Unaffiliated candidate Ray Marlowe pulls off upset in Bladen County sheriff’s race over Jim McVicker
ELIZABETHTOWN, NC (WWAY) — One of the biggest surprises of election night in the Cape Fear region came in Bladen County, where unaffiliated candidate Ray Marlowe appears to have defeated longtime Sheriff Jim McVicker.
McVicker, who has served as sheriff for 12 years, criticized Marlowe’s campaign following Tuesday’s election, accusing his opponent and supporters of using dirty campaign tactics.
Marlowe’s apparent victory marks a significant shakeup in Bladen County, particularly as sheriff’s races in several neighboring counties went uncontested.
Despite his apparent success, Marlowe’s campaign had relatively little visible presence around downtown Elizabethtown. WWAY found one campaign sign along Highway 87 and a billboard supporting his candidacy.
However, Marlowe maintained an active presence on social media, with his campaign’s Facebook page featuring videos of him speaking with voters at community events, including last week’s Elizabethtown trick-or-treat celebration.
According to his campaign, Marlowe’s top three priorities are improving morale within the Bladen County Sheriff’s Office, ensuring schools have fully staffed school resource officer positions and maintaining fully staffed road patrols.
Marlowe previously spent more than a decade with the Bladen County Sheriff’s Office, serving as a patrol deputy and corporal before becoming a criminal investigator.
In 2006, Marlowe was shot in the line of duty during a drug raid in Dublin.
WWAY attempted to contact Marlowe by phone and email Wednesday but did not receive a response. Several Bladen County residents also declined to comment on the election results.
McVicker, however, spoke openly about the campaign and his disappointment with how it unfolded.
“You know what, I’m glad it’s over, a lot of stress and this was a very dirty election on their side and I’m glad it’s over. They and their people attacked my reputation. And I would never go stoop that low,” McVicker said. “This is my fourth election, I’ve never done it, I’ve always run positive election and I have no regrets.”
McVicker also reflected on his 12 years leading the sheriff’s office and discussed his plans for the remainder of his time in office.
“I’m trying to finish, tie up loose ends here at the office. I’ll work til my last day and I’ll be sheriff until the 7th day of December then I’ll decide what I’m gonna do,” McVicker said.
Despite the election’s outcome, McVicker said he remains proud of his time serving Bladen County.
“I’m very proud for having been the Sheriff for 12 years. There’s not nothing I wouldn’t do for the citizens of Bladen County. I love this county. I have a passion for it,” McVicker said.
