| Buncombe | Quentin Miller (D) | vs Gary Parris (R) |
| Caswell | Tony Durden (D) | vs Eric Crisp (R) |
| Chatham | Steve Maynor (D) | vs Marcus A. Globuschutz (R) |
| chowan | Edward Basnight (R) | vs Kristy L. LaLonde (D) |
| Craven | Chip Hughes (R) | vs Mickey Tillman (D) |
| Cumberland | Troy A. McDuffie (D) | vs LaRue Windham (R) |
| Forsyth | Bobby Kimbrough (D) | vs Ernie Leyba (R) |
| Franklin | Kevin White (R) | vs Tim Gupton (D) |
| Graham | Reba Louanne Jenkins McMahan (D) | vs Caleb Stiles (R) |
| Granville | Robert Fountain (D) | vs Ed Newman (R) |
| guilford | Danny Rogers (D) | vs Phil Byrd (R) |
| Harnett | Aaron Meredith (R) | vs Reggie Watson (D) |
| Haywood | Mark E. Mease (R) | vs Tyler J. Howell (D) |
| Lincoln | Bill Beam (R) | vs Anthony Huss (L) |
| Madison | Buddy Harwood (D) | vs Robin Lyles (R) |
| Martin | Drew Robinson (U) | vs Marvin Hilliard (D) |
| Nash | Keith Stone (R) | vs David Brake (D) |
| Person | Sheriff Jason Wilborn (R) | vs Dennis Morris Allen (D) |
| Richmond | Sheriff Mark Gulledge (R) | vs Tahid (Ty) Rucker (D) |
| Rockingham | Billy Parker (R) | vs Franklin Moore (D) |
| Sampson | Jimmy Thornton (R) | vs Donald Earl Edwards (D) |
| Scotland | Jason L. Butler (R) | vs Roger Alford (D) |
| Swain | Brian Kirkland (R) | vs David Southards (D) |
| Wake | Willie Rowe (D) | vs Kenny Blackwell (R) |
| Washington | Arlo Norman (D) | vs Mike Patterson (R) |
| Watauga | Len Hagaman (D) | vs Darin Church (R) |
| Wayne | Larry Pierce (R) | vs. Reginald (Reggie) Edwards (D) |
| Wilson | Brandon L. Barbrey (D) | vs Bobby Knight (R) |
Counties with sheriff elections
Why is the choice of sheriff important?
In North Carolina, marshals have discretion to sign 287(g) agreementswhich allow their offices to collaborate directly with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
This means that the outcome of an election can determine whether a county joins the program, remains in it, or withdraws from it.
In addition, the marshals have broad operational powers, including:
- They manage the county jails.
- They supervise arrests.
- They define internal priorities.
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What is the role of the bailiffs?
Sheriffs are primarily responsible for public safety in North Carolina counties. They also play a key role in the administration of local justice. Their most important duties include:
- County jail operation: They supervise the custody and care of detainees.
- Law enforcement: They investigate crimes, patrol rural and urban areas, and coordinate with local and state police.
- Execute court orders: It includes summonses, evictions, seizures, and court security.
- Community Programs: Many sheriffs administer crime prevention, road safety, and victim support initiatives.
- Department administration: Sheriffs also control budgets, supervise staff, and define local public safety policies.
>>> Learn more about the duties of sheriffs by visiting the website of the North Carolina Sheriffs Association
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A year ago, Hurricane Helene struck western North Carolina. The Latino community responded with something stronger than the storm: solidarity.
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