Pitt County Sheriff Paula Dance won over 82% of the vote in North Carolina’s 2026 primary, setting her up to serve another term unopposed in the general election.

In North Carolina’s 2026 primary elections, Pitt County Sheriff Paula Dance won a decisive Democratic primary victory over Greenville police sergeant Richie Williams, securing over 82% of the vote. With no Republican candidate filing for the general election, Dance is set to serve another term. The results reflect strong voter support, as she emphasized a mandate to continue her leadership. Other key races included wins by Eric Southerland in Duplin County’s sheriff primary and by Roy Cooper and Michael Whatley in their respective Senate primaries, setting the stage for a high-stakes general election.