Fred "Chip" Hughes

Fred "Chip" Hughes is a candidate for Craven County Sheriff Primary Election in 2026 in New Bern, North Carolina. Running as Republican.

Incumbent Craven County Sheriff in Trent Woods, North Carolina

Also running: Calvin Williams.

Chip Hughes has been the Sheriff of Craven County since 2018. His career in public service began in the United States Air Force, where he worked as a narcotics investigator in Germany. He then served for 14 years with the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, reaching the rank of Sergeant. After leaving the highway patrol, he worked as an executive for a public safety technology company. Hughes has served as Chairman of the Governor's Crime Commission and is the current Chairman of the North Carolina Sheriff's Association Legislative Committee. He grew up in the Trent Woods community in Craven County.