←All People
Brian E Kirkland
Office history
Brian E. Kirkland is the incumbent Swain County Sheriff and is running for a full term in the NovemberâŻ2026 election as the Republican candidate. He was appointed by the Swain County Board of Commissioners in JulyâŻ2024 to complete the term of former Sheriff Curtis A. Cochran, who retired amid criminal charges, and he confirmed his intention to seek election in AugustâŻ2024âŻ[10].
Kirkland, 45, is a lifelong resident of Swain County. He has spent 25âŻyears in lawâenforcement service, beginning his career in the Swain County Sheriffâs Office and rising through its ranks. While the sources do not detail formal education, they note his extensive onâtheâjob experience and deep community tiesâŻ[10].
From 2011 until MarchâŻ2023, Kirkland served as the officeâs administrative captain, overseeing dayâtoâday operations and personnel matters. In MarchâŻ2023 he was promoted to chief deputy, the secondâinâcommand position, and assumed the duties of sheriff when Sheriff Cochran was placed on suspension following a series of criminal allegationsâŻ[10]. After Cochranâs retirement, the Swain County Republican Partyâs executive committee recommended Kirkland for the vacancy; the commissioners appointed him 4â1, and he was sworn in by District Court Judge Justin Greene on JulyâŻ29âŻ[10].
Since taking office, Kirkland has emphasized continuity of public safety and departmental transparency. He has described his goal as âdoing a good job and trying to keep the county safe,â praising the dedication of his staffâŻ[10]. In his prior role as chief deputy, he promoted an âopenâdoor policyâ to foster public trust and encourage community engagement with the sheriffâs officeâŻ[12]. These statements frame his platform for the upcoming election, focusing on maintaining safety, supporting experienced employees, and building confidence between lawâenforcement and residents.
Sources
Public filings
Candidates and officeholders are required by law to file campaign finance reports and statements of economic interest. The sites below don't support direct links to an individual record â search by last name on each.
North Carolina â campaign finance
- State, county, and municipal candidates â all in one system â NC State Board of Elections â Committee Search. Search by last name “Kirkland”.
North Carolina â statement of economic interest
- Required for state-elected and many local officials â NC State Ethics Commission â Statement of Economic Interest Search. Search by last name “Kirkland”.