Sheriff Race Rundown

In Buzz, June 2022 by Melissa HowsamLeave a Comment

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After an unprecedented 10 candidates threw their hats in the ring for Raleigh sheriff in front of the May 17 primary, the stage is now set for a runoff for the hotly contested seat. Emerging from the crowded field, Willie Rowe received just under the 30% of the vote required to edge out incumbent Gerald Baker (pulling 24% of the vote) and avoid a runoff. Per election rules, if no candidate reaches the threshold, the second-place contender can request a second primary. Should Baker request a runoff as expected (as of press time, he has neither requested nor conceded), we’ll head back to the polls July 26 (a date with historically dismal turnout) to determine the general election Democratic candidate. Meanwhile, former sheriff Donnie Harrison wants his old job back—and may just get it, winning the GOP primary by a landslide with a whopping 80% of the vote. Running on his passion for turning the office around, Harrison is so confident of his chances that he has already started assembling a team. “We are not waiting,” said Harrison after the May primary election. “We are going to win this thing, and when we win it, we are going to be ready to go.” Clearly, this is a race to watch as we head toward Election Day.

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