Van Shaw, the incumbent Cabarrus County sheriff and a Republican, is running for reelection in the 2026 general election.

Shaw's career spans military service and more than three decades in law enforcement. He served in the U.S. Army and Army Reserves before spending years with the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation and the Cabarrus County Sheriff's Office.

Candidate information

  • Office sought: Cabarrus County Sheriff
  • Party: Republican
  • Election date: Nov. 3, 2026
  • Ballot status: Certified for the ballot
  • Education: Bachelor's degree in political science, Elon University (1985); master of business administration, Pfeiffer University (2003)
  • Campaign website: vanshawforsheriff.com

Experience and public service

Shaw's career history, according to BallotReady profile data:

  • 2nd lieutenant, U.S. Army (1985–1991)
  • 1st lieutenant, U.S. Army Reserves (1991–1995)
  • Special agent, North Carolina SBI, Southern Piedmont District: resident criminal and drug agent for Cabarrus and Rowan counties (1987–1999)
  • Assistant special agent in charge, North Carolina SBI, Southern Piedmont District: supervised criminal and drug agents assigned to Cabarrus and Rowan counties (1999–2001)
  • Assistant special agent in charge, Diversion and Environmental Crimes Unit (2001–2006)
  • Assistant special agent in charge, Special Services Unit (2006–2011)
  • Deputy assistant director, Special Operations Division (2011–2014)
  • Deputy director, North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation (2014–2015)
  • Lieutenant, Cabarrus County Sheriff's Office Criminal Investigative Division (2015–2018)
  • Sheriff, Cabarrus County (2018–present)

On the issues

Criminal justice and public safety

Shaw said on his campaign website that one of the sheriff's most important roles is ensuring state laws and county ordinances are enforced "to ensure order and safety for all citizens."

"We have to maintain a safe community to continue to have an environment that fosters economic growth, provides safe schools, and security in our homes," Shaw said, adding that he wants to lead that effort and said he has the leadership skills to accomplish those goals.

The Concord-Harrisburg Herald sent Shaw a questionnaire for this election. He had not responded as of publication.