Elections

Hawkins wins battle of North Carolina police chiefs for Gaston County sheriff post

A voter arrives at the West Charlotte Community Center Precinct 25 along Senior Drive on Tuesday, May 17, 2022.
A voter arrives at the West Charlotte Community Center Precinct 25 along Senior Drive on Tuesday, May 17, 2022. Jeff Siner jsiner@charlotteobserver.com

In the race that featured a pair of police chiefs vying for Gaston County sheriff, it was the head of the Belmont Police Department that took the seat.

Belmont Police Chief Chad Hawkins, who grabbed 55% of the vote, won over Mt. Holly Police Chief Don Roper, who got 45%.

Alan Cloninger, who has served as sheriff of Gaston County for 16 years, announced his retirement in August, WBTV reported.

To view the full local election results from Gaston County, visit ncsbe.gov.

This story was originally published May 18, 2022 at 9:35 AM.

Profile Image of Evan Moore
Evan Moore
The Charlotte Observer
Evan Moore is a service journalism reporter for the Charlotte Observer. He grew up in Denver, North Carolina, where he previously worked as a reporter for the Denver Citizen, and is a UNC Charlotte graduate.
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