Gary Parris grew up in Alexander, NC. He has a bachelor's degree from the University of New York, a master's in strategic intelligence from the Joint Military Intelligence College, and a master's in public administration from Troy University in Alabama. He has a wife, three children, and five grandchildren. 

Gary is retired. He previously worked as a deputy sheriff at the Buncombe County Sheriff’s Office. He then served in the U.S. Navy for 22 years in cryptology and naval intelligence, including multiple deployments to the Gulf, retiring as a senior chief. After leaving the Navy, he worked in criminal justice and corrections, serving as a captain at a level-five maximum security prison.

Former Navy intelligence officer announces bid for Buncombe ...

Gary is retired. He previously worked as a deputy sheriff and captain. He served in the U.S. Navy for 22 years. 

Gary Parris's campaign for Buncombe County Sheriff is his first entry into politics.

Gary's campaign for Buncombe County Sheriff is his first entry into politics.

Plans to strengthen partnership between deputies, teachers, and school staff to make schools safer.

Plans to update school law enforcement training, policies, and technology to "match the threat environment of 2026 and beyond."

Values keeping families safe and plans to ensure deputies have proper training and tools.

Wants to rebuild relationships with elected officials, local municipalities, law enforcement partners, and emergency responders to form a more cohesive unit.

- Plans to strengthen partnership between deputies, teachers, and school staff to make schools safer.
- Plans to update school law enforcement training, policies, and technology to "match the threat environment of 2026 and beyond."
- Values keeping families safe and plans to ensure deputies have proper training and tools.
- Wants to rebuild relationships with elected officials, local municipalities, law enforcement partners, and emergency responders to form a more cohesive unit.

Public Safety

As of April 6, 2026, Gary Parris’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Jail Management

Somebody, do something!: WNC leaders plead for fixes to broken ...

Plans to improve the climate and culture within the Sheriff's Office with a focus on fairness, quality, and honesty.

Plans to create a service office to help victims navigate the justice system.

Supports rebuilding the county's Driving While Intoxicated Task Force.

- Plans to improve the climate and culture within the Sheriff's Office with a focus on fairness, quality, and honesty.
- Plans to create a service office to help victims navigate the justice system.
- Supports rebuilding the county's Driving While Intoxicated Task Force.

Criminal Justice

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Gary Parris

Buket Urgen

Quentin Miller

Quentin Miller is from Asheville, North Carolina. He graduated from Asheville High School. He holds an Advanced Law Enforcement Certificate from the North Carolina Department of Justice and graduated from the Administrative Officers Management Program at North Carolina State University. He and his wife, Karen, live in the Avery's Creek community of Buncombe County and have ten grandchildren.

Meet the Sheriff - Buncombe County Sheriff

Sheriff Quentin Miller seeks third term in office, will face challenger ...

Quentin is currently the Buncombe County Sheriff. He is currently serving his third term.

Sheriff releases statement on ICE raids on Buncombe Co. church ...

As Sheriff, implemented a policy of not honoring ICE Detainers without a valid warrant.

For Candidate Quentin Miller on Issue jail-management:  
Implemented a Duty to Intervene Policy and banned No-Knock Warrants.

Supports the launch of a Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) Drug Treatment Program at the jail.

For Candidate Quentin Miller on Issue jail-management: Supports granting pay raises for deputies based on their training and education.

For Candidate Quentin Miller on Issue jail-management: Supports adding dash cams to patrol vehicles.

Supports the Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) Program in Buncombe County as part of addressing substance abuse issues.

- 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. 

Buncombe Sheriff

Candidates (2)