01/31/2026
I am deeply honored to receive the endorsement of the LGBTQ+ Democrats of Mecklenburg County as this work is about more than parades and celebrations — it’s about policies that protect people, especially the most vulnerable.
National research has consistently shown that LGBTQ+ individuals in custody experience sexual assault at significantly higher rates than non-LGBTQ inmates, particularly those who identify as gay, bisexual, or transgender. That reality is unacceptable and demands intentional leadership.
That is why the Prison R**e Elimination Act (PREA) exists. PREA establishes national standards to prevent sexual abuse in detention facilities, including risk screening, staff training, safe housing decisions, reporting protections, and accountability measures. PREA is not optional — it is a baseline for humane and constitutional care.
But here’s the problem: Public transparency of data is critical. The most recent publicly available information from the Sheriff’s Office provided for PREA-related data requests is from 2020. That gap matters. You cannot fix what you are not measuring, and you cannot protect people with outdated information. Click here for the most recent data: https://www.mecksheriff.com/index.php/annual-reports/
As Sheriff, I am committed to:
• Full PREA compliance
• Transparent, up-to-date reporting
• Ongoing staff training
• Clear policies that protect LGBTQ+ inmates from harassment, assault, and retaliation
Public safety must include everyone.
Human dignity must include everyone.
And leadership means moving beyond symbolism to real accountability. So although I’ve never been glitter bombed, I have worked to ensure that hundreds are trained to protect those in custody as well as move beyond bias that would have far reaching impacts.
This bigger than a show. Lives are at stake.
Thank you again to the LGBTQ+ Democrats of Mecklenburg County for your endorsement and for pushing our county to do better — not just in words, but in action.o