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Sheriff, Swain 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.

CandidatesCompare by issue

Public safety

  • David SouthardsDemocratic

    No documented position found.

  • Brian E. KirklandRepublican

    • Led creation of a community impact team for extra patrols
    • Led equipping deputies with body-worn cameras and new armor

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; 1 issue covered in this race.