Mecklenburg County Sheriff Garry McFadden announced Thursday that he is running for reelection in 2026.
McFadden, who was first elected in 2018, said his decision came after conversations with his family, staff and community members who encouraged him to seek a third term.
“Listening to the mothers, listening to my staff, listening to my residents — commonly referred to as inmates — they're saying, ‘Sheriff, you can’t leave us. Sheriff, I still need you,’” McFadden told WFAE. “That made me say yes very quickly.”
In his campaign announcement, McFadden said he’s fulfilled the promises he made in previous campaigns and plans to lead a third term that is “factual, fearless and faithful.”
“When you talk about immigration, who stands up? When you talk about House bills, who stands up? When you want to criticize something and I want to stand for it, who stands up?” McFadden said.
As sheriff, he ended the county’s 287(g) partnership with federal immigration authorities. McFadden has touted new programs to rehabilitate inmates and strengthen community partnerships, including a post-release resource center that connects formerly incarcerated people with services.
At the same time, McFadden’s office has faced criticism. He’s been named in lawsuits from former employees accusing him of retaliation and racism. His office has also drawn scrutiny following several inmate deaths at the Mecklenburg County Detention Center, though McFadden says none were caused by his staff.
“Factually, not one single death is at the hands of my detention staff,” he said. “It is health, it is poverty, it is poor health services.”
McFadden, who retired after more than three decades with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, was also the focus of a TV show called "I Am Homicide" that followed his investigations. He says his record and accessibility set him apart from his challengers.
“My impact on the county and city has been much different than any of my opponents,” McFadden said. “My commitment separates us. My faithfulness separates us. My fearlessness separates us.”
Former MCSO Chief Deputy Rodney Collins, former detention officer Antwain Nance, and CMPD Sgt. Ricky Robbins have also launched campaigns for sheriff.
