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Brandon Phil Howell
Office history
Current office and 2026 campaign
Brandon Phil Howell, known as B. Phil Howell, is the incumbent Sheriff of Ashe County, North Carolina, and is seeking re-election in 2026. He was first elected Sheriff in 2018 and is serving his second term. Howell won the 2026 Republican primary with 55.53 percent of the vote.
Howell's 2026 campaign emphasizes expanded community outreach events, aggressive drug enforcement, fleet vehicle modernization, and advocacy for competitive deputy pay and staffing levels.
Background and education
Howell is a lifelong Ashe County resident who attended local schools before earning a degree from North Carolina State University in 2006. He also earned his law enforcement certification at Wake Technical Community College.
Career
Howell began his career as a State Park Ranger in 2006. He returned to Ashe County in 2010, joining the sheriff's office as an undercover narcotics detective investigating felony drug cases. He also served as a patrol officer and later as Director of 911 Dispatch, where he modernized systems and created a backup communications center. He has approximately 20 years of law enforcement experience.
Family
Howell is married to Amanda and they have three daughters: Emma, Norah, and Adi.
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 “Howell”.
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 “Howell”.