Sheriff Scott Hammonds defeated his opponent, Kelly Cox, with only 302 votes separating the candidates. Hammonds will run against Democratic candidate Corey Dixon of Aurora in November.

Beaufort County primary election results recapped

Corey Dixon is from Aurora, North Carolina.

In the fall, Hammonds will face Democrat Corey Dixon of Aurora in the general election.

“I’m really excited with how they turned out,” Hammonds said after results came in. “I just want say thank you to my supporters Beaufort County, I think the outcome is exactly what Beaufort County deserves.”

Kelly Cox shared his reaction to election results.

“Anytime you run, you want the results to go into your favor but that’s the good thing about democracy, when the people speak you got to accept the results,” he said. “When you’re going up against an incumbent, it comes with its own set of challenges and everything like that. But I’m incredibly proud of our campaign team, my family, my wife, my children.”

Cox will continue his role with the Craven County Sheriff’s Office.

Democrat Corey Dixon who holds 20 years of experience in law enforcement shared his campaign message for November’s general election.

“One of the biggest things, I want to build a better relationship between law enforcement and the community,” he said. “I don’t want to make any personal jabs at anyone I just want to address the issues that we have.”

Hammonds defeats Cox in close Beaufort County sheriff primary

Corey Dixon has 20 years of experience in law enforcement.

Corey has 20 years of experience in law enforcement.

Corey Dixon (Beaufort County Sheriff, North Carolina, candidate 2026)

Corey is a first-time candidate for political office.

2026 North Carolina General Election

Democrat Corey Dixon who holds 20 years of experience in law enforcement shared his campaign message for November’s general election.

“One of the biggest things, I want to build a better relationship between law enforcement and the community,” he said. “I don’t want to make any personal jabs at anyone I just want to address the issues that we have.”

Wants to build a better relationship between law enforcement and the community.

- Wants to build a better relationship between law enforcement and the community.

Public Safety

As of January 5, 2026, Corey Dixon did not have a website or any information online.

Jail Management

Criminal Justice

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Corey Dixon

As of January 5, 2026, Corey Dixon’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Isaac Brickman

Buket Urgen

Scott Hammonds

- The sheriff is responsible for enforcing the law, managing security in jails and courtrooms. They also oversee daily conditions of the jail and inmates in custody and serve legal documents such as warrants and eviction notices. Their ultimate responsibility is to protect the community. 

Responsible for enforcing the law and overseeing jails. 