The New Hamover RLC had endorsed Republican Matt Rhodes for New Hanover County Sheriff and we worked hard to try to get him elected. Unfortunately, there simply were far too many Republicans, both in local party leadership and in the rank and file, that have been duped into believing that Ed McMahon was a conservative. We appreciate Matt's hard work on the campaign trail and his dedication to the Constitution and our liberties.
NEW HANOVER COUNTY, N.C. (WECT) - Sheriff Ed McMahon has been re-elected for a fourth full term in New Hanover County.
With all 43 precincts reporting, McMahon led Republican challenger Matt Rhodes, 58,814-32,445, Tuesday. The vote totals are unofficial until they are canvassed by county elections officials.
McMahon has worked with the sheriff’s office for 30 years. He had risen to the position of Chief Deputy in 2009 when retiring Sheriff Sid Causey appointed McMahon to serve the rest of his term. Voters elected McMahon to serve full four-year terms in 2010, 2014 and 2018.
"There’s always room for improvement, we can always do better," McMahon said during the primary campaign. "What I’ve been doing for the past 13 years, I’m going to continue doing. It is my belief that the sheriff’s office has the trust of the community. The majority of the community."
Rhodes ran unopposed in the 2022 Republican primary. Rhodes is a native of New Hanover County, and according to his campaign website, he received a degree in criminal justice administration from Mount Olive College. He is a concealed carry instructor and has owned several businesses, including a personal safety business.
"It was very clear to me that the present administration the current sheriff wasn’t doing what needed to be done to make this area safe," Rhodes said in a section of his campaign website. "Despite him having so much experience he is not leading and that is what I plan to do."