Parris wins Republican primary for Buncombe County sheriff

Will face off against incumbent Sheriff Quentin Miller in November election

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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Retired Naval officer Gary Parris has won the Republican primary race for sheriff in Buncombe County, North Carolina, clearing the field to face off against incumbent Sheriff Quentin Miller in the November general election.

Why it matters

The Buncombe County sheriff's race is a closely watched contest, as the winner will be responsible for enforcing the law and maintaining public safety in the region. Parris' victory sets up a high-stakes showdown between the Republican challenger and the Democratic incumbent.

The details

Parris, a former defense contractor with the U.S. Department of Defense, ran on a platform of "enforcing the rule of law for the safety of everyone." He won the Republican primary in a landslide, defeating several other candidates to secure the party's nomination.

  • The Republican primary election was held on March 3, 2026.
  • The general election between Parris and Miller is scheduled for November 2026.

The players

Gary Parris

A retired Naval officer who won the Republican primary for Buncombe County sheriff.

Quentin Miller

The incumbent Democratic sheriff of Buncombe County, who will face Parris in the November general election.

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What they’re saying

“I'm committed to enforcing the rule of law for the safety of everyone.”

— Gary Parris, Republican nominee for Buncombe County sheriff (Citizen Times)

What’s next

The general election between Parris and Miller is scheduled for November 2026, where voters will decide who will serve as the next Buncombe County sheriff.

The takeaway

The Buncombe County sheriff's race is a high-stakes contest that will have significant implications for public safety and law enforcement in the region. Voters will have a clear choice between the Republican challenger Parris and the Democratic incumbent Miller in the November election.