Columbus County Sheriff Bill Rogers won the Republican primary on Tuesday, which almost assuredly means he will serve for the next four years.
Rogers, who has been sheriff since 2023, won 42.57% of the vote in the four-candidate race, according to unofficial results from the N.C. State Board of Elections. That was enough to avoid a runoff with second-place finisher Josh McPherson, who got 32.22% of the vote. Chadbourn Police Chief Ken Elliott got 14.86%, and former sheriff’s captain Kevin Norris got 10.35%.
No Democrats are running for sheriff, so Rogers will likely be the only candidate on the ballot in the general election in November.
County commissioners appointed Rogers sheriff three years ago after former sheriff Jody Greene resigned amid allegations of misconduct. News station WECT had aired a recorded phone call in which Greene called deputies “snakes” and “Black bastards,” and District Attorney Jon David accused Greene of intimidating county leaders, making false arrests, and failing to properly supervise the jail.
From the start, Rogers vowed to strengthen the reputation of the sheriff’s office and ensure that all residents would be treated fairly. But some people were critical of his tactics. McPherson, who resigned six months after Rogers was appointed, told the Border Belt Independent that Rogers hired family members and friends for top-level positions within the sheriff’s office, leaving little room for deputies to advance.
Bullard Loses County Commission Seat
Longtime County Commissioner Ricky Bullard lost in the Republican primary for the District 6 seat.
Jeanne McPherson won 53.8% of the vote in the three-way race, while Bullard won 42.23%, according to unofficial results. Jody (JL) Hinson secured 3.96%.
No Democrats are running for the seat, so McPherson will likely be the winner in November.
New District Attorney
J.K. Somers won the Republican primary for the district attorney seat that serves Brunswick, Bladen, and Columbus counties.
Somers got 52.69% of the vote while Jenna Earley got 47.31%, unofficial results show. No Democrats are running.
Current District Attorney Jon David did not seek reelection for the seat.
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Columbus County Sheriff Republican Primary
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