Leon Allen
In his second bid for sheriff, county native Leon Allen is building a campaign based around his strong belief in God and his passion for the community.
"This county is my home," reads a portion of Allen's candidacy announcement. "This is where I was born and raised, and you are the community where I truly feel a sense of belonging. I have spent a significant part of my life committed to serving you and I know firsthand the struggles and adversity that we must overcome. I also know the battles that lie before us.
"I know that I am by no means a perfect person. I am nothing and can do nothing without My Lord. I constantly seek His guidance in all that I do while praying for His perfect will to be done."
Allen will be one of many who undoubtedly visits the Graham County Board of Elections at noon Dec. 1, when filing for 2026 races officially opens. A Republican, Allen will be part of a crowded primary that will take place March 3.
Though Allen's announcement did not delve into specifics, it did assure his supporters of one thing: an open-door policy.
"I want to be the kind of sheriff that this county can be proud of," Allen's announcement says. "I want to serve my people with morals, values, integrity, respect, compassion, kindness and with love. I want to treat everyone the way I want to be treated, because we all deserve nothing less than that. It is our duty, as a child of God.
"I want to run an office where the citizens can come at any time and receive help. I want you to be able to confide in me and my staff without fear or criticism. I want to build strong relationships with the citizens, other agencies within the county and outside of the county.
"I want to address all the issues that we have as a county to keep our people and their property safe.
I have so many ideas and good plans for this county: plans that will help us as a community and help our children and our grandchildren. I want to humbly serve and protect the people."
Allen's announcement concludes with another humble campaign promise: accountability to the community.
"I am not interested in being sheriff for power or for an ego trip," Allen's announcement states. "I want to ensure that authority remains in the hands of the people. You will be the ones I would be accountable to. I aim to do what is right: morally, ethically, legally, constitutionally and – most importantly – Biblically. I want to serve you with loyalty and the love that God has placed in my heart, working for the betterment of this county and its citizens.
“Together you and I – with The Good Lord’s help – can and will bring about the positive change that this county so desperately needs."
* Editor's note: If you are a candidate running for office (commissioner or sheriff, for example) in 2026 and are interested in reaching thousand of voters, call The Graham Star at 828-479-3383, for details on our election package. At press time, we have not received announcements from any other candidates.