County Updates

County Sheriff Election

Info

Annual salary: roughly 175k

Term: 4 years

Voting Dates: Opens Feb 12- Feb 28th, 2026

Absentee ballot deadline: March 28th, 2026

Candidates:

Brian Chism (Republican)

Brian Chism

Brian Chism (current sheriff) is a native of Brunswick county and a graduate of South Brunswick High. He then went on to graduate The FBI National Academy.

Tim Daniels (Republican)

Tim Daniels

Tim Daniels achieved a Master degree in Management of Human Resources and Organizational Management as well as a bachelor’s in Political Science and Criminal Justice.

Candidate Views and Focus

Both candidates are well educated and concerned about issues affecting Brunswick County. Tim Daniels achieved a Master degree in Management of Human Resources and Organizational Management as well as a bachelor’s in Political Science and Criminal Justice. Brian Chism (current sheriff) is a native of Brunswick county and a graduate of South Brunswick High. He then went on to graduate The FBI National Academy. Both Chism and Daniels have stated concerns with managing population growth. Daniels has also included an opioid problem as one of his main concerns for the county. Another goal of his is bringing back trust with county staff, emphasising transparency with county spending, and his support for new Iryan’s Law. Brian Chism has voiced his support for expanding the government staff with trained professionals to serve the growing county population. Chism believes the county spending and workplace culture are in good standings. He also states he has not seen any significant changes since the recently passed Iryna’s Law, but states he would like to see more available resources for mental health facilities.

Iryan’s Law

Iryan’s Law began effective December 1, 2025. Iryan Zarutska was stabbed to death on a train in Charlotte, NC. The passenger who committed the act has a previous criminal record of violent behavior, armed robbery, and breaking and entering. He was also previously diagnosed with schizophrenia, playing a major role in these crimes. The law is aimed at protecting communities and keeping them safe. This includes, required mental health evaluations for those with a violent past/record. This new law also prohibits pretrial release for certain individuals with records of violence.

ICE

ICE arrests have skyrocketed in the last year. There has also been talk of an ICE detention center being built in Greensboro, NC. Arresting those with previous records or current charges is a focus for “Operation Charlotte’s Web” which launched in November of 2025. Tim Daniels states, when it is mandatory he supports cooperating with ICE. As a part of obeying the federal law. In these cases, his main focus is to protect public safety. Brian Chism says he is here to protect and serve the people of Brunswick county, which he promised when he took on the role as Sheriff. He goes on to say, the law requires reporting to immigration services when an immigrant is booked/detained. He plans to obey this law as a protector of the county.