Bobby Franklin Kimbrough JR

Bobby Franklin Kimbrough Jr. is the incumbent Sheriff of Forsyth County, North Carolina, and is seeking a third term in the November 3, 2026 general election as the Democratic candidate【1】. The Forsyth County Sheriff serves as the chief law‑enforcement officer for the county, overseeing the county jail, providing security for the district and superior courts, serving civil process, and directing patrol, investigations and community‑safety initiatives.

Kimbrough was born and raised in Forsyth County and graduated from North Forsyth High School【9】. He began his public‑safety career in 1984 as a police officer with the Winston‑Salem Police Department【9】. He later became an arson investigator and assistant fire marshal for the Winston‑Salem Fire Department in 1987, and in 1989 joined the North Carolina Department of Probation and Parole working with high‑risk offenders【6】. From 1995 until 2016 he served as a special agent with the Drug Enforcement Administration, including assignments with the agency’s Foreign Operations Group throughout the Caribbean【6】.

In 2018 Kimbrough entered the political arena, defeating longtime incumbent Sheriff Bill Schatzman in the November 6, 2018 general election with 53.5% of the vote after winning the Democratic primary against Tim Wooten and Clif Kilby【1】. He was sworn in as Forsyth County’s first African‑American sheriff on December 3, 2018【6】. He was re‑elected in 2022, defeating Republican Ernie Leyba with 66% of the vote【1】.

During his tenure Kimbrough has navigated the challenges of the COVID‑19 pandemic, community‑policing reforms, and rising gang activity, often emphasizing the need for resources and community engagement【12】. In recognition of his public‑service contributions, Governor Josh Stein inducted him into the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, North Carolina’s highest civilian honor【7】.

In 2025 Governor Stein appointed Sheriff Kimbrough to the state’s Crime Commission, a body of more than 40 members that advises on crime‑reduction strategies, officer recruitment, violence‑intervention programs and re‑entry barriers for formerly incarcerated individuals【8】.

Kimbrough’s platform for the 2026 race focuses on continued investment in public safety resources, expanding community‑based violence‑intervention, improving recruitment and retention of law‑enforcement personnel, and enhancing school security measures. He stresses that budgeting reflects community values and seeks to allocate sufficient funds to protect children, educators and all residents of Forsyth County【12】.

If re‑elected, Kimbrough will complete a term that ends on December 7, 2026, having served two full terms and seeking a third to continue his work as the county’s chief law‑enforcement officer【1】.

Sources

• [1] Bobby Kimbrough - Ballotpedia
• [6] Forsyth.cc - Bobby Kimbrough sworn in as new Forsyth County sheriff
• [7] Sheriff Bobby Kimbrough receives North Carolina's highest honor
• [8] Forsyth County Sheriff Kimbrough appointed to Governor's Crime Commission
• [9] Bobby Kimbrough wins seat for Forsyth County sheriff
• [12] Catching Up With Sheriff Bobby Kimbrough - Triad Today