Jul 27, 2022 - News

Wake County voters give sheriff the boot

Illustration of a "hello my name is..." sticker shaped like a police badge.

Illustration: Maura Losch/Axios

Wake County Sheriff Gerald Baker lost his bid for reelection in last night's runoff by about 50 percentage points, bringing an unceremonious end to a rocky first term.

Driving the news: Unaffiliated and Democratic voters gave a resounding endorsement of former deputy Willie Rowe, who will now face former Wake County Sheriff Republican Donnie Harrison in November.

Why it matters: Voters clearly wanted a change.

  • Baker faced intense scrutiny for his management of the department and numerous federal lawsuits from employees accusing him of retaliation and discrimination.

What's next: November's election will in part determine the future of policing in Wake County, at a time when voters are concerned about both rising crime rates and police accountability.

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