One candidate is tracked for Durham County Sheriff on the November 3, 2026 ballot: Clarence F. Birkhead. Candidate information follows official Durham County election filings; verify with the official election office linked below.
Incumbent Clarence Birkhead won the March 3 Democratic contest with 85.7 percent and is unopposed in November, per the State Board of Elections certified list and results archive.
Sheriff. The sheriff runs the county's law enforcement agency, operates the county jail, provides courthouse security and serves court papers such as warrants, subpoenas and evictions. In many counties the sheriff's office is the primary police force for areas outside city limits. The sheriff hires deputies and manages the office's budget within what the county board approves.
This race. Every voter in Durham County votes on this seat. The sitting officeholder, Clarence F. Birkhead, is on the ballot. One name is on the ballot for this seat.
North Carolina › Durham County › Durham County Sheriff
Democratic Incumbent
Clarence F. Birkhead has been Durham County's sheriff since December 2018 and is seeking a third term, per the sheriff's office official biography. He has more than 40 years in law enforcement, including service as Duke University police chief and Hillsborough police chief.
Who is running for Durham County Sheriff in 2026?
One candidate is tracked for Durham County Sheriff on the November 3, 2026 ballot: Clarence F. Birkhead. Candidate information follows official Durham County election filings; verify with the official election office linked below.
When is the Durham County Sheriff election in North Carolina?
Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Registration deadlines, early voting dates and mail ballot rules for North Carolina are on the North Carolina election hub at theballotbrief.com.
How do I see my exact Durham County ballot?
Enter your ZIP code in the lookup at theballotbrief.com for the statewide and congressional races, or a full street address to add the county, city and district contests for that location.
Candidate roster from official Durham County and state election office filings, last verified September 27, 2026. Bios and priorities carry their attribution inline.
Cross-check with the official North Carolina election office, or see the full Durham County sample ballot and your exact ballot by address.
17 tracked races in Durham County, North Carolina. Landed here from another county's search? Look up your own ballot below.