Rowan County Sheriff Race 2026: Candidates Lay Out Experience and Public Safety Plans

RCM Admin
1 hour ago
2 min read

SALISBURY, N.C. — Four Republicans seeking the Rowan County sheriff’s office in the 2026 election outline differing leadership styles and operational priorities, while sharing focus on staffing, training, and public trust.

Incumbent Sheriff Travis Allen, first elected in 2022, brings more than three decades of local law enforcement experience. His campaign centers on expanding staffing levels, strengthening department resources, and maintaining leadership continuity. Allen points to manpower and pay studies and ties staffing growth to rising service demand and crime trends. He also supports outside review of internal complaints and direct accountability for offenders.

Tim Harrington, a retired captain with roughly 32 years in law enforcement across multiple agencies, frames his campaign around transparency and community trust. His platform calls for stronger communication with residents, updated equipment and training, and a larger internal affairs function with dedicated investigators. Harrington also promotes targeted recruitment of veterans and criminal justice graduates and new service partnerships to support funding and operations.

Carl Dangerfield, a retired Rowan County detective and private investigations firm owner, focuses on operational efficiency and expanded training. His priorities include communication training for deputies, structured community engagement, and direct public access to the sheriff’s office through scheduled appointments. Dangerfield also highlights jail staffing gaps, including shortages of female detention officers, and supports detailed budget justification to county commissioners.

Jody Burleyson, a retired patrol lieutenant with about 27 years at the Rowan County Sheriff’s Office, emphasizes recruitment, retention, and internal accountability. His campaign calls for proactive crime reduction strategies, an independent internal affairs unit, and stronger leadership development inside the agency. Burleyson also promotes youth outreach tied to law enforcement careers and clearer advancement paths for deputies.

Across campaigns, common themes include deputy recruitment, competitive pay, expanded training, internal oversight, and community relations. Voters select their party nominee in the 2026 primary before the general election contest for sheriff.

Addition information can be found at each candidate’s Facebook pages linked below.