With more than a year before mid-term elections, the Lenoir County Sheriff’s race is already heating up. Jackie Rogers announced his candidacy for Lenoir County Sheriff via a press release and posts on Facebook Monday evening. Neuse News reached out to Sheriff Ronnie T. Ingram and confirmed his intent to run in the 2022 mid-term election.

In 2018 Ingram ran unopposed, therefore the November 1, 2022 general election will present the community with a competitive race.

“Today I’m announcing my candidacy for Lenoir County Sheriff to serve the community I love and build that public trust,” said Rogers. He continued, “After more than 30 years of experience in law enforcement, I’m prepared to help make Lenoir County a safer place for us to live and raise families.”

Ingram has more than 35 years in law enforcement. According to Ingram, he has accomplished many things for Lenoir County including increased training and continuing education for all deputies and detention officers. He also used drug forfeiture funds to purchase additional gear and supplies at no cost to taxpayers.

“I work to be a positive leader for our Sheriff's Office,” said Ingram. “I continue to fight for more funding to get the best equipment and better pay for the hard-working deputies and detention employees, something they definitely deserve.”

Should Rogers win the election for Lenoir County Sheriff, he hopes to create an open, transparent, and approachable relationship with the citizens of Lenoir County. He wants to build a proactive law enforcement agency that would target drug and gun violence.

“Lenoir County has always been my home and the Sheriff's Star has always been a symbol of public trust in our community,” said Rogers.

With both candidates having upwards of 30 years of experience in law enforcement, Lenoir County will have the option of voting on experience, as well as their favorite candidate.

“I am proud to lead an office of such dedicated servants who give so much to help and protect others,” said Ingram.

According to the North Carolina State Board of Elections, filing for the March 8, 2022 primary will begin on December 6, 2021 at noon and ends on December 17, 2021 at noon.

NOTE: Be sure to bookmark Tuesday, November 2nd at 7:30 pm for the 2021 Facebook Live Election Results Show presented by Senator Jim Perry.