Following a resounding victory, Clarence Birkhead, who has held the position of Durham County Sheriff since 2018, is re-elected to this seat.
With this victory, Birkhead would begin his third term in the position.
According to unofficial results from the State Board of Elections, Birkhead obtained 49,649 votes (85.82%), while his opponent, Johnny Hawkins, registered 8,202 votes (14.18%).
In this contest, there are no Republican candidates, so Birkhead will appear directly on the ballot for the November 3 general election.
Voting trend
According to unofficial results, Birkhead received more support by voting method during the period of early voting that during the election day, with 26,354 votes reported in early voting and 22,806 on election day.
The trend was different for Hawkins, who received 4,435 votes on election day, compared to the 3,701 reported during early voting.
Why does the election of the sheriff in Durham matter?
La bailiff position It has a direct impact on the daily lives of communities, especially the immigrant community.
Currently, Durham County does not have a agreement 287(g) with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and has not participated in the program.
In a context marked by tensions with ICE, the sheriff's choice is relevant because this authority has the power to decide whether his office signs, maintains or rejects 287(g) agreements, which establish direct collaborations with the federal agency.
You may be interested: Protesters oppose ICE plan to use warehouses as immigrant detention centers
With another term secured, a little bit about Birkhead
“Since my election almost 8 years ago, I have championed transparency, commitment, and accountability in the Sheriff’s Office,” Birkhead said in his campaign announcement video posted on social media in December 2025.
Birkhead stated in the video that his office has unprecedented levels of community involvement, from establishing the community advisory board, attending dozens of community meetings, to hundreds of community events.
"Is workshop "It has shown that law enforcement is part of the community it serves," Sheriff Birkhead said.
Regarding the issue of immigration, during the arrival of the Border Patrol (CBP) and ICE to several locations in North Carolina in November 2025, Birkhead told Enlace Latino NC She said her message hasn't changed: “Don't panic! Keep your eyes open. Know your rights.”
He also commented that for almost a year he has listened to the concerns of the Latino community, reiterating his active participation with the community.
“For nearly a year, we have observed and reported on many changes in federal immigration enforcement policies. I have met regularly with our Hispanic residents to listen to their concerns, acknowledge their fears, and answer their questions. My job is to keep this community safe,” Birkhead explained.
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