In a closely watched election, Carl Ritchie has emerged victorious in the race for Charleston County Sheriff, securing 50.99% of the vote against incumbent Democrat Kristin Graziano, who garnered 48%. Graziano conceded the election on November 5, 2024, marking a significant shift in leadership for the county's law enforcement [26f36363].
The campaign was characterized by intense debates surrounding critical issues such as immigration and staffing shortages within the Al Cannon Detention Center. Ritchie, who brings 33 years of law enforcement experience to the table, emphasized his commitment to addressing these challenges head-on [26f36363]. Graziano, on the other hand, highlighted her efforts to implement educational programs at the detention center, aiming to improve inmate outcomes and community relations [26f36363].
Additionally, write-in candidate Alan Ali focused on enhancing community engagement, adding another layer to the election's dynamic [26f36363]. The race also drew attention from Congresswoman Nancy Mace, who criticized Graziano's immigration policies, further fueling the debate among voters [26f36363]. The issues surrounding staffing and inmate deaths at the detention center were pivotal in shaping public opinion and ultimately influenced the election's outcome [26f36363].