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County
Sheriff, Sampson County
- Vote for
- 1
- Term
- 4 years
- Candidates
- 2
- Election
- Nov 3, 2026
What this office does: The sheriff is the county's chief law enforcement officer and runs the county jail.
Taxes & budget
Donald Earl EdwardsDemocratic
- Pledges fiscal responsibility, seeking low- or no-cost outside resources
Jimmy ThorntonRepublican
- Offered a reduced 2025-26 sheriff and jail budget
Public safety
Donald Earl EdwardsDemocratic
- Pledges more visibility and enforcement, especially for children's safety
Jimmy ThorntonRepublican
- Supports higher salaries for deputies and jail staff
- Pledges to keep residents' safety his top priority
Health & human services
Donald Earl EdwardsDemocratic
- Supports crisis intervention training for mental health calls
Jimmy ThorntonRepublican
No documented position found.
Government & transparency
Donald Earl EdwardsDemocratic
- Pledges open communication and transparency at the sheriff's office
Jimmy ThorntonRepublican
No documented position found.
Courts & justice
Donald Earl EdwardsDemocratic
- Pledges to work with the DA against violent, repeat offenders
Jimmy ThorntonRepublican
No documented position found.
Challengers are listed first and incumbents last; otherwise candidates appear in ballot order. The Gist does not rank, rate or endorse candidates. Only positions backed by a cited source are shown; 5 issues covered in this race.