Wake County Sheriff Gerald Baker announces runoff decision in Democratic primary
Incumbent Gerald Baker said Thursday he will seek a runoff in the Democratic primary for Wake County sheriff against Willie Rowe.
“We’re going to be seeking a runoff, absolutely,” Baker told The News & Observer. “We’re going to be recasting (votes) and we’re going to get those who voted in the primary to get back out and vote again. I feel very confident about it.”
Rowe, who served in the Wake sheriff’s office previously for 28 years, finished ahead of Baker in Tuesday’s Democratic primary. According to unofficial results, Rowe got just under 30% of the vote to Baker’s 24%. Results show that 44,902 voters went to the polls early from April 28 through May 14 in Wake County.
In North Carolina, candidates must win more than 30% of the votes to secure their party’s nomination for the general election. If no one reaches that threshold, the runner-up can request a runoff.
Rowe was one of six Democratic candidates running against Baker. He did not return The News & Observer’s messages seeking comment.
On the Republican side, there were three candidates, including former Sheriff Donnie Harrison.
The winner of the July 26 runoff will face former Harrison in the general election. He finished first with 80% of the vote.
Harrison was first elected Wake sheriff in 2002, serving four terms.
If Rowe wins the primary, it will be a rematch for the two lawmen. He faced him in 2014 when won the 2014 Democratic primary election.
Seeking support in runoff
A Facebook post from Baker’s reelection campaign tells supporters to save their campaign signs and to support him in the runoff election.
In an interview, Baker said that his nearly four years in the Sheriff’s office have operated “better than it has ever been and I’ve been there for over 20 years.”
“Diversity, accountability, integrity first and foremost are in place, and that’s what the difference is now and the citizens are responding to it,” he said.
In 2018, Baker drew support from voters, in particular from the Latino community and from groups like the American Civil Liberties Union, largely due to his opposition to the 287(g) program with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, the federal agency responsible for deportations and other immigration law enforcement.
Rowe previously stated his opposition to the program and said he would not sign onto it if elected.
“First of all, I’m just excited and grateful for the opportunity to become sheriff,” Rowe told The N&O by phone. “I believe my message did resonate with the public. (The runoff) is something (Baker) is definitely entitled to do and I respect him for it.”
Rowe, who also served in the Army as a major, has pledged to boost staff, “improve morale and working conditions,” increasing pay and allowing retirees to work part time.
“Wake County is a very diverse population, and they’re looking for a sheriff who understands ... and can identify with the people whom they serve and protect,” Rowe said. “I understand their needs.”
Baker’s tenure has drawn controversy at times due to staff shortages and criticisms over management, along with multiple lawsuits and complaints filed by ex-employees alleging discrimination and retaliation.
This story was originally published May 19, 2022 at 1:17 PM with the headline "Wake County Sheriff Gerald Baker announces runoff decision in Democratic primary."
