Board of Education candidate drops out of race after sex offender controversy
WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — Rick Southerland is withdrawing his candidacy for the New Hanover County Board of Education following controversy surrounding his personal relationship with a registered sex offender.
Southerland announced his decision Thursday morning in a statement posted on Facebook, saying the focus of the campaign had shifted away from education issues and toward controversy surrounding his personal life.
“Today I am announcing my decision to withdraw from the race for the New Hanover County Board of Education.
This decision does not come easily. I entered this race to advocate for students, educators, and families and to bring practical solutions to the challenges facing our schools. Unfortunately, the focus of this campaign has shifted almost entirely to controversy surrounding my personal life and that of a survivor who paid their dues rather than the issues that mattered to voters.
I acknowledge that I should have addressed questions about my living situation earlier and more directly. For that, I take responsibility. Transparency is important in public service, and I regret not anticipating how strongly this issue would resonate in the political environment.
However, I also believe the reaction we have seen raises difficult questions about fairness and consistency in our political culture. Our society often speaks about rehabilitation, compassion, and second chances. Yet when those principles intersect with politics, they are sometimes set aside in favor of public pressure and political calculation.
While I stand by my character and the work I hoped to do for this community, it has become clear that continuing this campaign would overshadow the real conversations our schools deserve.
For the good of the students and families of New Hanover County, I am stepping aside so the focus can return to education and the future of our schools.
To those who supported this campaign, volunteered their time, hard earned resources, and believed in our vision for improving public education, I thank you. I remain committed to serving this community and advocating for fairness, accountability, and opportunity for all.”
On Tuesday, Southerland unofficially won one of four spots in the democratic primary election for the New Hanover County Board of Education.
The controversy emerged after reports that Southerland lived with a registered sex offender, Jaymes Osborne. Court records showed Osborne previously pleaded guilty to possession of child pornography and received a plea agreement.
New Hanover County Democratic Party Chair Jill Hopman had asked Southerland to step aside once Southerland’s relationship with Osborne became known.
State Rep. Deb Butler also said Southerland’s failure to disclose the relationship showed poor judgment that disqualified him as a candidate.
