Nash County, North Carolina

Nash County Sheriff

2 candidates are tracked for Nash County Sheriff on the November 3, 2026 ballot: David Brake and Keith Stone. Candidate information follows official Nash County election filings; verify with the official election office linked below.

About this race

Incumbent Keith Stone (Rep) faces David Brake (Dem), a retired sheriff's office major, per the Rocky Mount Telegram and the NCSBE 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 Nash County votes on this seat. The sitting officeholder, Keith Stone, is on the ballot.

North Carolina › Nash County › Nash County Sheriff

David Brake

Democratic

Top priorities

Community policing, with visible, community-focused law enforcement
Reducing crime by investing in people and community partnerships
Accountability and listening to residents

Per the campaign site.

Biography

David Brake spent about two decades in North Carolina criminal justice, beginning as a correctional officer with the state Department of Corrections and later serving with the Nash County Sheriff's Office from 2002 through retirement, rising from patrol deputy to Major, per his campaign site. He most recently worked as a Lieutenant with UNC Health Nash's Hospital Police and Protective Services division.

Campaign site (opens in a new tab)

Keith Stone

Republican Incumbent

Biography

Keith Stone is the sitting Nash County sheriff, per the Sheriff's Office. He began his law enforcement career in 1984, served with the North Carolina Highway Patrol from 1987 until retiring in 2012, and holds degrees in law enforcement technology, criminal justice administration and business administration, per the Sheriff's Office biography. He also serves on the board of directors for the Nash County Health Department, per the same source. No campaign website was found as of September 27, 2026.

Next on your ballotNash County Board of Education, District 2

See your full ballot

Voting info and more

Questions about this race

Who is running for Nash County Sheriff in 2026?

When is the Nash 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 Nash 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 Nash 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 Nash County sample ballot and your exact ballot by address.

The rest of your Nash County ballot

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

Also on your ballot

Nash County Board of Education, District 5 Nash County Board of Education, District 6 Nash County Board of Education, District 7 See all 19 Nash County races

Candidate profiles

David Brake, full profile Keith Stone, full profile Official North Carolina election office