The Rowan County sheriff election has taken a competitive turn as mid-year finance reports reveal significant fundraising efforts among the four Republican candidates. Jody Burleyson, a former Rowan County Patrol Lieutenant, leads the pack with a total of $82,481.21, positioning himself as a formidable contender in this highly contested race.
Candidate Profiles and Fundraising Insights
Alongside Burleyson, the other candidates include Carl Dangerfield, a former detective and private investigator; Tim Harrington, a former police captain with diverse departmental experience; and the incumbent, Travis Allen. Notably, there are no Democratic candidates in this election.
As of the end of July, Burleyson’s fundraising efforts have almost doubled since the mid-year reports, where he had already raised $42,967.15. His financial backing primarily stems from individual contributions, amounting to $74,635.48, with over $10,000 coming from his own funds. Key supporters include County Commissioner Mike Caskey, who contributed $1,600.73, and local veterinarian Susan Simmerson, who donated $6,604.48.
Burleyson has spent $48,265.27 of his campaign funds, leaving him with a cash balance of $34,215.74. This financial strategy positions him well ahead in a race that has seen approximately $101,503 raised in total so far.
Other Candidates’ Financial Strategies
Following Burleyson, Travis Allen stands second in fundraising with $39,296.80, a significant increase from his mid-year total of $6,779.43. Allen has invested $2,000 of his own money into his campaign. His notable contributors include Daniel Black from Tamarac Campground and Michael Ivester from Ivester Drywall, both of whom have provided substantial financial support.
Harrington has also shown impressive growth, raising $13,455.03, more than double his previous total of $5,755. His notable contributions include $3,100 from Angela Bolick, the owner of Marshville Whistling Holler Cabins. Harrington’s self-contribution stands at $1,500.
Carl Dangerfield, the least funded candidate, has raised $5,567.67, up from $3,554.67 in his mid-year filing, with a personal contribution of $2,813. His campaign expenditures have reached $5,313.68, leaving him with $500.77 in available funds.
Overall, the competition in the Rowan County sheriff race appears more intense than in the previous election cycle. In 2022, candidates collectively raised $236,357, but that figure was divided among seven candidates vying for an open seat after the retirement of long-serving Sheriff Kevin Auten. Tommie Cato had emerged as the largest fundraiser in that election, bringing in $73,921, but Burleyson’s current fundraising efforts suggest a shift in campaign dynamics.
As the election date approaches, the candidates continue to ramp up their fundraising strategies, seeking to engage voters and solidify their positions within the community. The outcome remains uncertain, with each candidate striving to distinguish themselves in a crowded field.
