== Biography ==
Buddy Harwood is a resident of Madison County, North Carolina. He has a background in law enforcement and has served in various capacities within the sheriff's department.

Buddy Harwood (Madison County Sheriff, North Carolina, candidate 2026)

Buddy Harwood has worked in law enforcement and served in various capacities within the sheriff's department.

Buddy Harwood (Madison County Sheriff, North Carolina, candidate ...

Sheriff's Office

Sheriff: Buddy Harwood

Phone: 828-649-2721

Sheriff's Office | Madison County, North Carolina

Office Holder/Candidate Profile
Buddy Harwood

Currently holds the office of Madison County Sheriff until December 31, 2026.

Candidate for Madison County Sheriff in 2026 North Carolina General Election.

Buddy Harwood | BallotReady

Buddy currently serves as Madison County sheriff.

Sheriff's Office - Madison County

2026 North Carolina General Election

Madison County Sheriff Buddy Harwood announced details of the plan during a press conference in June.

During the press conference, Harwood argued that we’ve seen that a deputy armed with a handgun is not always enough to stop certain situations. Because of this, Harwood said he decided to arm every school resource officer with an AR-15 rifle with optics and accessories.

According to Harwood, all the rifles and accessories were bought using money donated by residents in Madison County.

NC sheriff's office puts AR-15s in schools to prepare for emergencies

Said the Madison County Sheriff's Office would stop using Facebook.

The Madison County Sheriff's Office won't be putting up with it any longer, the sheriff said.

"Oh, I'm done with Facebook. I know Facebook won't shut down, but the Madison County Sheriff's Office is done with Facebook," he said. "It's time we stand up and say, 'Hey, we've had enough.'"

He said the department plans to create its own website to disseminate important information and will continue to rely on local media partners.

Madison County Sheriff's Office Facebook page suspended after flag post, sheriff says

As sheriff, armed every school resource officer with AR-15 rifles equipped with optics and accessories.

- As sheriff, armed every school resource officer with AR-15 rifles equipped with optics and accessories.

Public Safety

As of April 6, 2026, Buddy Harwood did not have a website or any information online.

Jail Management

Criminal Justice

Facebook

Buddy Harwood

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

Instagram

Buddy previously ran for Madison County Sheriff in 2022.

Buddy Harwood cruises to victory in Madison County sheriff race

For Candidate Buddy Harwood on Issue public-safety: Supports equipping law enforcement officers in schools with AR-15s for emergency response to potential school shootings.

Buddy previously ran for Madison County sheriff in 2022.

For Candidate Buddy Harwood on Issue public-safety:  
Supports law enforcement officers in schools having access to AR-15s locked in safes for emergency situations.

Buddy previously served as the Madison County sheriff.

As sheriff, announced that Madison County Sheriff's Office law enforcement officers working in Madison County Schools will have access to AR-15s locked in safes in the event of a school shooting.

Isaac Brickman

Buket Urgen

Robin Lyles

- 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. 