Terry Grey
Terry Grey has a solid battle plan backing his candidacy announcement for the 2026 Graham County Sheriff race.
"As sheriff, my focus will be to ensure safe and fair treatment to all citizens of Graham County; based on my faith, love of family, trust in those I work for (citizens of Graham County/state of North Carolina), and love of my country," Grey's announcement reads.
A member of the United States Coast Guard for 25 years, Grey served as a federal law enforcement officer. His announcement bolsters an impressive resume, including operations on counter narcotics and terrorism; Joint Task forces with local, state and federal law enforcement agencies; time spent as a maritime search and rescue officer; a critical infrastructure security officer; and Incident Command System coordinator/instructor.
"I strongly believe that my extensive federal law enforcement background, leadership as a commissioned officer, and desire for positive change, make me the strongest candidate as your next Graham County Sheriff," reads another portion of Grey's announcement.
If elected, Grey also plans to utilize his deeply-rooted faith to carry out his duties.
"One of the greatest driving factors for me is faith," Grey's announcement says. "Faith in the Lord and Savior Jesus Christ emboldened me and brought me to the point in my life where I can best serve Him and His will. Through His word, I will dutifully discharge fair and equal treatment, for all those who call Graham County home."
Terry and his wife Jessica together have five children. His faith-based announcement emphasized the importance of keeping families safe.
"Family safety and security are paramount; not only for my family, but all families alike," says Grey's announcement. "It is imperative that we, as a community, create an environment where families can thrive."
Grey has already held one of his planned public forums, which he invites anyone with questions to attend. The next one is set to be held from 3:30-7 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 6, at the Jacob Cornsilk Community Complex (60 Snowbird School Road, Robbinsville); another will follow from 3:30-7 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 13, at the Lake Santeetlah Community Center (4445 Tapoco Road, Robbinsville).
His announcement begins with a quote by Ronald Reagan, which Grey says "exemplifies my true feelings of what we, as a community, are responsible for, for our future generations."
“Freedom is never more than one generation away from extinction," the quote begins. "We didn’t pass it to our children in the bloodstream. It must be fought for, protected, and handed on for them to do the same, or one day, we will spend our sunset years, telling our children, and our children’s children, what it was once like in the United States, where men were free.”