CMPD Sgt. Ricky Robbins and former Mecklenburg County detention officer Antwain Nance are running as Democrats.
CHARLOTTE, N.C. โ At least two contenders have publicly announced their 2026 campaigns for the role ofย Mecklenburg County Sheriff, both with experience working in law enforcement.
Antwain Nance, a former Mecklenburg County detention officer, announced his run in February 2025 and launched his campaign website soon after. Nance left his career in the detention center for a career in aviation and logistics, becoming a union shop steward. Nance says as sheriff, he would ensure Mecklenburg County communities would be safer, would restore public trust for the office, would have zero tolerance for discrimination and abuses of children, tackle domestic violence, carry out jail reform, and strengthen leadership.
On his campaign’s Facebook page, Nance has criticized current Sheriff Garry McFadden’s policies at the detention center. McFadden, who has not yet announced a run for re-election, has pushed back on criticism from former employees claiming he ran the office like a “third-world dictatorship”.ย
The second candidate in the race is Ricky Robbins, who currently serves as a sergeant with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department. Robbins touts more than 30 years of experience with CMPD, including time as a supervisor for SWAT, Homicide Investigation and Highway Interdiction and Traffic Safety. He also touts his experience as a criminal justice instructor at Central Piedmont Community College.
Robbins’ campaign, launched in March, includes in its priorities a focus on community engagement, strengthening leadership within public safety, and making improvements to the management of the Mecklenburg County Detention Center. A news release announcing a July 15 kickoff event at the Mint Museum Randolph said there will be appearances from special guests like retired CMPD Chief Rodney Monroe, Democratic state Reps. Laura Budd and Carolyn Logan, current Carolina Panther Chuba Hubbard, and former Panther Luke Kuechly.
Both Robbins and Nance are running as Democrats. Both also note they are lifelong residents of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg area.
WCNC Charlotte has asked if McFadden plans to run for re-election.
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