Forsyth County, North Carolina

Forsyth County Sheriff

2 candidates are tracked for Forsyth County Sheriff on the November 3, 2026 ballot: Bobby F. Kimbrough and Ernie Leyba. Candidate information follows official Forsyth County election filings; verify with the official election office linked below.

About this race

From the State Board of Elections certified candidate list.

What this office does

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 Forsyth County votes on this seat. The sitting officeholder, Bobby F. Kimbrough, is on the ballot.

North Carolina › Forsyth County › Forsyth County Sheriff

Bobby F. Kimbrough

Democratic Incumbent

Top priorities

Improving the relationship between the Sheriff's Office and the community
Upgrading technology and deputy safety equipment
Supporting deputy mental health through a partnership with Novant Health

Per the campaign site.

Biography

Kimbrough has served as Forsyth County Sheriff since being elected in 2018 and brings four decades of law enforcement experience, per the campaign site. Kimbrough began as a Winston-Salem police officer, later served as a DEA Special Agent from 1995 to 2016, and is the county's first African American sheriff, per the campaign site.

Campaign site (opens in a new tab)

Ernie Leyba

Republican

Top priorities

Public safety, including the safety of children, as the top priority
Community policing built through monthly town meetings where residents can voice concerns
Increased transparency, including daily crime updates and cooperation with local media

Per the campaign site.

Biography

Ernie Leyba is the Republican nominee for Forsyth County Sheriff. He has more than 20 years of law enforcement experience, including with police departments in Los Angeles, Kernersville and Durham, before joining the Forsyth County Sheriff's Office, per a local voter guide. He previously sought the Republican nomination for sheriff in 2018 and ran for sheriff in 2022, per the same source.

Campaign site (opens in a new tab)

Next on your ballotForsyth County Clerk of Superior Court

See your full ballot

Voting info and more

Questions about this race

Who is running for Forsyth County Sheriff in 2026?

When is the Forsyth 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 Forsyth 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.

Verify this race

Candidate roster from official Forsyth 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 Forsyth County sample ballot and your exact ballot by address.

The rest of your Forsyth County ballot

18 tracked races in Forsyth County, North Carolina. Landed here from another county's search? Look up your own ballot below.

Also on your ballot

Forsyth Board of Commissioners At-Large Forsyth Commission District A Forsyth Commission District B See all 18 Forsyth County races

Candidate profiles

Bobby F. Kimbrough, full profile Ernie Leyba, full profile Official North Carolina election office