Rowan County Sheriff Race Heats Up with Record Fundraising Efforts

The Rowan County sheriff election is gaining momentum as mid-year finance reports revealed intense fundraising efforts among candidates vying for the position. As of the deadline on July 31, 2023, total campaign contributions have reached approximately $101,503, showcasing a competitive race with one candidate potentially on track to set a new fundraising record.

Four Republican candidates are contesting the seat: former Rowan County Detective and private investigator Carl Dangerfield; former Stallings Police Captain Tim Harrington, who has also served in multiple local departments; former Rowan County Patrol Lieutenant Jody Burleyson; and current sheriff Travis Allen. No Democrat is contesting the position this year.

Leading Fundraiser Burleyson Stands Out

At the forefront of fundraising efforts is Burleyson, who has raised an impressive $82,481.21, significantly increasing from his mid-year total of $42,967.15. The bulk of his contributions, approximately $74,635.48, came from individual donations, with over $10,000 of that amount being his own investment into the campaign.

Key supporters of Burleyson include County Commissioner Mike Caskey, contributing $1,600.73; County Auditor Andy Downs at $3,275.93; and real estate agent Cathy Griffin with $5,420. Local officials have also lent their support, with donations from Granite Quarry Mayor Brittany Barnhardt and county commissioner candidate Jason Hinson.

So far, Burleyson has spent $48,265.27, leaving him with $34,215.74 in cash on hand as he moves closer to the election.

Other Candidates Increase Fundraising Efforts

Trailing Burleyson is incumbent sheriff Allen, who raised $39,296.80, a significant jump from his mid-year total of just $6,779.43. Allen has invested $2,000 of his own funds into the campaign. His notable contributors include Daniel Black, owner of Tamarac Campground, and Phillip Bradshaw, owner of Bradshaw’s Bail Bonding, each donating $1,080 and $1,000 respectively.

Allen has expended $25,612.34 of his funds, leaving him with $14,853.87 cash available.

Harrington has also made strides, more than doubling his mid-year total, now standing at $13,455.03. His contributions include $1,500 from his own pocket, with significant donations from Angela Bolick at $3,100 and Joan Benson at $1,000.

Dangerfield, although trailing, has raised $5,567.67, up from $3,554.67 in his mid-year report. He has contributed $2,813 himself but reported no single donations exceeding $1,000. After spending $5,313.68, he has $500.77 cash remaining.

The fundraising landscape indicates a vigorous campaign environment, notably below the $236,357 raised during the previous election cycle in 2022, which involved seven candidates competing for an open seat following the retirement of longtime Sheriff Kevin Auten. In that cycle, Tommie Cato emerged as the leading fundraiser with $73,921.

As the election approaches, the candidates’ financial strategies will likely play a crucial role in shaping their outreach and campaigning efforts. The results of the upcoming election could hinge on not just the funds raised but how effectively they are utilized to connect with the community.