Chatham County Sheriff Mike Roberson announced Monday evening he would not be seeking re-election to the office in 2026 — and instead will look to serve in a different type of elected office.
Roberson has served as the county’s sheriff since 2016. Running as a Democrat, he was last elected in 2022. Prior to serving as sheriff, Roberson worked many positions within the Chatham County Sheriff’s Office, including as a detention administrator, school resource supervisor and chief deputy.
“A large part of this decision comes from a desire to spend more time with my family, the people who have sacrificed just as much as I have, even though they never asked for recognition. At the same time, my dedication to Chatham County remains as strong as ever. That is why I am announcing my candidacy for Chatham County Commissioner. I still feel called to serve, and I look forward to helping guide the future of the community that has meant so much to me.”
Roberson lives north of downtown Pittsboro and on the north side of U.S. 15-501 — putting him in the county’s District 3, with current Commissioner David Delaney having announced in October he would not seek another term on the board.
In the announcement, Roberson endorsed his chief deputy, Steve Maynor, in the 2026 sheriff’s office election. He described Maynor as prepared and devoted to the Chatham County community after having been “an essential part of our leadership team.” Maynor formally filed with the Board of Elections on Monday and is running as a Democrat.
Roberson’s full statement reads:
For close to 40 years, I have had the privilege of serving the people of North Carolina in many ways as a first responder, and for the last 10 years, I have been deeply honored to serve Chatham County as your Sheriff. This work has brought some of the greatest joys of my life, along with difficult days that tested me in every way. Through each moment — good or hard — my love for this county and my commitment to keeping our community safe have never wavered.
I am forever grateful to the people of Chatham County for placing your trust in me. Serving as your Sheriff is truly the greatest professional honor of my life. I am surrounded by remarkable men and women who show up every day with courage, compassion, and a genuine desire to protect others. They step into danger so others don’t have to, and I could not be prouder of their service or their character.
My family is the steady foundation beneath me throughout this journey. They have understood the long days and nights, the missed dinners, and the heavy responsibility that comes with this badge. Their support has carried me more times than I can count. I especially want to thank my wife, Annette, who spent infinite days serving along beside me as well as being the heart of our home. She kept everything together so I could serve as your Sheriff. Her strength and patience have been extraordinary.
Over the years, I have worked with purpose of building a Sheriff’s Office that reflects the very best in professionalism, integrity, and innovation. From perfect detention inspections to major advancements in technology, stronger training, expanded victim services, and National Accreditation, this office is more prepared than ever to meet the needs of our citizens. I am proud of the team we have built … men and women who deeply care for this community and who are ready to lead it into the future. They truly are the best in the state … Literally!
After many conversations with my family and a great deal of prayer, I have made the difficult but peaceful decision not to seek re-election as Sheriff. I will continue serving proudly through my term in 2026, giving every day the same commitment and heart that I always have. When I first stepped into this role, I promised to give Chatham County the very best of me. I believe with all my heart that I have kept that promise.
A large part of this decision comes from a desire to spend more time with my family, the people who have sacrificed just as much as I have, even though they never asked for recognition. At the same time, my dedication to Chatham County remains as strong as ever. That is why I am announcing my candidacy for Chatham County Commissioner. I still feel called to serve, and I look forward to helping guide the future of the community that has meant so much to me.
God has blessed me far beyond anything I deserve. I am grateful for His guidance, protection over my family, and for the opportunity to devote my life to a place I love deeply.
One of the greatest comforts in stepping away as Sheriff is knowing that the office will remain in capable, steady hands. I have full confidence in my Chief Deputy, Steve Maynor, who will be running to serve as the next Sheriff of Chatham County. Steve is not only prepared, but he is also devoted to this community. He has the experience, relationships, and the genuine servant’s heart that this job demands. He has been an essential part of our leadership team, and I am proud to offer him my full endorsement.
Thank you, Chatham County, for allowing me the privilege of continuing to serve as your Sheriff. It is an honor that I will carry with me for the rest of my life. I look forward to what the future holds for Chatham County.
In addition to the District 3 seat of the Chatham County Board of Commissioners being up for re-election, Districts 4 and 5 are also on the 2026 ballot for four-year terms. Democrat Katie Kenlan of District 4 filed to run for her second term on Monday, as did Democrat and District 5 Commissioner Franklin Gomez Flores. While the board is made up of five commissioners from the different districts, Chatham voters cast their ballots across all districts in the county elections.
The filing period for the 2026 elections across North Carolina — both primaries and general elections — opened on Monday and will close Friday, Dec. 19.
Featured image via Chatham County Sheriff’s Office
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