CHARLOTTE — The four candidates for Mecklenburg County sheriff took the stage Wednesday night in front of a primetime audience on Channel 9 from the Dubois Center in Uptown Charlotte.
Sheriff Garry McFadden outlined his case for re-election against three challengers.
Retired Chief Deputy Rodney Collins, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department Sgt. Ricky Robbins, and former Mecklenburg County Detention Officer Antwain Nance are challenging McFadden for the office.
It didn’t take long for the fireworks to start. Three of the four candidates have known each other and worked together for years. All four candidates have over 100 years of experience.
Incumbent Sheriff Garry McFadden, as expected, had the biggest target on his back.
“I’m the only person who knows what it’s lke to be seated as sheriff,” McFadden said.
According to his three challengers, that is the problem.
“Here is the thing: how many people have to die in the sheriff’s office and jail, and how many officers have to be attacked for people to realize the sheriff is not competent to run this organization?” Nance asked.
Inmate deaths and assaults on deputies were one of the main topics of the debate, and so was a state investigation into McFadden’s office and how the department is being run.
“Those allegations that have been made about his conduct are factual and accurate and those things will be proven,” Collins said.
Another issue was Jail North. At one time, it was one of the largest and best juvenile facilities in the state. The program was canned by McFadden years ago due to a lack of state funds.
Robbins said he would like to bring it back.
“I know that being Mecklenburg County, the largest county in the state, there is no reason why we cannot get back on deck,” Robbins said. When the juvenile facility was one of the best in the state, it could be there again.”
Staff retention has also been a problem. McFadden says it’s a tough job and a lot of negative media is to blame.
“Nobody wants to work for law enforcement now because of what’s happening in the media,” McFadden said.
“Retention is about leadership, and when you don’t exhibit any it’s a revolving door,” Collins said.
“People don’t want to work there; they don’t feel like they are supported,” Nance said.
“Make sure, number 1, you’re in a safe environment. Everyone wants to go home; people want to do their job when they feel supported,” Robbins added.
With the debate now in the rearview mirror, it’s time to head to the polls. If you’re thinking about changing political parties, the deadline to do so is Feb. 6th. In-person early voting runs from Feb. 12th and runs through the 28th.
Election day is March 3rd. With no Republicans running, the winner of the primary will be the next sheriff.
(VIDEO: More inmates expected under Iryna’s Law, sheriff says)
©2026 Cox Media Group
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/cmg/LH3JSJEF3VBLRJLJQESEAG34AM.png)
