ELECTION DAY · TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2026 · MIDDLESEX COUNTY, VIRGINIA
SCHOMBURG
FOR SHERIFF · MIDDLESEX COUNTY
Candidate for Middlesex County Sheriff

Kristen Schomburg

Twenty-five years of service on the streets, in the courtroom, and in the community — and a belief that Middlesex County deserves a leader who has already earned that trust.

25

Years in law enforcement

15+

Years investigating major cases

Top 1%

FBI National Academy, Session 286

20

Years living in Middlesex County

About Kristen

From Patrol Officer to Proven Leader

Kristen Schomburg didn’t choose law enforcement for a title — she chose it because she wanted to make a difference in people’s lives. For twenty-five years she has served Virginia communities on the front lines: working assigned patrol areas, investigating crimes, leading specialized units, and mentoring deputies into confident leaders.

Her path took her from public safety work at Newport News–Williamsburg International Airport, through the ranks at the Gloucester County Sheriff’s Office, and into leadership at the York-Poquoson Sheriff’s Office, where she currently serves as a Lieutenant overseeing Special Operations, the K-9 Unit, Bike Team, and Animal Services.

“I believe effective law enforcement begins with trust — building it every day through transparency, accountability, and a genuine commitment to the people we serve.”

— Kristen Schomburg

Skills & Experience

The Experience Middlesex County Needs

Proven Leadership

Kristen currently oversees Patrol, K-9, Animal Services, and Bike Team operations, and is playing a key role in developing and launching a new Marine Patrol unit. She previously led the Investigations Division, supervised personnel across multiple shifts, modernized departmental policies, and built high-performing teams.

Criminal Investigations

More than 15 years of hands-on investigative experience — complex death investigations, sexual assault, fraud, narcotics, property crimes, digital forensics, and Internet Crimes Against Children. A graduate of the 87th Session of the Virginia Department of Forensic Science Academy.

Budget & Fiscal Management

Extensive experience developing and managing departmental budgets, reclassifying positions, and justifying new roles to secure funding — balancing the tools deputies need against a duty to spend taxpayer dollars efficiently and transparently.

Community-First Policing

The Sheriff’s Office should work hand-in-hand with the community, not just respond when called. Kristen is committed to proactive strategies built on engagement, transparent leadership, and lasting relationships between deputies and residents.

Training & Mentorship

A certified instructor across multiple disciplines, Kristen has developed specialized training programs and mentored deputies at every stage of their careers — building the skills, judgment, and professionalism the community depends on.

Accountability & Integrity

Kristen has upheld departmental standards, conducted internal investigations, and evaluated personnel performance with fairness and consistency. Public trust is earned through clear accountability at every level — from the Sheriff to every member of the office.

Education & Credentials

Trained at the Highest Levels

FBI National Academy — Session 286

Quantico, Virginia. Advanced training in leadership, law, behavioral science, forensics, and executive-level management.

Bachelor of Science — Criminal Justice

University of Management & Technology, Arlington, Virginia.

Virginia Dept. of Forensic Science Academy

87th Session — Richmond, Virginia.

NACo Leadership Academy

Executive leadership development for local government professionals.

Hampton Roads Criminal Justice Training Academy

Newport News, Virginia — Basic Law Enforcement Academy 01A.

Specialized Training & Certifications

Thirty-Seven Certifications and Counting

A partial list of the specialized training Kristen has completed over 25 years of service.

FBI LEEDA Supervisor Leadership InstituteBasic Leadership InstituteCrisis Intervention TrainingMental Subjects & Substance AbuseALERRT Level I & Active Shooter ResponseAdvanced Narcotics InvestigationsHostage NegotiationsDigital Forensics — Cellebrite CCLO & CCPAInternet Crimes Against Children (ICAC)Homicide InvestigationsBasic Sex Crimes InvestigationsForce Science InstituteOfficer-Involved Shooting Response/InvestigationAdvanced Shooting ReconstructionGeneral InstructorASP InstructorField Training Officer InstructorEVOC Driver InstructorPhysical SurveillanceBasic Undercover OfficerSex Trafficking InvestigationsIdentifying Deceptive BehaviorsFire InvestigatorVDEM Emergency Management (ICS 300 & 400)Interview and Interrogation TechniquesPolice Bicycle Patrol CertificationApplied Ethics in ManagementHandwriting AnalysisBasic Photography for Crime ScenesProactive Disciplinary ToolsDEA Drug Trafficking & Criminal InterdictionCommunication & Liability Issues for SupervisorsFOIALawful Employment Practices25–100 Ton Boat Captain CoursePort of Virginia MIRT Search & Rescue ForumImplementing Animal Services into Law Enforcement
Awards & Recognition

Honored by Colleagues, Community, and Federal Partners

DEA Administrator Award — Outstanding Group Achievement 2024

United States Attorney’s Office — Public Service Award 2022

DEA Administrator Award — Outstanding Group Achievement 2021

York-Poquoson Sheriff’s Office — Sheriff’s Special Commendation 2017

Master Deputy 2016

Veterans of Foreign Wars (V.F.W.) — Deputy of the Year 2010

Pistol Marksman 2008

Patriot Ribbon 2006

Community Policing Award 2005

Deputy of the Quarter 2004

Why Middlesex County

This Isn’t a Career Move. It’s Personal.

Kristen has lived in Middlesex County for 20 years. She has watched this community grow, and she understands the challenges of protecting a rural county — from response times across a wide geographic area to the need for stronger partnerships between law enforcement and the people they serve.

Over the years she has advocated for the Middlesex County Sheriff’s Office through equipment donations from the York-Poquoson Sheriff’s Office, specialized training to strengthen deputies’ skills, and public safety support at the Urbanna Oyster Festival through the YPSO Bike Team.

Ready on Day One

Kristen has spent 25 years preparing for this moment — leading teams, managing budgets, solving crimes, and serving communities across Virginia.