Mark Barringer Gulledge

Mark B. Gulledge is the incumbent Sheriff of Richmond County, North Carolina, and is seeking a full term in the 2026 election as the Republican nominee for the office. The county sheriff is a constitutional officer who must meet the qualifications set out in North Carolina General Statute 163‑5.1, including residency, age, and the ability to post a bond, and is subject to removal only for cause. The sheriff serves as the chief law‑enforcement executive for the county, overseeing the sheriff’s office, the county jail, and civil process duties【3†L1-L8】.

Gulledge began his career with the Richmond County Sheriff’s Office in 1999, hired by then‑Sheriff Dale Furr. He started in the detention division, later becoming a road deputy and serving on the shift of Sheriff James Clemmons. When Clemmons was elected sheriff in 2010, Gulledge was promoted to chief deputy, a position he held for more than a decade【5†L9-L13】.

Following the sudden death of Sheriff James E. Clemmons Jr. on August 5, 2021, the Richmond County Democratic Party recommended Gulledge to fill the vacancy. The party’s executive committee unanimously approved his name, and the Board of Commissioners confirmed him as sheriff on August 17, 2021, making him the fourth sheriff in the county since 1950【3†L19-L27】【8†L1-L8】. He subsequently won a full term in the 2022 election after defeating Nigel Bristow in the Democratic primary【5†L22-L26】.

In 2024 Gulledge announced a change in his political affiliation, switching from the Democratic Party to the Republican Party. He said the decision was made after prayer and family discussion and emphasized that his duties would remain nonpartisan, serving all residents of Richmond County regardless of party affiliation【5†L1-L7】.

As sheriff, Gulledge has overseen routine law‑enforcement operations and responded to emergent incidents. In August 2023 the sheriff’s office investigated the discovery of human remains in the northern part of the county, with Gulledge briefing the public on the ongoing investigation【4†L1-L5】. He regularly stresses integrity, community service, and a commitment to keeping the county safe.

While no formal campaign platform is detailed in the available sources, Gulledge’s public statements highlight a focus on honor, high integrity, and continuity of service established by his predecessor. He positions the sheriff’s office as an “office of the people” that is open to all citizens and not driven by partisan politics【5†L13-L18】.

Sources

• [3] Richmond County Democratic Party picks Gulledge as new sheriff - NewsBreak
• [4] Sheriff's office investigates discovery of human remains in northern Richmond County
• [5] Richmond County Sheriff Mark Gulledge switches party affiliation to Republican - Richmond Observer
• [7] Local Democrats recommend Gulledge for Richmond County Sheriff | Richmond County Daily Journal
• [8] Gulledge confirmed as sheriff, reflects on Clemmons’s legacy | Richmond County Daily Journal
• [9] Mourning the Loss of Richmond County Sheriff James Clemmons