Orange County Sheriff Charles Blackwood Running for Re-Election

BUSINESS

By Tyria Bourda
Correspondent

ORANGE COUNTY, N.C. — Charles Blackwood is seeking a fourth consecutive term as Orange County sheriff.

A lifelong resident of Orange County with 45 years of experience in the sheriff’s office, Blackwood was first elected in 2014, defeating David Caldwell and Tony White. He ran unopposed in 2022.

According to his campaign website, Blackwood’s priorities include addressing mental health needs in the Orange County Detention Center, advancing initiatives of the Opioid Settlement Committee, strengthening community relations, and helping design a new Criminal Justice Complex in collaboration with criminal justice stakeholders.

Blackwood also plans to partner with Orange County Emergency Services and outside consultants to create and implement a comprehensive countywide radio and records management system.

“We have accomplished much during our third term in office, and the work is ongoing,” a statement on Blackwood’s campaign website reads. “As we head into 2026, we will continue working with all of our criminal justice stakeholders as well as our communities to make certain we are being responsive to their needs, accountable to all, and professional in every way.”

The statement adds that the sheriff’s office has developed a strategic plan moving forward, with a focus on addressing mental health issues affecting jails and emergency departments across North Carolina and the nation.

During his tenure, Blackwood has completed more than 3,600 hours of law enforcement training. He also served as president of the North Carolina Sheriffs’ Association in 2022 and as chair of the Governor’s Crime Commission in 2025 under Gov. Josh Stein.

In addition, Blackwood has participated in the State Bureau of Investigation’s Center for the Analysis of Police Use of Force, the North Carolina Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services Board, and several other local and state initiatives.

As the election approaches, Blackwood shared a message with supporters through his campaign website, thanking them for their continued support and reaffirming his commitment to serving Orange County.

“Thank you again for the trust you have placed in me to serve as your sheriff and for your continued support as we approach the 2026 primary election,” Blackwood wrote. “In my 45th year serving this county, I look forward to a fourth term as sheriff — the people’s office — where I pledge to continue serving you.”

The statewide primary and Orange County Schools Board of Education election will be held March 3, 2026. Polls will be open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. More information is available on the Orange County Board of Elections website at https://orangecountync.gov/1720/Elections.

Tyria McCray-Bourda is a story-driven journalist whose work has previously appeared in The Carolinian newspaper in Raleigh. Attaining a bachelor’s degree in communication from Southern New Hampshire University, she has the distinction of having interviewed President Joe Biden when he was a candidate on the campaign trail, as well as Vice President Kamala Harris. This reporter can be reached at: Information@TheLocalReporter.press