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Brandon Lee Barbrey
Office history
Current office and 2026 campaign
Brandon Barbrey is a candidate for Wilson County Sheriff in North Carolina 1. He launched his campaign for the position with a kickoff event 7. During the Democratic primary process, sheriff candidates shared their platforms at a forum 8.
Barbrey filed a challenge against fellow candidate Bobby Knight’s candidacy before the Wilson County Board of Elections 1. The board initially deemed Knight ineligible to run 9. However, the State Board of Elections delayed hearing Knight’s appeal 12 and later discussed the sheriff filing in a Monday meeting 11. An elections director rejected an order to backdate the decision regarding Knight’s candidacy 6.
Following these developments, Barbrey and another candidate, Kevin Raper, advanced to a showdown with Knight for the sheriff position 3. The State Board of Elections held a preliminary hearing to address the challenges from Barbrey and Raper against Knight 1. Ultimately, the challengers dropped their appeals regarding Knight’s candidacy 5.
Documented disputes and controversies
In May 2025, Brandon Barbrey joined fellow candidate Kevin Raper in challenging the candidacy of Bobby Knight for Wilson County sheriff 1. The challengers filed objections with the Wilson County Board of Elections, arguing that Knight was ineligible to run 2. During a preliminary hearing, Barbrey and Raper presented their case against Knight’s qualification to hold office 1.
The Wilson County Board of Elections initially ruled in favor of the challengers, deeming Knight ineligible to appear on the ballot 9. However, the county elections director later rejected an order to backdate this disqualification, prompting Barbrey to indicate he would continue to challenge Knight’s presence in the race 6.
Knight filed an appeal with the North Carolina State Board of Elections, which scheduled a hearing to discuss the filing eligibility 10. The state board delayed this hearing for further review 12, while also discussing the sheriff filing in a separate Monday meeting 11. A letter published in the Wilson Times criticized the local elections board’s handling of the challenge, stating that the board had erred in its initial decision 4.
Following the state board's proceedings, Barbrey and Raper dropped their appeals regarding Knight’s candidacy 5. The two candidates subsequently advanced to a runoff showdown for the sheriff position 3.
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 — search by last name on each.
North Carolina — campaign finance
- State, county, and municipal candidates — all in one system — NC State Board of Elections — Committee Search. Search by last name “Barbrey”.
North Carolina — statement of economic interest
- Required for state-elected and many local officials — NC State Ethics Commission — Statement of Economic Interest Search. Search by last name “Barbrey”.