Candidates Raise Over $100,000 in Rowan County Sheriff Race

The Rowan County sheriff election has generated significant financial activity, with mid-year fundraising reports revealing a competitive landscape among candidates. As of the end of July 2023, the four Republican candidates—former Rowan County Detective Carl Dangerfield, former Stallings Police Captain Tim Harrington, former Rowan County Patrol Lieutenant Jody Burleyson, and incumbent Travis Allen—are actively campaigning for the position. Notably, there is no Democratic candidate for the office.

At the deadline for mid-year reports, Burleyson led the fundraising efforts, having raised $82,481.21, nearly doubling his previous total of $42,967.15. This impressive sum makes him the largest fundraiser in the race, with individual donations constituting the majority of his contributions, totaling $74,635.48. Among his notable donors are County Commissioner and Charlotte-Mecklenburg officer Mike Caskey, who contributed $1,600.73, and veterinarian Susan Simmerson, who donated $6,604.48. Burleyson has spent $48,265.27, leaving him with $34,215.74 in cash on hand.

Travis Allen follows closely behind Burleyson in fundraising, having raised $39,296.80, a substantial increase from the $6,779.43 reported at mid-year. Allen’s contributions include $2,000 from his own funds. Key supporters for Allen include Daniel Black, owner of Tamarac Campground, who donated $1,080, and Michael Ivester, owner of Ivester Drywall, who contributed $5,000. Allen has spent $25,612.34, leaving him with $14,853.87 cash remaining.

Harrington has also seen a notable increase in his fundraising, reporting a total of $13,455.03, up from $5,755 at mid-year. His contributions include $1,500 from himself, with significant support from Angela Bolick, owner of Marshville Whistling Holler Cabins, at $3,100. He has spent $4,000 of his total, leaving him with approximately $9,455.03 available for the campaign.

In contrast, Dangerfield has raised $5,567.67, an increase from $3,554.67 at mid-year. He has contributed $2,813 of his own funds but has not reported any substantial donations over $1,000. After spending $5,313.68, Dangerfield’s campaign currently has $500.77 remaining.

Overall, the Rowan County Sheriff’s Race has seen approximately $101,503 raised thus far. While this figure is significant, it falls short of the $236,357 raised during the 2022 election cycle, which had seven candidates competing for a vacant seat left by the retirement of longtime Sheriff Kevin Auten. In that election, candidate Tommie Cato was the top fundraiser, bringing in $73,921—a record that Burleyson has surpassed with his current totals.

As the race continues, candidates will look to build on their fundraising efforts in the lead-up to the election, aiming to secure the necessary funds to bolster their campaigns effectively.