One candidate is tracked for Gaston County Sheriff on the November 3, 2026 ballot: Chad E. Hawkins. Candidate information follows official Gaston County election filings; verify with the official election office linked below.
Chad E. Hawkins (Republican), the incumbent sheriff first elected in 2022, is unopposed on the November 3, 2026 ballot.
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 Gaston County votes on this seat. One name is on the ballot for this seat.
North Carolina › Gaston County › Gaston County Sheriff
Republican
Chad E. Hawkins is the incumbent Gaston County Sheriff, first elected in 2022, per the Sheriff's Office's official site. He has more than 34 years of experience in fire and law enforcement, including as Police Chief in Cherryville and Belmont, and holds degrees from Gaston College, Gardner-Webb University and Methodist University.
Who is running for Gaston County Sheriff in 2026?
One candidate is tracked for Gaston County Sheriff on the November 3, 2026 ballot: Chad E. Hawkins. Candidate information follows official Gaston County election filings; verify with the official election office linked below.
When is the Gaston 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 Gaston 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 Gaston County and state election office filings, last verified September 29, 2026. Bios and priorities carry their attribution inline.
Cross-check with the official North Carolina election office, or see the full Gaston County sample ballot and your exact ballot by address.
20 tracked races in Gaston County, North Carolina. Landed here from another county's search? Look up your own ballot below.