Voters in North Carolina will decide the future of 24 county sheriff offices this November, with incumbents in many counties seeking re‑election while a wave of challengers call for change, transparency, and stronger community ties.
Chatham County: A call to break the “rinse‑repeat” cycle
After a 14‑year tenure, former Chatham County Sheriff Richard Webster handed the office to Democrat Mike Roberson in 2016. Roberson later appointed his chief deputy, Steve Maynor, as his successor before stepping down earlier this year. Maynor now faces Republican probation and parole officer Marcus Globuschutz, who argues that the pattern of mid‑cycle appointments has left citizens without true accountability.
“It’s the same rinse and repeat; it’s not getting any better,” Globuschutz said. He warned that long‑standing sheriffs can become complacent, making it hard for residents to get answers or see real progress on property crimes and drug issues.
Wilson County: New faces, new priorities
In Wilson County, Democrat Brandon Barbrey and Republican Bobby Knight are vying for an open seat after Sheriff Calvin Woodard announced his retirement after 16 years. Barbrey, a longtime employee of the Sheriff’s Office, contrasts with Knight, who has served in neighboring Nash County.
Knight criticized Barbrey as “part of the machine” and argued that “everything needs to change at least once” to improve the office.
Beaufort County: Experience versus youthful vigor
Democrat Corey Dixon, a former Gaston police chief and gang drug investigator, is challenging first‑term Republican Sheriff Scott Hammonds. Dixon emphasized the need for programs that address repeat offenders and addiction, rather than merely focusing on arrests.
Drug‑related challenges across the state
Republican Sheriff Edward Basnight of Chowan County noted that while overdose rates are slowing, the fight continues. He supports formalizing collaboration with the State Bureau of Investigation and permanently assigning drug investigators.
Basnight also highlighted a recent budget provision that offers a one‑time $1,750 bonus to officers, but he urged lawmakers to provide longer‑term funding to support recruitment and retention.
Innovative approaches from candidates
Person County Democrat Dennis Allen, a retired sheriff’s deputy, proposes a re‑entry program that pairs mental‑health support with incarceration, aiming to reduce repeat offenses.
Globuschutz plans to create a city‑county drug task force in Chatham County, working with state and federal partners while also advocating for strict prison sentences for drug traffickers.
Community visibility as a policing priority
Sheriff Basnight has made a point of greeting high‑school students each morning, fostering trust between deputies and families. Former Richmond County deputy Ty Rucker praised past sheriff James Clemmons for keeping deputies visible in schools and community events, a practice he feels has waned under current leadership.
Other candidates, such as Bobby Knight, suggest expanding sheriff offices’ presence on social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram to keep citizens informed.
What voters should consider
As the primary elections approach, North Carolina voters are being asked to weigh experience against fresh perspectives, and to consider how each candidate plans to address drug addiction, community engagement, and law‑enforcement transparency. The outcomes will shape how sheriff offices operate and interact with the communities they serve for the next four years.
Original reporting: Carolina Public Press — read the source article.
