Beaufort CountySheriff Candidates 2026
For the first time in nearly a generation, Beaufort County faces an open Sheriff’s race. After three decades of service, longtime Sheriff P.J. Tanner announced he would not seek reelection — making 2026 one of the most important local elections this county has seen in years. Meet Doug Seifert, the 20-year Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office veteran running to lead next.
The 2026 Beaufort County Sheriff’s Race
The Beaufort County Sheriff election in 2026 is one of the most consequential local races in the Lowcountry. After nearly 30 years of service, Sheriff P.J. Tanner announced he would not seek reelection — opening the door for a new era of public safety leadership in Beaufort County.
The Republican Primary is Tuesday, June 9, 2026. With Sheriff Tanner stepping aside, the primary winner will be heavily favored heading into the November general election. That makes the June 9 vote the moment Beaufort County residents pick who will actually run the Sheriff’s Office for the next four years.
Three candidates have filed for the 2026 Beaufort County Sheriff’s race. On the Republican side, Doug Seifert and JoJo Woodward (who previously challenged Sheriff Tanner in the 2018 and 2022 Republican primaries) will face off in the June 9 Republican Primary. On the Democratic side, Alphonso Small Jr. has filed and will appear on the November general election ballot. The Republican Primary winner advances to face the Democratic nominee in the general election in November 2026.
Doug Seifert filed his candidacy just two minutes after the filing period opened on March 16, 2026 — the first candidate in the race. He brings 20 years inside the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office and a full plan for what comes next.
Key Facts: Beaufort County Sheriff Election 2026
- Republican Primary Date: Tuesday, June 9, 2026
- Polling Hours: 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM
- ID Required: Valid Photo ID
- Outgoing Sheriff: P.J. Tanner (not seeking reelection after ~30 years of service)
- Jurisdiction: Beaufort County, South Carolina (includes Hilton Head Island, Bluffton, Beaufort, and surrounding Lowcountry communities)
- First Candidate to File: Doug Seifert (filed March 16, 2026)
Doug SeifertFor Beaufort County Sheriff
Doug Seifert isn’t a newcomer to public safety. He’s spent 20 years inside the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office, rising through the ranks from frontline enforcement to Lieutenant of the Southern Enforcement Branch. He has worked the road, led investigations, supervised deputies, and built relationships across every community in this county.
Before Beaufort, Doug served as a Town Councilman in North Bend, Ohio, building his foundation in civic leadership and public accountability. Today he is a proud Hilton Head Republican and Lowcountry resident running to be the next Beaufort County Sheriff.
When Sheriff Tanner announced he would not seek reelection, Doug was ready. He resigned as Lieutenant and filed for Sheriff two minutes after the filing window opened — because this has always been his goal.
Doug Seifert’s Six Priorities
Six clear priorities for a safer Beaufort County. Real plans, real strategies, and leadership voters can trust on day one.
Stronger Community Engagement
A dedicated Community Engagement Team, regular town halls, and expanded programs like the Citizens Police Academy and Junior Deputy Academy to keep BCSO visible and connected.
Deputy Recruitment & Retention
Competitive pay year over year, stronger retention so experienced deputies build careers here, and recruiting efforts across the Southeast to bring in the best.
Reducing Violent Crime
Targeted enforcement against violent offenders, smart resource allocation where violent crime is driving harm, and community trust that helps residents cooperate with investigations.
Smarter Fraud & Scam Response
A dedicated fraud response phone line, online reporting, public education campaigns, and real-time alerts to help residents protect themselves before damage is done.
Real Traffic Enforcement
A dedicated Traffic Enforcement Team, coordinated work with SC Highway Patrol, more safety checkpoints, and continued use of in-house prosecutors to keep deputies on the road.
Focused Drug Enforcement
Targeted interdiction against suppliers and traffickers, coordinated regional, state, and federal partnerships, and strategic enforcement where drug activity drives violence and theft.
Frequently Asked Questions
Doug Seifert is running for Beaufort County Sheriff in the 2026 Republican Primary. Doug is a 20-year veteran of the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office and former Lieutenant of the Southern Enforcement Branch. He filed his candidacy on March 16, 2026 — the first candidate in the race. Read his full background →
The Republican Primary is Tuesday, June 9, 2026. Polls open from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM. South Carolina also offers early in-person voting and absentee-by-mail options. The general election follows in November 2026. See voting options →
Longtime Sheriff P.J. Tanner announced he would not seek reelection after nearly three decades of service. That decision created the first open Sheriff’s race in Beaufort County in nearly a generation — making the June 9 Republican Primary one of the most consequential local elections this county has seen in years.
Doug Seifert is a Hilton Head Republican and Lowcountry resident who has served Beaufort County for 20 years inside the Sheriff’s Office. Before Beaufort County, he served as a Town Councilman in North Bend, Ohio — building his foundation in civic leadership and public accountability.
Doug Seifert has six clear priorities: stronger community engagement, deputy recruitment and retention, reducing violent crime, smarter fraud and scam response, real traffic enforcement, and focused drug enforcement with regional partners. Read the full plan →
Doug is hosting meet-and-greet events across Beaufort County before the June 9 primary — including stops in St. Helena Island, Seabrook, and Beaufort. All events are open to the public. See upcoming events →
You can support Doug Seifert by voting on June 9, sharing the campaign with friends and neighbors, requesting a yard sign, volunteering, or donating to help take his message across the county. Donate to the campaign → · Get involved →
Republican Primary
Tuesday, June 9, 2026
Your vote on June 9 will shape the next era of public safety in Beaufort County. Polls open 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM. Bring a valid Photo ID. Make a plan, bring a friend, and vote.