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Sheriff, Wake County

Vote for
1
Term
4 years
Candidates
2
Election
Nov 3, 2026

What this office does: The sheriff is the county's chief law enforcement officer and runs the county jail.

CandidatesCompare by issue

Public safety

  • Kenny BlackwellRepublican

    • Pledges to target drugs and human trafficking
    • Proposes raising pay for deputies and detention officers

  • Willie RoweDemocratic

    • Supports more deputy presence and engagement in communities
    • Proposes a Sheriff's Advisory Council to review office performance
    • Pledges to fill vacancies and maintain sufficient staffing
    • Supports deputies mentoring in schools and coaching youth

Government & transparency

  • Kenny BlackwellRepublican

    • Pledges a transparent, accountable and accessible sheriff's office

  • Willie RoweDemocratic

    No documented position found.

Challengers are listed first and incumbents last; otherwise candidates appear in ballot order. The Gist does not rank, rate or endorse candidates. Only positions backed by a cited source are shown; 2 issues covered in this race.