H.E.L.P. The sheriffs race has attracted the most attention because of the continuing problems at the countys jails. Prior to joining WFAE, Steve worked at the Charlotte Observer, where he started on the business desk, then covered politics extensively as the Observers lead city government reporter. Heres what to know, RELATED: North Carolinas May 17 primary will help determine the state legislatures future, Chase Elliott out of NASCAR indefinitely after tibia surgery, Tom Sizemore, 'Saving Private Ryan' actor, has died at 61, CMS plans best use of federal COVID aid windfall in the year left to spend it, What's making us happy: A guide to your weekend listening and viewing. She will also be up against one of two Republican candidates in the general election. Who are they? We note below if the candidate failed to return our questionnaire. We will commit in writing to support local police departments by agreeing to house arrestees pre-arraignment. Updated: 12:34 PM EDT May 18, 2022 MECKLENBURG COUNTY, N.C. Mecklenburg County Sheriff Garry McFadden held onto his office in Tuesday's Democratic primary, defeating . Freelance journalist Jesse Remedios contributed to this reporting. Check back for updates and additions throughout election season. There are six Democrats for three at-large seats. What are Heroux's top priorities for the office?1) I want to make sure that inmates are participating in programs that will reduce recidivism. Pat McCrory and former Rep. Mark Walker in the polls in the race to replace retiring U.S. Sen. Richard Burr. Mecklenburg sheriffThe department charged with securing Mecklenburgs jail has serious challenges. This will include elevating inmate services to an executive level position, treating rehabilitation as an equal partner with safety and security; designing pre-release programming so that inmates about to be released are prepared to return to their communities; implementing internal addiction and mental health treatment programs which are linked to the non-profit, clinical and medical community on the outside so that inmates have a continuum of care after being released; reviving important programs like community work crews and the sheriffs tent, efforts that not only provided inmates with important training and community engagement, but benefitted the communities and non-profits in every corner of Cape Cod. Here are our picks: Mecklenburg district attorneyThe campaign offers a contrast in policy. Emry and Merriweather participated in the Sarah Stevenson Tuesday Forum last month, which you can watch, Oseguera boasts being a bilingual Spanish speaker as one of her qualifications. The winner will likely face Democrat Cheri Beasley in November. Here is a look at the other races, starting with the U.S. House. We have multi-faceted, evidence-based programming offering a multitude of different paths to long-term recovery. She worked closely with other sheriffs offices as well as the Massachusetts Sheriffs Association. You must be in line to vote by 7:30pm. City Council District 2Malcolm Graham deserves another term on council as District 2s representative. GOP leaders may move to restrict abortion if they do so. 2022 Election Season; 2024 Election Season; Candidates; Contributors; Committees; Payees; Lobbying; Search. Republicans: Business owner Jonathan Simpson,who says his partys been plagued by divisive rhetoric, immature leadership and an indelible political class; and Pat Harrigan, a combat veteran and Hickory resident who owns a firearms manufacturing company. State House Rep. Hunt, daughter of former Gov. As the Observer has previously reported, the department is struggling to fill more than 150 vacant positions in the jail. The focus remains on Republican candidates here: Wilson-based Beth Freshwater Smith, who focuses on juvenile justice, faces Donna Stroud, the currentChief Judge on the North Carolina Court of Appeals,in District 09. Charlotte Agenda is now Axios Charlotte -. The fund has been around since 2001 and subsidized more than 10,000 affordable housing units. Legal challenges over redistricting have reshaped how Charlotte-area residents are represented in Congress. Entries were lightly edited to meet style guidelines by The Associated Press, and incorrect claims were addressed in an attached editor's note. We must continue the progress made last term; we improved the safety of our community through a completely updated communications system and increased transparency through public safety advisory board committees. What are Coppinger's top priorities for the office? That means shared accountability. But in terms of fundraising and name recognition, its really a four-person race. They will not be counted if they arrive after 5pm on the Friday following the election. 2022 Election 2017 To Now; . I am an experienced prison and jail administrator, with a master's in criminology from the University of Pennsylvania, a master's in public administration from Harvard, and a bachelors in psychology and neuroscience from the University of Southern California. But many of those new faces could be old familiar faces, too. Yes 6. On Saturday, Democrat Scott Huffman announced a bid for the 8th District as well. Also, we want to expand vocational and other programming options at the house of corrections to better prepare inmates for careers upon release. So depending on the national mood this fall, Republicans could put money in the 14th District if they think a large enough red wave is coming. Mecklenburg County Board of Commissioners (At-Large) Democrats: Jennifer De La Jara Republicans: Tatyana Thulien Our efforts were recognized by a clean bill of fiscal health we received from the State Auditors Performance and Compliance Audit in 2019. There are also guaranteed to be two new members, from Districts 1 and 5. At-large (vote for three): Pat Cotham (Democratic incumbent), Leigh Altman (Democratic incumbent), Arthur Griffin Jr. (Democrat and former school board member) and Tatyana Thulien (Republican and nonprofit leader of United Communities Association). In addition toprivate practice as an attorney, hes also a Judge. is the frontrunner here. This is not currently going on. The current approach is not keeping people as safe as they could be. The sheriff's office plays a key role by working with local, state and federal law enforcement agencies to investigate, apprehend and rehabilitate drug dealers. Republicans:Cardiologist Cheryl Russo and former state House memberScott Stone. Challengers Aujiena (Gina) Hicks, and Marquis D. Robinson are both former sheriffs deputies. Leigh Altman and Pat Cotham are seeking reelection. District 107: Kelly Alexander Jr. (Democratic incumbent) v. Mark Alan Cook (Republican) Shields, an engineer and former Mecklenburg County manager, is running against her. Its unclear whether Mitchell still has that ownership stake. Oct. 20-Nov. 5: Early voting for the general election. General Counsel for the N.C. We have taken first steps in this long-term plan by securing the status of the regional lockup by legislation, and having worked with the Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance on the life and safety upgrades to our current facility, while we plan for a new one. He declared his candidacy last year and now officially joins five other Republican candidates seeking the office of sheriff, including Rowan County Commissioner and Charlotte police officer Mike Caskey; N.C. Highway Patrol retiree and school resource officer Tommie Cato; Rowan County Detention Center supervisor Capt. When speaking of priorities related to those in our custody, our goal is to have them return to their communities upon release in a better condition than when they first arrived at our facilities. , and one is a former mayor who spent time in jail on corruption charges. Cheri Beasley (Democrat) v. Ted Budd (Republican). This northern Mecklenburg district that includes Cornelius and Davidson is one of the most competitive state house races in the area. Incumbents Altman and Cotham are proven public servants who are accountable advocates of Mecklenburg's interests while Mr. Griffin, a former Charlotte-Mecklenburg school board member, has an even longer track record of the same commitment. Robinson retired in January after more than two decades in law enforcement. Horch, Reynolds and Shook all bring experience to contest By Becca Robbins, Columbian staff reporter Published: July 23, 2022, 3:31pm 4 Photos John Horch, from left, Rey Reynolds and David Shook. Well be updating throughout election season. Rep. Carney is going for her 11th term representing the district covering Uptown and the neighborhoods to the north, plus Cherry, Elizabeth and Plaza Midwood. District Court Districts. What does Hodgson consider the key issues in this race? Elrahal is a Charlotte native (Harding University High School alumnus) and the son of Lebanese immigrants. But nationally, school board races are becoming increasingly politically divisive with issues such as book bans at the forefront. However, for those that have already experienced incarceration, my job is to start their reentry journey on day one. Standing served as a prosecutor in Mecklenburg County. State Sen. Marcus is fighting for a third term against challenger Leone. All of the Democratic candidates are current or former council members, and one is a former mayor who spent time in jail on corruption charges. Whoever wins will replace U.S. Sen. Richard Burr, who is not running for reelection. Nancy Carter: current vice chair of the Board of Supervisors for the Mecklenburg Soil and Water Conservation District. With the stable foundation we have created during my first term, I have a clear vision for the future. Two Democrats running to unseat their former boss and a member of their own party in the Mecklenburg County Sheriffs race say their chief concern is the recent exodus of jail employees. Two Democrats, including incumbent. We will end the agreement between the Barnstable County Sheriff's Office and ICE. Black Political Caucus of Charlotte Mecklenburg, Inside Charlottes top trauma unit: Young victims, lives shattered by guns. The question in Novembers general election will be whether Republicans can win any of them back. Seeinteractive map for street-level detail. While Im immensely proud of these programs, I also believe that you shouldnt have to come to jail to get good treatment. Republicans April C. Wood, Curtis Trey Allen and Victoria E. Prince are competing for N.C. Supreme Court Seat 05. District 112: Tricia Cotham (Democrat) v. Tony Long (Republican) Democratic candidates Roy H. Wiggins and David H. Strickland are competing for N.C. Superior Court Judge 26D. Mecklenburg has 13 N.C. House districts within its borders. Attrition in personnel means fewer people available to keep facilities safe for the incarcerated and officers alike. Were encouraged that both candidates are committed to the equitable pursuit of justice, but were siding with Mr. Merriweathers steady approach. Mecklenburg Soil and Water Conservation District Supervisor. Setting them up with getting an ID before release. We believe that by excelling in our efforts both behind the walls of the institutions and in the streets of the communities we serve, we are putting the public first and injecting equity into our communities by offering opportunities. He said this is because despite Charlottes growth in population, the domestic violence unit is only staffed by two deputies, like it has been since 1997. Greg Hannold; Rowan County Sheriffs Detective and Rowan-Salisbury Schools Board of Education member Travis Allen; and trucking company owner Jack Eller from Woodleaf. The ACLU of NC asked candidates in the Mecklenburg Sheriff primary election critical questions about issues that matter to our communities. District 42: Rachel Hunt (Democrat) v. Cheryl Russo (Republican). Mecklenburg County Sheriff Garry McFadden held on to his seat Tuesday, receiving 51% of the vote in the Democratic primary. The sheriff's responsibility is care and custody of inmates. The district includes southwest Charlotte. City Council District 1Billy Maddalon, a former council member, is running on a platform of an aggressive approach to tackling the citys affordable housing crisis and advocacy for small businesses, especially in the most vulnerable neighborhoods. Cotham, a former representative, is vying with Long, a Mint Hill commissioner, for the seat. Context: Democrats took full control of the Mecklenburg Board of County Commissioners in the blue wave of 2018, and are looking to hold onto that this year. Courtesy of the Mecklenburg County Board of Elections. That is true public safety. CHARLOTTE, N.C. (WBTV) - Mecklenburg County has adopted a $2 billion operating budget for fiscal year 2022. Chief Hall also plans to start a pilot program to issue take-home patrol cars to officers who live in . Huffman, who hasnt formally filed, unsuccessfully challenged U.S. Rep. Ted Budd in the 2020 general election. Shes challenged by Clementi. There are no Republicans in the race. Why it matters:Today Charlotte voters will select everything from their next U.S. Pat McCrory formally filed for U.S. Senate, hoping to fill a seat to be vacated by Republican U.S. Sen. Richard Burr. About Thomas M. Hodgson: Law enforcement professional with more than three decades in public safety, including being the sheriff of Bristol County for the past 25 years. District 39: DeAndrea Salvador (Democratic incumbent) v. Mark Robeson (Republican) Incumbent sheriff Gary McFadden faces two Democratic challengers: nd Marquis Robinson. Tigress Sydney Acute McDaniel, a previous candidate for the role as well as mayor, county commission and state house. We need to make sure there is enough reoffending-reducing programming for inmates and make sure the programs work, doing more of what works and reforming what doesn't. , there will be at least a few new faces on council next term. MinnPost photo by Bill Kelley June 30, 2022 The three candidates vying to be the next sheriff. Press Releases Keep up with the latest news from the State Board. City Council District 3We recommend Victoria Watlington to continue as representative of sprawling District 3, which has undergone tremendous change in recent years. We will continue to look at the "root causes" of crime and what factors play a role with those involved in the justice system. This is one of the most interesting races of the year, from campaign finance reports to how much the real estateindustry donates to their campaigns. The new political maps lock in Democrats to almost all of Mecklenburg Countys state House and Senate seats. You can read more at, and other key info, visit the Mecklenburg County Board of Elections. A member of the executive leadership team, she was involved in all aspects of the sheriffs office operations. Potts is a retired state trooper who serves as a reserve police officer for the town of Cleveland. Why it matters: While high-profile races like the U.S. Senate are garnering the most attention, local leaders make the largest impact on our everyday lives, from setting property tax rates to responding to the pandemic. The ACLU of NC does not endorse or oppose candidates, but urges you to cast an informed vote. Mobleys experience extends beyond law. Below youll find maps and links to help you find your districts in the state senate and house races. District 6: Democratic incumbent Susan Rodriguez-McDowell versus Jeremy Brasch, a Republican who works in IT and served in the military. 90.3 Hickory 106.1 Laurinburg. Just one has multiple candidates in a primary. Mitchell resigned from the council in January 2021 because he had a 25% ownership stake in a construction company, RJ Leeper, that does business with the city. Jim Hunt announced her candidacy Wednesday. Public safety is the number one issue for the sheriff's office. They're also the first since the 2020 census, which means there are new congressional districts. Mitchell also only recently filed more than two years of missing campaign finance reports. Secondly, I want to expand youth programs so we can reach at-risk kids before they break the law and enter the criminal justice system. There are no Republicans in the race. Greg Phipps, who was appointed in 2021 to fill, District 1 will have a new representative because, All of the Democratic candidates are current or. He retired from the sheriffs office in January 2022. (Democrat and former Charlotte City Council member) is running unopposed. For the most part, Democratic incumbents are for the most part not being challenged. In addition to the basic responsibilities of operating safe and secure facilities for all who work, visit or reside there, today's focus also includes enhanced inmate treatment, rehabilitation and re-entry services based on evidenced-based practices, including a variety of programming opportunities according to need. The most significant is the GOP primary in the 11th District in the mountains, where seven Republicans are trying to defeat first-term Rep. Madison Cawthorn. Dozens of Charlotte candidates competing in 24 local races during May primary. The other is Arthur Griffin, a former school board member. candidates in the 2022 district attorney races, in their own words. 2022 Mecklenburg Sheriff Election The ACLU of NC asked candidates in the Mecklenburg Sheriff primary election critical questions about issues that matter to our communities. Jim Hunt, faces cardiologistRusso. State Sen. Sawyer is running unopposed for this seat which covers Iredell County and parts of Cornelius and Huntersville. District 2: Vilma D. Leake, the Democratic incumbent, is running unopposed. In the 4th District in the Triangle, three Democrats Valerie Foushee, Nida Allam and Clay Aiken are competing in what is the most expensive Democratic primary in the states history. Candidate filing for the 2022 election will continue until noon on Friday. Districts for the Mecklenburg Board of County Commissioners. From October 22, 2022, to January 31, 2023, we have received 4,933 releases for approximately 110 days of releases from Veterans Affairs (VA). Whats happening:Campaign season is in full swing and Election Day is today. I am honored to be the 2022 Democratic nominee for Dukes County Sheriff. Updated May 09, 2022 10:50 AM Charlotte Mecklenburg County Sheriff candidates Aujiena "Gina" Hicks. There are no Republicans running. Incumbent Spencer Merriweather has conducted himself as a thoughtful pragmatist who has balanced policy reforms and alternatives to prosecution with efforts to keep a growing urban community safe. Specific areas include, but are not limited to, providing services for those suffering from substance use disorders and/or mental health concerns, offering educational and vocational training, and an expanded effort for successful inmate re-entry upon release in partnership with local community providers. Theres only one Republican running. Senator to soil and water supervisors. Administrative Office of the Courts last year. For the most part, this guide only includes races where there are multiple candidates running in a primary. Hicks is the first African American woman to seek election for this office. You have been subscribed to WBUR Today. And then there is James Smuggie Mitchell, who was first elected in 1999. The countywide races for Mecklenburg sheriff and district attorney will also be decided Tuesday. Lauren Hoben, another Salisbury attorney, is a Republican challenger for the court. 1 priority will be to motivate and encourage staff. Rep. Lofton is going for a third term versusPomeroy in the race for this south Charlotte district that includes parts of Eastover and Myers Park. TheMecklenburg Sheriff primaries will take place on May 17th. The former state Supreme Court chief justice reported $3.7 million raised in the first quarter. Our dedicated staff work challenging jobs on behalf of the greater good. They are vying to replace David Price, who is retiring. District 3: Incumbent Victoria Watlington has one primary opponent, Tiawana Deling Brown, who founded a nonprofit for formerly incarcerated women. About Paul Heroux: I am currently the mayor of Attleboro and was a state representative. Incumbent Sheriff Garry McFadden, a former homicide detective who once had his own television show, has served as sheriff for four years, and is seeking a second term. See interactive map here. Im also a lifelong Waltham resident along with my wife and three children. The campaigns have been exchanging plenty of jabs recently, to the point where the Budd team has started calling the McCrory campaign and the Walker campaign McWalker., Mecklenburgs Congressional Districts. She says she was fired because of at will doctrine on McFaddens orders in 2018 just before he was sworn in. There are six Democrats for three at-large seats. These are the pillars of prisoner reentry. Leadership and accountability are necessary, and we believe Gina Hicks is best situated to answer the challenge. Salisbury attorney Chris Sease, another Republican, also filed Friday for an open seat on the court. Two registered Republicans, District 1s Rhonda Cheek and District 6s Sean Strain, are trying to hold onto their seats against challengers. But the 2016 police killing of Keith Lamont Scott prompted a call for action on the citys inequities, and leaders raised the amount from $15 million to $50 million in 2018. I am a husband, father, dedicated community member, and passionate legislative advocate. About Robert Ogden: My entire professional life has been with the Dukes County Sheriffs Office, spanning a 32-year career in corrections, culminating in being elected sheriff in 2016. She has two decades of experience include a, Allen is a former Marine who was appointed. He says staffing in the sheriffs domestic violence unit has not kept up with the areas population growth. District Attorney Spencer Merriweather and Mecklenburg County Sheriff Garry McFadden, both Democrats, are both running unopposed. Go deeper: A rematch, Wordle scores and the real issues in a moderate Mecklenburg County districts race. Its raised concern with state agencies whove determined more needs to be done to either reduce the incarcerated population or add personnel. What does Buckley consider the key issues in this race? Voters overwhelmingly approved another $50 million in 2020. The idea is for officers and the trainees they usher into the hiring process to develop mentoring relationships. Sept. 9: Absentee ballots mailed out for the general election. Registered Voters February 25, 2023 Search Weekly Registration Numbers Sorted by demographics Keep Informed Voter Search Find your voter registration information, voting sites, sample ballot and more. Join the 119,452 smart Charlotteans that receive our daily newsletter. Thats the GOPs best chance to flip a state Senate seat. What are Ogden's top priorities for the office? Hennepin County Sheriff candidates from left: Joseph Banks, Jai Hanson, and Dawanna Witt. Charlotte would greatly benefit with a responsible champion for such policy. While high-profile races like the U.S. Senate are garnering the most attention, local leaders make the largest impact on our everyday lives, from setting property tax rates to responding to the pandemic. We will modernize and professionalize our mission, train and equip our team, and shift our focus so that the men and women who come to the Barnstable County House of Correction and the men and women who work there all have a chance at success. It's been a long time, but it appears we're finally going to be able to vote in municipal elections this year. 2) Since budgets reflect priorities, look at the budget to reflect new priorities. This is another nonpartisan race where voters can choose two of the following candidates: Go deeper: Everything you should know about Mecklenburg Countys most overlooked race, NC Supreme Court Associate Justice seat 3, NC Supreme Court Associate Justice seat 5, Mecklenburg County Clerk of Superior Court. By Frank Stoltze. Incumbents Altman and Cotham are proven public servants who are accountable advocates of Mecklenburgs interests while Mr. Griffin, a former Charlotte-Mecklenburg school board member, has an even longer track record of the same commitment. Recently, the jail has come under fire, and state records assert its staffing shortage has created unsafe conditions. She plans to change this, she said. There is a competitive primary on the Republican side for the 14th District. Real-time updates and all local stories you want right in the palm of your hand. Perhaps the most talked-about local race is for the four at-large seats on Charlotte City Council. Former Mayor Patrick Cannon, who was arrested on corruption charges while in office in 2014, is running. Mecklenburg County Board of Education districts. What are Buckley's top priorities for the office? First, to increase the general public safety of the people of Bristol County. Did not provide answers to WBUR's voter questionnaire. Situational awareness: 42,122people voted early per the Mecklenburg County Board of Elections.Voter turnout increasedfollowing the leak of the Supreme Court draftopinion regarding potentiallyoverturning Roe v. Wade. Its families want to save it. District 7: Incumbent Republican Ed Driggs will represent the Ballantyne area for another term. In my next term as Dukes County Sheriff, I will leverage our upgraded E911 communications system in anticipation of integration with the commonwealths upgraded digital-based CoMIRS (Commonwealth of Massachusetts Interoperable Radio System) network that would improve emergency communications interoperability and connect us regionally to other first responder networks. Another top priority of mine is officer wellness. Join the 119,452 smart Charlotteans that receive our daily newsletter. Five Democrats are vying for Newtons seat in east Charlotte: Three Democrats are trying to unseat incumbent Republican, There will be at least one new at-large member on the commission, as Ella Scarborough, who is on. Former N.C. Highway Patrol trooper Carlton Killian, along with veteran and former corrections officer Simon Brown, are the only two Democrats who have filed for the sheriffs race. In my next term, we will continue to effectively and humanely rehabilitate justice-involved individuals in our care and custody, providing them opportunities for a better life post-release to uplift them and the entire community. She deserves re-election. ElectionDay resources: Use voter search to check if youre registered. As sheriff, Ive developed innovative correctional programs that have become national models. This is the most-watched state Senate race this year in the county, for the open seat currently held by Jeff Jackson. County Commission districts. MCSO is honored to receive gifts and donations from members of the community and would like to highlight those who helped make working through this life changing . The other five are either current or former council members running for the at-large seats. Oct. 14: Voter registration deadline. The district leans heavily Democrat, with 64% of the votes in its precincts going to Joe Biden in 2020. $173,168 Total . Go deeper: The outside groups inside school board politics, District 1:Cheek (Republican incumbent), Melissa Easley (Democrat and former CMS teacher), Hamani Fisher (Democrat and pastor of Life Center International), Bill Fountain (independent and retired teacher), Ro Lawsin (Republican and president of the Filipino American Community of the Carolinas) You can vote from 6:30am 7:30pm at your designated polling place. Crowded Democratic primary for voters in Mint Hill and parts of east Charlotte. District 5: Laura Meier, the Democrat incumbent, is facing Matthew Ridenhour, a Republican and former Marine who previously held the seat, in a rematch. What are Koutoujian's top priorities for the office? Incumbent Spencer Merriweather faces Democratic opponent and former public defender Tim Emry. ormer homicide detective and reality TV star, an assistant district attorney and in private practice in criminal and civil courts. About Nick Cocchi: Nick Cocchi began his career as a correctional officer with the Hampden County Sheriffs Office, working his way through the ranks to be elected as sheriff.