{"campaigns":[{"candidatename":"Tim Gupton","chatgptsummary":null,"notes":null,"party":"DEM","person":{"biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\n\nTimothy Lucas Gupton is a Democratic candidate seeking election as Franklin County Sheriff in 2026 [1]. He officially announced his candidacy on December 15, 2025 [2]. Gupton self-describes as a lifelong Franklin County resident and a graduate of Bunn High School\u2019s Class of 1991 [4].\n\nThe Franklin County Democratic Party featured Gupton as a special guest at its executive committee meeting on February 5, 2026 [3]. His campaign platform emphasizes respect, integrity, and making solid commitments to the community [1].\n\n## Background and education\n\nTim Gupton self-describes as a lifelong resident of Franklin County [4]. He is a product of the Franklin County Public School System and graduated from Bunn High School in the Class of 1991 [4]. Specific details regarding his higher education, religious affiliation, or birth year are not provided in the available sources.\n\n## Career\n\nTim Gupton is a lifelong resident of Franklin County who graduated from Bunn High School in 1991 [4]. He describes himself as a product of the Franklin County Public School System and states that his path in law enforcement began with a desire to serve the county he calls home [4].\n\nProfessionally, Gupton is a law enforcement officer who has worked in the federal judicial branch for nearly 30 years [5]. He previously held positions in local and state law enforcement agencies [5]. His career includes leading high-risk operations alongside the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), and the U.S. Marshals Service [5].\n\n## Office history\n\nTim Gupton self-describes as a lifelong Franklin County resident and a product of the Franklin County Public School System, having graduated from Bunn High School in 1991 [4]. He states that his path in law enforcement began with education and a desire to serve the county [4]. Specific details regarding previous elected or appointed offices held, term lengths, districts, or key responsibilities are not provided in the available sources.\n\nGupton officially announced his candidacy for Franklin County Sheriff on December 15, 2025 [2]. He is running on a platform of respect, integrity, and making solid commitments to the community [1][3]. The Franklin County Democratic Party of NC has endorsed him as a special guest for their February 5th meeting to discuss involvement in the 2026 elections [1][3]. Information regarding any prior races run or lost is not included in the provided sources.\n\n## Sources\n[1] [Tim Gupton, Candidate for Franklin County Sheriff! Tim is... | Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/p/DUHSqMeD1l7/)\n[2] [Tim Gupton officially announced his candidacy for Franklin County ...](https://www.instagram.com/reel/DSTlIbGESYW/)\n[3] [FRANKLIN COUNTY NC DEMS | We are excited to announce our ...](https://www.instagram.com/p/DT2_Khfj1W0/)\n[4] [Tim Gupton for Franklin County Sheriff - Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/61585308986848/posts/some-have-asked-timwho-are-you-and-where-did-you-starti-am-a-proud-product-of-th/122096525157176966/)\n[5] [Tim Gupton platform & website | Franklin Sheriff](https://branch.vote/races/2026-north-carolina-general-election-nc-state-sheriff-nc-county-franklin/candidates/tim-gupton)","firstname":"Timothy","lastname":"Gupton","middlename":"Lucas","suffix":null,"token":"84ac5202d5f00a73"},"token":"PEHplSmC1ns1LTwK"},{"candidatename":"Kevin White","chatgptsummary":null,"notes":null,"party":"REP","person":{"biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\n\nKevin White currently serves as the Sheriff of Franklin County, North Carolina [1]. He is a candidate in the 2026 election for the same office [14]. White officially submitted his candidacy to seek another term in December 2025 [7]. His re-election campaign was formally launched with a kickoff event held on January 29, 2026 [5].\n\nWhite\u2019s campaign platform emphasizes law and order, stating that he will fight to uphold laws and protect safety in Franklin County [4]. He self-describes as a leader who has trained and led in various law enforcement situations, including active shooter training [3]. The campaign highlights his tenure since being elected in 2022, citing accomplishments such as 472 narcotics arrests and the seizure of over 4,000 grams of fentanyl [2].\n\nRecent developments during White\u2019s current term include a lawsuit filed against him by former Franklin County Manager Kimberly Denton for defamation and tortious interference in October 2025 [8]. The suit alleged that White publicly attacked her integrity regarding county spending during hurricane relief efforts [8]. White has also been involved in high-profile incidents, including an update on a deputy shot in December 2025 and the investigation of a juvenile shooting in April 2026 [6]. He voiced frustration online regarding a suspect in custody related to the deputy shooting, noting the suspect had previously attempted to kill [9].\n\n## Background and education\n\nKevin White was born and raised in Franklin County, North Carolina [4]. He self-describes as a law enforcement officer with decades of service, having worked, trained, and led in patrol, criminal investigation, domestic violence, and drug investigations [3][10]. White also established the first integrated active shooter training event in Franklin County involving law, fire, and EMS personnel [3].\n\nSpecific details regarding his birth year, religious affiliation, or formal educational degrees are not provided in the available sources.\n\n## Career\n\nKevin White has served in law enforcement for decades, with a career beginning in 2000 [15]. He has worked and trained in patrol, criminal investigation, domestic violence cases, and drug investigations [3]. White is a firearms instructor who teaches training to his employing agency, surrounding law enforcement agencies, and recruits at his local community college [15].\n\nWhite established the first integrated active shooter training event in Franklin County, which included personnel from law enforcement, fire, and emergency medical services [3]. He is also recognized as a leader in active shooter training initiatives [3].\n\n## Office history\n\nKevin White served as a Franklin County Investigator prior to his election as Sheriff [3]. He was elected Franklin County Sheriff in 2022 [2]. In this role, he is responsible for law enforcement and jail operations within the county [10]. White has stated that he established the first integrated active shooter training event in Franklin County involving law, fire, and EMS personnel [3].\n\nWhite launched a re-election campaign for Franklin County Sheriff on January 29, 2026 [5]. He officially submitted his candidacy to seek another term in office in December 2025 [7]. White is currently seeking re-election in the upcoming 2026 election [12].\n\n## Legislative record and accomplishments\n\nAs a county sheriff, Kevin White does not sponsor legislative bills or serve on legislative committees, as these roles are reserved for elected members of the North Carolina General Assembly [1]. His policy positions and \"legislative\" focus within his office center on law enforcement priorities, specifically advocating for strict law and order enforcement and criticizing federal leadership for endangering public safety [4]. White has publicly criticized county government administration, alleging that bureaucratic \"red tape\" hindered hurricane relief efforts and leading to a defamation lawsuit filed by former County Manager Kimberly Denton [13][8].\n\nDuring his tenure, White\u2019s office reports significant enforcement actions, including 472 narcotics arrests and the seizure of over 4,000 grams of fentanyl [2]. He has emphasized proactive policing strategies, such as establishing the first integrated active shooter training event in Franklin County involving law, fire, and EMS personnel [3]. White\u2019s office also highlights initiatives under \"Safe Streets,\" \"Safe Schools,\" and \"Safe Deputies\" programs, though specific legislative details of these county-level actions are not provided in available records [11].\n\n## Documented disputes and controversies\n\nIn October 2025, former Franklin County Manager Kimberly B. Denton filed a defamation and tortious interference lawsuit against Sheriff White [8]. The legal action alleged that White publicly attacked her integrity and contributed to her loss of employment following her issuance of a memo regarding county spending during Hurricane Helene [8].\n\nIn December 2025, Sheriff White posted on social media expressing frustration regarding a suspect who had been released from prison prior to an incident in which a deputy was shot [9]. In the post, White stated that the suspect \"has attempted to kill in the past\" and that only \"God\u2019s intervention\" prevented a fatality during the December 19 shooting [9].\n\nSheriff White has publicly criticized county administration, specifically describing bureaucratic obstacles as \"red tape\" that hindered hurricane relief efforts [13]. These comments were directed at the county manager's office in the context of disaster response coordination [13].\n\n## Sources\n[1] [Kevin White (Franklin County Sheriff, North Carolina, candidate 2022) - Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Kevin_White_(Franklin_County_Sheriff,_North_Carolina,_candidate_2022))\n[2] [Kevin White | Franklin County Sheriff](https://kevinwhiteforsheriff.com/)\n[3] [Kevin White for Sheriff](https://www.kevinwhiteforsheriff.com/about/)\n[4] [Kevin White | Sheriff - Issues](https://www.kevinwhiteforsheriff.com/issues)\n[5] [Sheriff Kevin White | Re-Election Kickoff](https://kevinwhiteforsheriff.com/kickoff/)\n[6] [Franklin County Sheriff Kevin White gives an update on his ...](https://www.facebook.com/ncsbi/posts/franklin-county-sheriff-kevin-white-gives-an-update-on-his-deputy-that-was-shot-/1245973457561754/)\n[7] [Franklin County Sheriff Kevin White has officially submitted ...](https://www.facebook.com/FranklinCoNewsOnline/posts/franklin-county-sheriff-kevin-white-has-officially-submitted-his-candidacy-to-se/1440430054344947/)\n[8] [Franklin County Sheriff Kevin White Sued for Defamation ...](https://www.facebook.com/ncfightingcrime/posts/franklin-county-sheriff-kevin-white-sued-for-defamation-by-former-county-manager/1340342970881469/)\n[9] [Franklin County Sheriff Kevin White voiced frustration ...](https://www.facebook.com/WNCNTV/posts/franklin-county-sheriff-kevin-white-voiced-frustration-about-the-suspect-being-o/1172344695016361/)\n[10] [Meet Sheriff Kevin White - Franklin County Sheriff's Office](https://www.fcsonc.org/the-sheriff)\n[11] [Franklin County Sheriff's Office](https://www.fcsonc.org/)\n[12] (source #30 not in master list)\n[13] [North Carolina Sheriff Slams County Manager, Says \u201cRed Tape\u201d Hindering Hurricane Relief](https://www.policemag.com/news/north-carolina-sheriff-slams-county-manager-says-red-tape-hindering-hurricane-relief)\n[14] [Two veteran lawmen seeking sheriff's job: Kevin White - The Franklin Times](https://www.thefranklintimes.com/news.php?viewStory=49320)\n[15] [About \u2013 Kevin White's Firearms Training](https://kevinwhiteconcealedcarry.com/about/)","firstname":"Kevin","lastname":"White","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"token":"a1498016c77943fa"},"token":"qXQbLiWIou2rnREO"}],"choices":null,"description":null,"district":null,"districtgroup":null,"districtgroupname":null,"districtname":null,"job_type":"sheriff","o.office":"county_sheriff","office":"county_sheriff","officedescription":"The sheriff is the county's chief law-enforcement officer. The office operates the county jail, provides court security, serves civil process and executes warrants, and provides patrol and investigation \u2014 a large operational command with a substantial budget.","officequalities":"- Organizational leadership of a sheriff's office spanning patrol, investigations, court services, and the county jail.\n- Oversight of the county jail, including intake, inmate health, and release procedures.\n- Working knowledge of Tennessee criminal law, court process, and constitutional search-and-seizure standards.\n- Ability to develop and oversee the office's operating budget with public accountability.\n- Coordination with municipal police departments and neighboring-county and state agencies.\n- A documented law-enforcement or public-safety background.","officeterm":4,"officetitle":"Sheriff","partisan":1,"pgr":"general","quantity":1,"referendum":null,"source":null,"title":"Franklin County Sheriff"}