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Cleveland Atkinson JR
Office history
Cleveland AtkinsonâŻJr. is the incumbent Sheriff of Edgecombe County, NorthâŻCarolina, and is seeking the Democratic nomination for a full term in the 2026 countyâwide election on NovemberâŻ3,âŻ2026. Atkinson first appeared on the ballot in the general election for Edgecombe County Sheriff on NovemberâŻ8,âŻ2022, running as the Democratic candidateâŻ[1]. Subsequent reporting refers to him as âEdgecombe County Sheriff, Cleveland Atkinson, Jr.â, indicating that he won that race and has been serving in the office at least through 2023âŻ[9].
Public information about Atkinsonâs early life and formal education is not detailed in the available sources. The Ballotpedia entry does not list schooling, and the North Carolina Wesleyan University (NCWU) partnership announcement likewise provides no biographical data beyond his current titleâŻ[9].
Before and during his tenure as sheriff, Atkinson has been active in the community in other roles. A Facebook video profile notes that he works as a referee for football games in the evenings, describing him as âthe Edgecombe County Sheriffâs Office Sheriff by day and during football season, a referee at nightââŻ[6]. This suggests a continued engagement with local sports and youth activities.
One of Atkinsonâs recent initiatives as sheriff is a partnership with NCWU to expand educational opportunities for employees of the Edgecombe County Sheriffâs Office and their immediate families. The agreement, signed in early 2023, provides certificate, undergraduate and graduate degree awards ranging from $250 to $2,000 per employee, depending on the program levelâŻ[9]. Atkinson praised the collaboration, stating, âIt is an honor for the Sheriffâs office to partner with NC Wesleyan University and I firmly believe that more education will train our department to better serve Edgecombe County.ââŻ[9]
While Atkinsonâs campaign platform for the 2026 race is not outlined in the sources, his public record highlights a focus on professional development for deputies, community involvement through sports officiating, and maintaining public safety for the âTwin Countiesâ of Edgecombe and surrounding areasâŻ[9]. Voters can expect his reâelection campaign to build on these themes, emphasizing education, training, and community engagement.
Atkinsonâs prior electoral experience includes completing the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey for the 2022 election, though he did not submit a detailed questionnaire through that channelâŻ[1]. No personal contact information such as email or phone number is provided in the cited sources.
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 “Atkinson”.
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 “Atkinson”.