BLADEN COUNTY, N.C. (WECT) – A change in law enforcement leadership will take place in Bladen County following the election of unaffiliated candidate Ray Marlowe over incumbent Republican Sheriff Jim McVicker.
Although election results remain unofficial, McVicker will not serve another term after holding the office for 12 years across three terms since his initial election in 2014.
“I ran things the way I thought they should have been run. I ran a very positive campaign. And I lost. And that wasn’t my doing. That was God’s doing….So I can live with that,” McVicker said.
Prior to Election Day, McVicker said he did not know what to expect regarding the outcome. When asked what may have influenced the race, he cited broader economic pressures, including fuel prices, as potential factors for voters.
“A lot of Republicans nationwide and statewide were unseated. So I don’t know, I don’t know if it’s what’s going on nationally,” McVicker said. “I’m not trying to make excuses. Or maybe I did something wrong. Maybe that’s why I got beat. I don’t know.”
The two share a past working relationship in local law enforcement. McVicker said he ran Marlowe through Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) in the early 2000s before Marlowe served approximately 10 years at the Bladen County Sheriff’s Office.
The election marks the end of McVicker’s political career and begins his transition into retirement. Before stepping down, McVicker shared a message for county residents and the incoming administration.
“Support the sheriff’s office. Support the administration. I don’t know anything about Ray Marlowe or the way he runs things,” McVicker said. “I wish him no ill will whatsoever. I was blessed for 12 years.”
Marlowe was unavailable for comment on the day of reporting.
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