Mark E. Mease
Candidate for Sheriff, Haywood County
Background
- Occupation
- Cherokee Indian Police Department officer
A 21-year Haywood County Sheriff's Office veteran who rose to captain, leading its narcotics, criminal suppression and patrol units; he now works in the Cherokee Indian Police drug unit. He defeated Sheriff Bill Wilke in the March 2026 Republican primary.
Documented positions
Public safety
Proposes better benefits and career ladders for jail staff
ReportICE, jail and tactics: Sheriff's candidates tackle the issuesNews coverage · The Mountaineer · Feb 18, 2026 · themountaineer.com
“give them the benefits, give them career ladders, give them an incentive to work there,”
Supports more de-escalation training for deputies
ReportICE, jail and tactics: Sheriff's candidates tackle the issuesNews coverage · The Mountaineer · Feb 18, 2026 · themountaineer.com
“how to de-escalate and talk to people where you’re not having the shootings,”
Pledges renewed cooperation with local police departments
ReportMease unseats Wilke in Republican sheriff primaryNews coverage · The Mountaineer · Mar 4, 2026 · themountaineer.com
“During his campaign, Mease pledged to renew collaboration between the sheriff's office and police departments.”
Health & human services
Supports addiction and mental health programs in the jail
ReportICE, jail and tactics: Sheriff's candidates tackle the issuesNews coverage · The Mountaineer · Feb 18, 2026 · themountaineer.com
“Mease also said there needs to be a focus on substance/alcohol abuse and mental health programs in the jail.”
All sources (4)
- 2026 General Election Candidate Listing (Haywood County offices and districts)
Election filing · North Carolina State Board of Elections · s3.amazonaws.com
- 2026 General Election Candidate Listing
Election filing · North Carolina State Board of Elections · s3.amazonaws.com
- ICE, jail and tactics: Sheriff's candidates tackle the issues
News coverage · The Mountaineer · Feb 18, 2026 · themountaineer.com
- Mease unseats Wilke in Republican sheriff primary
News coverage · The Mountaineer · Mar 4, 2026 · themountaineer.com
Positions are summarized from the sources listed and are not inferred from party affiliation. Items marked “Provided by” were published by the candidate's verified campaign or party office under our campaign content standards. See something wrong? Use the Report link beside it, or contact us.