“704 Unfiltered,” hosted by Nick Sturdivant, on WCNC + recently featured the three candidates running against Garry McFadden in the upcoming primary.
MECKLENBURG COUNTY, N.C. โ Since 2018, Garry McFadden has served as sheriff of Mecklenburg County. In November, he announced his reelection bid. McFadden has touted his record on criminal justice reform and community engagement since first taking office. ย
His reelection campaign comes during one of the most controversial stretches of his career.
Tuesday, March 3, voters will decide whether to keep McFadden in office or go with one of the three men running against him in the primary.
“704 Unfiltered,” hosted by Nick Sturdivant, on WCNC + recently featured the three candidates running against McFadden in the upcoming primary.
Retired Chief Deputy Sheriff Rodney Collins, Charlotte-Mecklenburg police Sergeant Ricky Robbins, and former Mecklenburg County Detention Officer Antwain Nance stopped by to talk about their backgrounds, platforms and issues facing the county.
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Rodney Collins
Originally from Columbia, South Carolina, Rodney Collins grew up in Charlotte. He reminisced about the growth of the city, describing it once as a smaller, close-knit community.
He described his extensive career path, starting as a Deputy Sheriff and rising to Chief Deputy. Before his time at the Sheriff’s Office, Collins served in the Air Force and worked as a military policeman, an experience that significantly impacted his professional development. He also had a brief assignment at the Pentagon.
Collins said his decision to run for sheriff was made with his family and felt compelled to pursue the role because of his qualifications and dedication to community service.
He said his primary goal, if elected, is to reset the organizational culture at the sheriff’s office and address staffing shortages.
Collins also stressed the significant impact of leadership in creating a conducive working environment.
Ricky Robbins
Robbins is a Charlotte native and has an extensive 30-year career with the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department (CMPD). Robbins has served in various capacities, including as a supervisor for SWAT and having created a homicide support group for grieving families.
Robbins discussed why he decided to run for sheriff, emphasizing his deep connection to Charlotte. During the interview, Robbins outlined his top priorities if elected, which include ensuring the safety and security of his staff and those under his care, focusing on the retention and recruitment of effective law enforcement officers, and reopening the juvenile detention center, Jail North, in Mecklenburg County.
He also emphasized that being hands-on during major incidents in the county is key. Robbins stressed that he wants to bring people together, enhance communication, and build trust within the community, skills he said he has honed through interactions with local, state, and federal agencies.
Robbins said that public safety is a pressing issue, noting the importance of visibility and proactive action by law enforcement to instill public confidence.
Antwain Nance
Nance hails from the west side of Charlotte, an area he describes as often misunderstood but a gem, nevertheless. He said he fondly recalls growing up when Charlotte had more of a small-town vibe, versus the commercial growth and increased traffic today.
Nance has a background as a detention officer for the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office, where he said he gained important insight into law enforcement.
Nance eventually pivoted to a career in aviation logistics but continued to harbor a passion for community safety and justice, partly through his role as a union shop steward. This role requires advocating for workers’ rights.
He said his candidacy is deeply rooted in his belief in “people over politics.” His platform includes six major issues, with a key focus on improving customer service within the sheriff’s office. ย He explained that this means better pay and fair treatment for deputies and detention officers, fostering a non-toxic work environment, and ensuring the office is effectively serving the community.
Itโs important to note thereโs no Republican primary election for sheriff. ย The winner of the Democratic primary will likely go uncontested during the general election on Tuesday, Nov. 3.
Contact Nick Sturdivant at nsturdiva1@wcnc.com and follow him on Facebook, X and Instagram.
