Incumbent Ed McMahon wins New Hanover sheriff seat
New Hanover County voters reelected longtime sheriff Ed McMahon on Tuesday.
McMahon earned 58,814 votes, or 64.45%. Matt Rhodes earned 32,445 votes, or 35.55%.
McMahon, a Democrat, has served as sheriff since 2009 and was elected to three consecutive terms in 2010, 2014 and 2018. Following Tuesday's vote, he is set to hold the seat for four more years.
In a post on his campaign Facebook page Wednesday morning, McMahon thanked voters for their support.
"I have put the New Hanover County Sheriff's Office uniform on for over 31 years to serve this community and, never a day, have I taken that responsibility lightly," he said. "I pray every day for God's guidance, leading and favor as a leader because without that, I am nothing."
McMahon faced newcomer Rhodes, a Republican, lifelong New Hanover resident and personal safety advisor.
Rhodes took to social media Tuesday night to thank his supporters.
"I am proud of all the support I received and I feel that light has been shed on the problems in the school system and county," he wrote.
All results are considered unofficial until the New Hanover County Board of Elections holds its vote canvass.
The canvass ensures votes have been counted correctly and required audits have been completed. During the canvass, election officials consider challenges to votes and process provisional ballots and absentee ballots received after Election Day.
The canvass process is required by law and is held after every election, according to the North Carolina State Board of Elections. The canvass is scheduled for Nov. 18.
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Reach reporter Jamey Cross at jbcross@gannett.com or message her on Twitter @jameybcross.
This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: New Hanover County sheriff's race goes to incumbent
