Kenny Blackwell

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Kenneth Blackwell, Jr. was born on September 7, 1962, and grew up in the Fowler’s Crossroads community outside of Rolesville. He has two daughters and two grandchildren. He married Cheryl Parrish in November 2022.

I have been in law enforcement my entire career.

Kenny previously served as a Wake County Deputy and a U.S. Marshal. He is currently an investigator with the State Capitol Police.

Wake Sheriff race set: Incumbent Willie Rowe to face GOP ...

For Candidate Kenny Blackwell on Issue public-safety: Emphasizes reducing response times, addressing fentanyl and opioid issues, tackling human trafficking, expanding mental health services, increasing salaries for deputies and detention officers, and promoting a community-based approach to public safety.

Public Safety

Supports increasing salaries for deputies and detention officers.

Jail Management

As of April 6, 2026, Kenny Blackwell’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Criminal Justice

Willie Rowe is from Raleigh, North Carolina. He is married, has children, and is a Deacon at First Baptist Church in Raleigh.

Willie Rowe earned a business administration and management degree from North Carolina State University. He is married, a father, and is a Deacon at First Baptist Church in Raleigh.

Willie is a retired law enforcement officer. He worked at the Wake County Sheriff's Office for 30 years, starting as a deputy in 1985. He retired in 2013 as a major. Before joining the Sheriff's Office, he served as a sergeant in the United States Army.

Willie Rowe - Ballotpedia

Willie previously worked at the Wake County Sheriff's Office for 30 years, starting as a deputy in 1985. Before joining the Sheriff's Office, he served in the United States Army for seven years.

Willie previously served as a major in the Wake County Sheriff's Office.

A Handful of Voters Could Determine the Future of Wake County ...

Willie is serving as the Sheriff of Wake County in North Carolina. He was first elected in 2022.

Believes iniIncreasing officer presence and engagement in communities to prevent crime and foster positive relationships with the residents.

Supports establishing a Sheriff's Advisory Council to review the Sheriff's Office performance and provide input to ensure effectiveness, efficiency, equity, diversity and inclusiveness.

Wants to "recruit, properly vet, train, and equip the most qualified individuals to serve and protect the residents and properties of Wake County."

- Believes iniIncreasing officer presence and engagement in communities to prevent crime and foster positive relationships with the residents.
- Supports establishing a Sheriff's Advisory Council to review the Sheriff's Office performance and provide input to ensure effectiveness, efficiency, equity, diversity and inclusiveness.
- Wants to "recruit, properly vet, train, and equip the most qualified individuals to serve and protect the residents and properties of Wake County."

As of April 6, 2026, Willie Rowe’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Willie Rowe

- The sheriff is responsible for enforcing the law, managing security in jails and courtrooms. They also oversee daily conditions of the jail and inmates in custody and serve legal documents such as warrants and eviction notices. Their ultimate responsibility is to protect the community. 

Wake Sheriff

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