{"biography":"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\u202f163\u20115.1, 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\u2011enforcement executive for the county, overseeing the sheriff\u2019s office, the county jail, and civil process duties\u30103\u2020L1-L8\u3011.\n\nGulledge began his career with the Richmond County Sheriff\u2019s Office in 1999, hired by then\u2011Sheriff Dale\u202fFurr.  He started in the detention division, later becoming a road deputy and serving on the shift of Sheriff James\u202fClemmons.  When Clemmons was elected sheriff in 2010, Gulledge was promoted to chief deputy, a position he held for more than a decade\u30105\u2020L9-L13\u3011.\n\nFollowing the sudden death of Sheriff James\u202fE.\u202fClemmons Jr. on August\u202f5,\u202f2021, the Richmond County Democratic Party recommended Gulledge to fill the vacancy.  The party\u2019s executive committee unanimously approved his name, and the Board of Commissioners confirmed him as sheriff on August\u202f17,\u202f2021, making him the fourth sheriff in the county since 1950\u30103\u2020L19-L27\u3011\u30108\u2020L1-L8\u3011.  He subsequently won a full term in the 2022 election after defeating Nigel\u202fBristow in the Democratic primary\u30105\u2020L22-L26\u3011.\n\nIn 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\u30105\u2020L1-L7\u3011.\n\nAs sheriff, Gulledge has overseen routine law\u2011enforcement operations and responded to emergent incidents.  In August\u202f2023 the sheriff\u2019s office investigated the discovery of human remains in the northern part of the county, with Gulledge briefing the public on the ongoing investigation\u30104\u2020L1-L5\u3011.  He regularly stresses integrity, community service, and a commitment to keeping the county safe.\n\nWhile no formal campaign platform is detailed in the available sources, Gulledge\u2019s public statements highlight a focus on honor, high integrity, and continuity of service established by his predecessor.  He positions the sheriff\u2019s office as an \u201coffice of the people\u201d that is open to all citizens and not driven by partisan politics\u30105\u2020L13-L18\u3011.\n\n## Sources\n- [3] [Richmond County Democratic Party picks Gulledge as new sheriff - NewsBreak](https://www.newsbreak.com/news/2341092577065/richmond-county-democratic-party-picks-gulledge-as-new-sheriff)\n- [4] [Sheriff's office investigates discovery of human remains in northern Richmond County](https://wpde.com/news/local/sheriffs-office-investigates-discovery-of-human-remains-in-northern-richmond-county)\n- [5] [Richmond County Sheriff Mark Gulledge switches party affiliation to Republican - Richmond Observer](https://richmondobserver.com/local-news/richmond-county-sheriff-mark-gulledge-switches-party-affiliation-to-republican.html)\n- [7] [Local Democrats recommend Gulledge for Richmond County Sheriff | Richmond County Daily Journal](https://www.yourdailyjournal.com/news/102504/local-democrats-recommend-gulledge-for-richmond-county-sheriff)\n- [8] [Gulledge confirmed as sheriff, reflects on Clemmons\u2019s legacy | Richmond County Daily Journal](https://www.yourdailyjournal.com/news/102533/gulledge-confirmed-as-sheriff-reflects-on-clemmonss-legacy)\n- [9] [Mourning the Loss of Richmond County Sheriff James Clemmons](https://www.richmondnc.com/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=133&ARC=505)","campaigns":[{"contest":"county_sheriff","county":"richmond","county_count":1,"electiondate":"Tue, 03 Nov 2026 00:00:00 GMT","pgr":"general","state":"NC","title":"Richmond County Sheriff"}],"cf_filings":[],"firstname":"Mark","fullname":"Mark Barringer Gulledge","lastname":"Gulledge","middlename":"Barringer","office_history":[{"campaigns":[{"contest":"county_sheriff","contest_title":"Richmond County Sheriff","county":"richmond","county_count":1,"electiondate":"2026-11-03","office_county":"richmond","office_key":"county_sheriff","office_title":"Sheriff","party":"REP","pgr":"general","state":"NC"}],"county":"richmond","cycles":[{"general":{"contest":"county_sheriff","contest_title":"Richmond County Sheriff","county":"richmond","county_count":1,"electiondate":"2026-11-03","office_county":"richmond","office_key":"county_sheriff","office_title":"Sheriff","party":"REP","pgr":"general","state":"NC"},"party":"REP","primary":null,"term":null,"year":2026}],"office_key":"county_sheriff","office_title":"Sheriff","state":"NC","terms":[]}],"summary":"Incumbent Richmond County Sheriff Mark Gulledge, a former Democrat now running as a Republican in 2026, has served the office since 2021 after a long career as chief deputy.","terms":[],"token":"3750b503d0aae533"}