2026 North Carolina General Election

“Warren County is home to me,” Branche said. “It’s where I raised a family and where I’ve worked for the last 23 years.”

The Warren Record candidate-announcement article

Sheriff's office chief deputy announces candidacy for sheriff | News

He began his law enforcement career with the Warren County Sheriff’s Office in 1998 with a position at the Warren County Detention Center, ultimately reaching the rank of sergeant-supervisor. Branche completed his training with the Warren County Sheriff’s Office through Vance-Granville Community College.

He then moved to patrol duties. In 2006, he became the lieutenant of investigations and, later, head of investigations.

In 2018, Branche became the captain of the Warren County Sheriff’s Office. Two years later, that position was reclassified with the title of chief deputy major.

With state certification as a trainer and coordinator, Branche has served as a law enforcement trainer for the past eight years and now coordinates all training for the sheriff’s office.

John previously worked as chief deputy and major with the Warren County Sheriff’s Office, where he coordinated training and served as a law enforcement trainer. He also worked in investigations and patrol, and at the Warren County Detention Center, where he reached the rank of sergeant-supervisor.

John previously worked as a law enforcement trainer, chief deputy, and major with the Warren County Sheriff’s Office. He also worked in investigations and patrol, and at the Warren County Detention Center, where he reached the rank of sergeant-supervisor.

During its regular meeting earlier this month, the Warren County Board of Commissioners appointed Major John Branche of the Warren County Sheriff’s Office as interim sheriff from Dec. 1-4, following Sheriff Williams’ retirement. Branche will officially take the oath of office as sheriff on Dec. 5.

The Warren Record sheriff-transition article

Warren Sheriff John Branche (D) Sheriff John Branche (D)
Washington Sheriff Johnny Barnes (D) William Downing (D)

2026 Election (PDF)

John currently serves as Warren County sheriff. He was appointed interim sheriff following Sheriff Williams' retirement and took the oath of office as sheriff on Dec. 5.

John currently serves as Warren County sheriff. 

Branche repeated his goal of increased community involvement, especially to change the perception of law enforcement among young people. ‘We need more community involvement to have the citizens trust the process, to feel better about talking to us,” Branche said. I want to establish connections with the community and get young people to understand that we are for them and not to be afraid.”

Sheriff John Branche approached the Board to discuss challenges in Law Enforcement. He currently only has two deputies patrolling the entire county at a time because they are short staffed. There is an immediate need to raise the starting salary for Deputies. Sheriff Branche also stated that due to increased safety concerns, the department is going to be moving to body cameras. He also hopes that if he can hire more staff he will be able to allow all Deputies more time to attend training.

MINUTES FROM THE STRATEGIC WORK SESSION HELD BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS FOR THE COUNTY OF WARREN (Feb. 15, 2023)

Sheriff John Branche stated there are items, such as a generator, at the jail that must be addressed. Sheriff Branche also noted a need for tablets for inmates to use to communicate with relatives. Sheriff Branche would like to look into having medically trained staff on-site so that inmates do not have to go out for medical treatment as often. During grant season, Sheriff Branche will apply for grants to purchase body cameras for law enforcement staff. There is also a need to replace handheld radios that are now obsolete.

MINUTES FROM THE MONTHLY MEETING HELD BY THE BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS FOR THE COUNTY OF WARREN IN THE WARREN COUNTY ARMORY CIVIC CENTER, MEETING ROOM ON MONDAY, JANUARY 18, 2023 AT 2:00 PM

Advocates for community involvement to build trust and help young people feel safe talking with law enforcement.

Plans to continue training sheriff's office staff to develop their law-enforcement skills.

Calls for higher starting pay and additional staffing for deputies.

Plans to seek grant funding for body cameras for law-enforcement staff.

Calls for replacing obsolete handheld radios.

- Advocates for community involvement to build trust and help young people feel safe talking with law enforcement.
- Calls for higher starting pay and additional staffing for deputies.
- Plans to seek grant funding for body cameras for law-enforcement staff.
- Calls for replacing obsolete handheld radios.

Public Safety

Sheriff John Branche stated there are items, such as a generator, at the jail that must be addressed. Sheriff Branche also noted a need for tablets for inmates to use to communicate with relatives. Sheriff Branche would like to look into having medically trained staff on-site so that inmates do not have to go out for medical treatment as often.

Calls for addressing jail infrastructure needs, including a generator.

Calls for tablets that allow inmates to communicate with relatives.

Plans to explore having medically trained staff on-site to reduce off-site treatment for inmates.

- Calls for addressing jail infrastructure needs, including a generator.
- Calls for tablets that allow inmates to communicate with relatives.
- Plans to explore having medically trained staff on-site to reduce off-site treatment for inmates.

Jail Management

Plans to partner with the community and apply the law professionally, with empathy and understanding.

As of April 6, 2026, John A. Branche did not have a website or any information online.

Criminal Justice

Facebook

John A. Branche

- Calls for higher starting pay and additional staffing for deputies.
- Plans to seek grant funding for body cameras for law-enforcement staff.
- Calls for replacing obsolete handheld radios.

John A. Branche is from Vance County, North Carolina. He attended Vance-Granville Community College. He has lived in Warren County for the past 30 years. 

John is a law enforcement officer with the Warren County Sheriff's Office, where he has worked for 23 years. He currently serves as chief deputy major.

John is currently the sheriff of Warren County. Before that, he served as chief deputy major of the Warren County Sheriff's Office.

As of April 6, 2026, John A. Branche’s website did not contain information on this issue.

John A. Branche is from Vance County, North Carolina. He completed his training with the Warren County Sheriffs Office through Vance-Granville Community College. He has lived in Warren County for the past 30 years. 

John is a law enforcement officer with the Warren County Sheriff's Office, where he has worked for the past 23 years.

John previously served as chief deputy major of the Warren County Sheriff's Office.

John A. Branche has lived in Warren County for 30 years. He has worked for the Warren County Sheriff's Office for 23 years. He is a father.

John is the chief deputy major at the Warren County Sheriff's Office, where he has worked since 1998. He previously worked at the Warren County Detention Center. 

John is currently a deputy with the Warren County Sheriff's Office.

John A. Branche has lived in Warren County for 30 years. He has worked for the Warren County Sheriff's office for 23 years. He is a father.

John is a law enforcement officer with the Warren County Sheriff's Office, where he has worked for 23 years. 

John is currently the chief deputy of the Warren County Sheriff's Office.

Chazzy Bailey

Buket Urgen

- 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. 

Warren Sheriff

Candidates (1)