The Rowan County sheriff election has intensified as mid-year finance reports reveal significant fundraising efforts from the candidates. As of July 31, 2023, the four Republican candidates—Carl Dangerfield, Tim Harrington, Jody Burleyson, and incumbent Travis Allen—are actively vying for the position, with Burleyson leading the fundraising race.
At the close of July, Burleyson raised an impressive $82,481.21, nearly doubling his mid-year total of $42,967.15. The majority of his funds, totaling $74,635.48, come from individual donations, with over $10,000 contributed by Burleyson himself. Notable supporters include County Commissioner Mike Caskey, who donated $1,600.73, and other significant contributors such as veterinary professional Susan Simmerson at $6,604.48.
Burleyson’s campaign has spent $48,265.27, leaving him with a cash reserve of $34,215.74. Following closely is Allen, who raised $39,296.80, marking a substantial increase from his mid-year figure of $6,779.43. Among his contributions, Allen personally added $2,000 to his campaign coffers. Significant backers include Daniel Black, owner of Tamarac Campground, who contributed $1,080.
Harrington has also shown considerable growth in his fundraising efforts, reporting $13,455.03 at the close of July, up from $5,755. He contributed $1,500 of his own funds, with notable contributions from Angela Bolick at $3,100 and Joan Benson at $1,000.
Dangerfield, while trailing the others, has raised $5,567.67, an increase from his mid-year total of $3,554.67. With $2,813 contributed personally, he has spent $5,313.68, leaving a balance of $500.77.
Overall, the Rowan County sheriff race has seen approximately $101,503 raised thus far. This figure falls short of the $236,357 raised during the previous 2022 election cycle, which featured seven candidates competing for an open seat following the retirement of long-serving Sheriff Kevin Auten. At that time, candidate Tommie Cato was the top fundraiser, securing $73,921 through a combination of donations and loans.
As the campaign progresses, candidates are expected to increase their fundraising efforts, seeking to match or exceed past totals as the election date approaches. With no Democratic candidate in the race, the focus remains on the Republican contenders as they vie for the sheriff’s office in Rowan County.
