During this local election season, 97.9 The Hill and Chapelboro spoke with candidates for races representing Chapel Hill, Carrboro, Hillsborough and Pittsboro. Each answered the same set of questions regarding their decision to run for elected office, their thoughts on pressing community issues and what they wish for residents to think of when voting this fall. Their answers (lightly edited for clarity and brevity) are shared here, as well as links to their respective campaign websites or pages. If a candidate did not respond or chose not to speak with 97.9 The Hill and Chapelboro, it will be designated with no audio. The order of candidates below is in the alphabetical order of their last names.
After running unopposed in 2022, Orange County Sheriff Charles Blackwood will once again face competition in the Democratic primary. The 45-year veteran of the local sheriff’s office, who is seeking re-election to a fourth consecutive four-year term, is facing off against David LaBarre, who works as the director of planning and development at the Durham County Sheriff’s Office. While LaBarre’s two decades in law enforcement have been spent across the county lines and working for the FBI’s Raleigh-Durham Safe Streets Task Force, he’s no stranger to the Orange County community having lived there with his family for years and been involved with the Orange County Democratic Party. Both men are running on campaigns of stabilizing and supporting the sheriff’s office’s workforce while exploring different ways to enhance its resources and partnerships with the community for the sake of public safety. Whoever emerges as the winner in March will not face any challengers on November’s general ballot — setting up for a near-certain election.
97.9 The Hill spoke with each candidate, asking these questions that are reflected in the recorded responses:
Why were you inspired to join this race? What are the top three issues your campaign is built on? What do you believe sets you apart from your opponent in this election? What is your philosophy around the role of local law enforcement when we see such impunity granted to federal officers and controversy around their actions? What are some examples of things you’re proud the Orange County Sheriff’s Office has done in recent years? What are examples of areas or aspects of the job where you believe more work is needed? When voters see your name on the ballot, what do you want them to think of? Orange County Sheriff, Democratic PrimaryCharles Blackwood (D)
Photo via Committee to Re-Elect Charles Blackwood Sheriff
chapelboroaudio.s3.amazonaws.com/2026/Candidate%20Introductions/2026%20Primaries/Sheriff%20%2B%20ROD%20%2B%20BOE/CI%20CHARLES%20BLACKWOOD_FINAL.mp3
David LaBarre (D)
Photo via Committee to Elect David LaBarre for Sheriff
chapelboroaudio.s3.amazonaws.com/2026/Candidate%20Introductions/2026%20Primaries/Sheriff%20%2B%20ROD%20%2B%20BOE/CI%20DAVID%20LABARRE_FINAL.mp3
Early voting in Orange County for the 2026 primary election runs from Thursday, Feb. 12 to Saturday, Feb. 28 offering an additional to register to vote for anyone who misses the Feb. 9 deadline. Primary Election Day itself is Tuesday, March 3, while the general election will end on Tuesday, Nov. 3.
More of the 2026 Candidate Introductions for local elections can be found on Chapelboro’s Local Elections page as they are published.
Chapelboro.com does not charge subscription fees, and you can directly support our efforts in local journalism here. Want more of what you see on Chapelboro? Let us bring free local news and community information to you by signing up for our newsletter.
2026 Candidate Introductions: Democratic Primary for Orange County Sheriff Chapelboro.com.
Hence then, the article about 2026 candidate introductions democratic primary for orange county sheriff was published today ( ) and is available on chapelboro ( Middle East ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( 2026 Candidate Introductions: Democratic Primary for Orange County Sheriff )
Also on site :
- Iraq coach says World Cup can help ‘change perception’ of country
- STAG INDUSTRIAL TO REPORT FIRST QUARTER 2026 RESULTS
- Religious Cult Responsible For Horrific Child Sex Abuse Is The Basis Of Netflix’s ‘Trust Me: The False Prophet’