Why Mecklenburg County sheriff is the most intense race on the ballot
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Left to right: Robbins, Collins, McFadden, Nance. Photos: Courtesy of the candidates
Sheriff Garry McFadden is running for reelection during one of the most volatile periods of his career, as he faces a state investigation into misconduct allegations and national GOP scrutiny over his handling of ICE detainers, prompting the Trump administration's November Border Patrol crackdown in Charlotte.
Why it matters: In a usually quiet Democratic primary, McFadden has drawn intense challenges from three opponents, all of whom have law enforcement backgrounds and one who has NFL power behind his campaign.
- With no Republicans running, whoever wins this primary will effectively take office.
The big picture: This is also the first sheriff's election since August's fatal stabbing on Charlotte's light rail.
- As a top elected official in local law enforcement (the CMPD chief is hired), the sheriff has taken some of the most heat from Republicans who've condemned Charlotte Democratic officials as "soft on crime" since the incident.
Reality check: The Mecklenburg County sheriff oversees the jail, court and civil processes such as serving warrants and eviction papers. Deputies will conduct traffic stops but aren't involved in criminal investigations, the city's public transit system or 911 response calls.
The list of controversies surrounding McFadden includes:
- The SBI is investigating McFadden over allegations, detailed in a since-dismissed petition, that he threatened a state lawmaker over her vote on an ICE bill. The petition also accused the sheriff of directing deputies to drive people to strip clubs in county cars. (McFadden says the petition stemmed from the friends of one of his opponents.)
- McFadden's record of jail deaths has doubled that of his predecessors.
- His leadership was compared to that of a "third-world dictatorship" in an ex-deputy's scathing resignation letter.
- During a hearing before state lawmakers this month, McFadden failed to name the branches of government. He says he misinterpreted the question.
- "They created ... the most recognizable African American sheriff in America," McFadden says.
State of play: McFadden may have a higher chance of reelection, going against three challengers who could split the vote.
Ricky Robbins has spent over 30 years with CMPD, supervising SWAT, homicide investigations and traffic safety.
- He's also a security guard for the Panthers and has endorsements from Chuba Hubbard, Derek Brown and Luke Kuechly. Donations from players helped him raise nearly $93,000 — by far the most in the race.
- Robbins' priority, he says, is improving the office's culture, reopening the juvenile detention center and preventing jail deaths.
Rodney Collins rose through the ranks in a 30-year career at the sheriff's office to chief deputy, until 2024. He describes his time under McFadden as "tumultuous."
- Collins says he'd reset the culture by modeling "competent and professional leadership."
- Collins wants Mecklenburg County to reopen its juvenile detention center, but he believes the state should pay to operate the facility.
Antwain Nance worked in the Mecklenburg County jail from 2013 to 2015. His first objective, he says, would be making the jail safer by ensuring proper procedures are in place.
- Currently, Nance is a union representative for the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers.
- He wants to use the juvenile detention center, once reopened, to provide direction to lost young people by teaching them trades and skills.
McFadden says that if reelected, he wants to build on the work he's done, such as establishing mental health and reentry programs.
- McFadden credits himself with ending a "good old boy system." He says since taking office, he's had an open-door policy and even hosts most deputies at his home for dinners.
- McFadden has said he would need to recruit at least 96 staff members to reopen the juvenile detention center. The office is already struggling with normal hiring.
What's next: On Tuesday at 7pm, Axios is joining WBTV for a live debate. Tune in here.
- Early voting is open through Feb. 28. Primary Election Day is March 3.
Go deeper: Elections 2026: Charlotte Democratic primary guide