See where Pierce and Edwards stand on public safety, schools and the budget. Names follow official Wayne County election filings.
Incumbent Larry Pierce won the March 3, 2026 Republican primary over Stephen (Stevie) Howell and Ricky Hooks, per the NC State Board of Elections' certified candidate listing, and faces Democrat Reginald (Reggie) Edwards in the November 3, 2026 general election.
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 Wayne County votes on this seat.
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North Carolina › Wayne County › Wayne County Sheriff
Larry M. Pierce is the sitting Wayne County Sheriff, per the North Carolina Sheriffs' Association. He has more than 40 years of law enforcement experience and more than 50 years in the volunteer fire service, including as Deputy Chief of the Belfast Volunteer Fire Department, per his campaign site.
Top priorities
From other published sources
Reginald (Reggie) Edwards served as a North Carolina Highway Patrol trooper in Wayne County for nearly 30 years, from 1991 through 2019, and has been a first sergeant with the National Guard since 1985, per the Goldsboro News-Argus. No campaign website was found for him as of September 8, 2026. No campaign website was found as of September 8, 2026.
Who is running for Wayne County Sheriff in 2026?
2 candidates are tracked for Wayne County Sheriff on the November 3, 2026 ballot: Larry M. Pierce and Reginald (Reggie) Edwards. Candidate information follows official Wayne County election filings; verify with the official election office linked below. See where they stand on public safety, schools and the budget.
When is the Wayne 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 Wayne 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 Wayne County and state election office filings, last verified October 16, 2026. Bios and priorities carry their attribution inline.
Cross-check with the official North Carolina election office, or see the full Wayne County sample ballot and your exact ballot by address.
13 tracked races in Wayne County, North Carolina. Landed here from another county's search? Look up your own ballot below.