2 candidates are tracked for Haywood County Sheriff on the November 3, 2026 ballot: Mark E. Mease and Tyler J. Howell. Candidate information follows official Haywood County election filings; verify with the official election office linked below.
Sitting Sheriff Bill Wilke lost the Republican primary to Mark Mease, who faces Democrat Tyler Howell in November, per WLOS and Mountain Xpress.
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 Haywood County votes on this seat.
North Carolina › Haywood County › Haywood County Sheriff
Republican
Per the campaign site.
Mark E. Mease is a Cherokee Indian Police Department officer who won over incumbent Sheriff Bill Wilke in the Republican primary, per WLOS.
Democratic
Tyler J. Howell is a Waynesville Police Department officer running as the Democratic nominee for Haywood County sheriff, per Mountain Xpress. No campaign website was found as of September 22, 2026.
Who is running for Haywood County Sheriff in 2026?
2 candidates are tracked for Haywood County Sheriff on the November 3, 2026 ballot: Mark E. Mease and Tyler J. Howell. Candidate information follows official Haywood County election filings; verify with the official election office linked below.
When is the Haywood 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 Haywood 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 Haywood County and state election office filings, last verified October 2, 2026. Bios and priorities carry their attribution inline.
Cross-check with the official North Carolina election office, or see the full Haywood County sample ballot and your exact ballot by address.
20 tracked races in Haywood County, North Carolina. Landed here from another county's search? Look up your own ballot below.