Joe Shook

Joe previously served as sheriff from 2006 to 2010. 

Joe previously served as Clay County sheriff from 2006 to 2010. He ran for re-election in 2010 but did not win. He also ran for Clay County sheriff in 2022 but did not win.

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Joe previously served as Clay County Sheriff from 2006 to 2010.

Joe is a former sheriff. He worked at the Clay County Sheriff's Office as sheriff from 2006 until 2010.

Joe is a former sheriff. He worked at the Clay County Sheriff’s Office from 2006 until 2010. He previously ran in the Republican primary for Clay County Sheriff in 2022.

Joe previously served as sheriff from 2006 to 2010.

Joe previously served as Clay County sheriff from 2006 to 2010. He ran for sheriff again in 2022 but did not win. He has filed to run for sheriff again in 2026.

Buket Urgen

DAs won't seek charges against former Clay County employee ...

Mark Buchanan (Clay County Sheriff, North Carolina, candidate ...

Clay County Candidates File for 2026 Election Cycle

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Jail Management

Criminal Justice

Mark Buchanan

Mark Buchanan is from Sylva, North Carolina. He has a bachelor 27s degree in criminal justice and law enforcement from Western Carolina University. He and his wife, Rhonda, have two daughters and ten grandchildren. He attends Hayesville First United Methodist Church.

Mark is the sheriff of Clay County. He previously worked as an assistant special agent in charge for the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation. Before that, he worked as a patrol officer and detective for the Jackson County, North Carolina, Sheriff's Office for six and a half years. 

Mark previously ran for Clay County sheriff in 2022.

Mark previously worked as a patrol officer and detective for the Jackson County, NC Sheriff's Office for 6.5 years. He then worked for the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation until his retirement in 2011. He retired as the assistant special agent in charge for the six westernmost counties in North Carolina. 

Mark is currently the Clay County Sheriff. He was elected in 2022 and is serving his first term.

Mark is a retired law enforcement officer. He previously worked for the Jackson County, North Carolina Sheriff's Office as a patrol officer and detective for six and a half years. He then began employment with the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation until retirement in 2011. He retired as the assistant special agent in charge for the six westernmost North Carolina counties. After retiring, he continued to serve as a volunteer sworn deputy with the Clay County Sheriff's Office. 

Mark is currently the Clay County Sheriff. He was elected in 2022 and is currently serving his first term.

Mark is from Sylva, North Carolina. He attended Western Carolina University. He has a bachelor's degree in criminal justice and law enforcement from Western Carolina University. He lives with his wife, Rhonda, and their two daughters. He attends Hayesville First United Methodist Church.

Mark Buchanan's campaign for Clay County Sheriff is his first entry into politics.

Mark is a retired law enforcement officer. He previously worked as a patrol officer and detective for the Jackson County, North Carolina, Sheriff's Office for six and a half years. He then worked for the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation until his retirement in 2011. He retired as the assistant special agent in charge for the six westernmost counties in North Carolina. After retiring, he continued to serve as a volunteer sworn deputy with the Clay County Sheriff's Office. 

Clay Sheriff, Republican Primary

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