Four candidates have already filed to succeed Dare County Sheriff Doug Doughtie

Dare County Sheriff Doug Doughtie

The candidate filing period for the 2026 primary election is open until Dec. 19, but four Republican hopefuls have already signed up to succeed retiring Dare County Sheriff Doug Doughtie. Three of those candidates are currently working in law enforcement in the county.

Doughtie, a Republican, was first elected Sheriff in 2010 when he defeated incumbent Democrat Rodney Midgett. During his tenure, Doughtie has been a largely popular figure who has been accessible to the community. And his pending departure at the end of this term sets up a scramble for his job.

The four Republican candidates who have thus far filed for sheriff are:

Jimmy Pierce— Pierce joined the Dare Sheri

See Full Page