Johnson re-elected sheriff; commissioners and school board winners named

Terry S. Johnson secured another term as Alamance County sheriff, winning re-election with roughly 59.18% of the vote in the midterm tally posted Jan. 12, 2026. The result cements continuity in county law enforcement leadership at a time when sheriff’s office direction affects patrol priorities, jail operations and community policing across Burlington, Graham and surrounding townships.

Down-ballot contests produced clear outcomes in county government. In the two-seat Alamance County commission race, Craig Turner and Steve Carter emerged as the top vote-getters, claiming the seats that will shape budget decisions, land-use policy and county service priorities over the next term. Voters also decided seats on the Alamance-Burlington Board of Education, where Dan W. Ingle, Charles Parker and Chuck Marsh were listed among the winners with reported vote shares in the snapshot of results.

The local results were accompanied by a broader rundown of county and statewide judicial and legislative races, providing a full picture of representation changes at both the county and state level. Judicial and legislative outcomes influence how state and local rules are interpreted and implemented here at home, particularly in criminal justice and education funding.

For Alamance County residents, these outcomes matter in practical ways. The sheriff’s re-election means existing enforcement priorities and departmental leadership are likely to continue, affecting everything from staffing and training to community outreach efforts. The county commission majority will decide tax rates, capital projects and how federal and state funds are allocated to local services. School board memberships set classroom policies, superintendent oversight and school budget priorities that directly affect students, parents and teachers in Burlington and Graham.

The Jan. 12 posting of detailed percentages gives residents a road map of who will represent them and where to direct questions or concerns. Newly elected officials typically begin transition activities in the weeks after results are certified; the coming weeks will be the first practical test of campaign promises and an opportunity for residents to engage with officeholders at meetings and public hearings.

The takeaway? Pay attention to how these leaders follow through. Attend the next county commission and school board meetings, sign up for local agendas, and hold officials to the priorities they campaigned on. Our two cents? Democracy here depends on more than ballots—showing up to speak, listen and vote in the next cycle is how Alamance keeps local government responsive.