Charles Brian Estes

Current office and 2026 campaign

Charles Brian Estes is the incumbent Sheriff of Lee County, North Carolina, running as a Republican for re-election in 2026. He drew no opposition and will run uncontested. He was appointed to the position in January 2022 and elected to a full term in November 2022. The Lee County Sheriff's Office is headquartered in Sanford, NC.

Background and education

Estes grew up in Sanford, NC, and graduated from Lee Senior High School in 1998. He earned an Associate Degree in Criminal Justice from Central Carolina Community College and a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Mount Olive College in 2001. In 2017 he graduated from the FBI National Academy at Quantico, Virginia (Class 268).

Career

Estes began his law enforcement career in 2002 with the Lee County Sheriff's Office. Over the course of his tenure he served as Patrol Deputy, Domestic Violence Investigator, Criminal Investigator, Narcotics Agent, Task Force Officer, Homeland Security Officer, Captain of Professional Standards, and Major of Department Operations. In December 2021 he was recommended by outgoing Sheriff Tracy Carter and unanimously approved by the Lee County Board of Commissioners to serve as interim sheriff beginning January 1, 2022. In November 2022 he won election to a full four-year term over Democratic challenger Carlton Lyles.

Estes also serves as an instructor in the Basic Law Enforcement Training program at Central Carolina Community College and has served as Assistant Director of that program since 2015.

Family

Estes is married to Ashley Estes. They have a son named Corbin and reside in Lee County.

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