The Ballot Brief
Lane County, Oregon

Lane County Sheriff

See where Wilkerson stand on public safety and roads. Names follow official Lane County election filings.

About this race

Nonpartisan. Sheriff Carl Wilkerson, appointed by the Board of County Commissioners in June 2025 after Cliff Harrold's resignation, drew no opponent; per Lookout Eugene-Springfield, the Lane County Home Rule Charter requires the Sheriff's race to appear on the ballot even without opposition. If elected he begins a full four-year term January 4, 2027. This contest is on the November 3, 2026 ballot.

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. Nonpartisan: candidates appear without party labels. Four-year term. Every voter in Lane County votes on this seat. One name is on the ballot for this seat.

We use AI to research and write election information. Errors are possible. Verify important details with official sources.

Oregon › Lane County › Lane County Sheriff

Carl Wilkerson

Nonpartisan

Top priorities

From other published sources

  • Addressing inadequate patrol deputy staffing, citing rising thefts and limited traffic enforcement countywide, per per Lookout Eugene-Springfield
  • Using contracts, grants and regional law enforcement partnerships as staffing 'force multipliers.', per per Lookout Eugene-Springfield
  • Supporting legislative changes to bail rules he says allow release of violent offenders without added restrictions, per per Lookout Eugene-Springfield
Biography

Wilkerson, 51, of Creswell, has been a Lane County Sheriff's Office deputy since 1996, working in corrections, patrol, the Traffic Safety Team and criminal investigations before serving as chief deputy since 2019 and being appointed sheriff in June 2025, per Lookout Eugene-Springfield and KLCC. He holds a bachelor's degree in interdisciplinary studies from Bushnell University, per Lookout Eugene-Springfield. No campaign website was found as of September 9, 2026.

Next on your ballotLane County Assessor

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Voting info and more

Voting info and more
Questions about this race

Who is running for Lane County Sheriff in 2026?

One candidate is tracked for Lane County Sheriff on the November 3, 2026 ballot: Carl Wilkerson. Candidate information follows official Lane County election filings; verify with the official election office linked below. See where they stand on public safety and roads.

When is the Lane County Sheriff election in Oregon?

Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Registration deadlines, early voting dates and mail ballot rules for Oregon are on the Oregon election hub at theballotbrief.com.

How do I see my exact Lane 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 Lane County and state election office filings, last verified October 16, 2026. Bios and priorities carry their attribution inline.

Cross-check with the official Oregon election office, or see the full Lane County sample ballot and your exact ballot by address.

The rest of your Lane County ballot

13 tracked races in Lane County, Oregon. Landed here from another county's search? Look up your own ballot below.

Also on your ballot
Oregon Senate District 4Oregon Senate District 6Oregon Senate District 7See all 13 Lane County races
Candidate profiles
Carl Wilkerson, full profileOfficial Oregon election office