Sheriff Paula Dance Announcement Regarding Her Re-Election Campaign

 

On November 6, 2025, Sheriff Paula Dance announced her intent to run for re-election as Pitt County's Sheriff for a third term in 2026.  The text of the full announcement can be seen below.

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Sheriff Paula S. Dance, first elected in 2018 and re-elected in 2022, announced today that she will seek a third term as your Sheriff in the 2026 election. 

The Sheriff's journey has been rooted in community service, hard work, and common sense, with a belief that every citizen deserves a safe neighborhood and real opportunities to succeed. 

"The opportunity to serve these past two terms has been a profound honor," Sheriff Dance said. "My focus has been, and will remain, protecting all of our citizens and supporting the men and women of our office who serve this community. In the next term, we'll build on our accomplishments and continue making new strides with our community partners." 

Since taking office, Sheriff Dance has strengthened the agency's foundation with a steadfast commitment to integrity, effectiveness, and fairness for every resident. Under her leadership, the Sheriffs Office has advanced transparency, modernized law enforcement practices, and expanded programs that improve public safety by addressing recidivism, supporting reentry, and being a leader in the response to the crises involving mental-health and substance-use disorder. 

Looking ahead, Sheriff Dance will continue to tackle both the realities of modern crime as well as its root causes. We will continue to attack those who victimize our citizens through crime, and we will pursue every criminal to ensure they are held accountable for their choices. Our priorities will continue to include community-based prevention programs, youth mentorship, deepening mental health collaborations, and bolstering the hiring, retention, and professional development for our great team. The Sheriff's Office will remain a model of community-rooted, progressive law enforcement that mirrors the community we serve and is focused on what is right and just for every citizen.

 
"This next chapter is not about resting on our laurels, but about continuing to improve and move forward, together," Sheriff Dance said. "We are stronger when we lead and succeed as one."