Charles Stuart Blackwood

Current office and 2026 campaign

As of May 2026, Charles Blackwood serves as the Sheriff of Orange County, North Carolina ¹. He is a candidate in the 2026 election for this office, running on the Democratic ticket ². Blackwood secured his party's nomination after being projected to win the Democratic primary in March 2026 ⁸.

During his tenure, Blackwood has been appointed to several leadership roles within the state. In March 2025, Governor Stein appointed him as Chairman of the North Carolina Governor’s Crime Commission ³. He also serves as the President of the North Carolina Sheriffs’ Association ⁷.

Blackwood is seeking re-election for a fourth term as Orange County Sheriff ¹⁵. His campaign emphasizes "proven leadership" and accountability, with Blackwood stating that institutional knowledge is critical for the role ⁶. The candidate has engaged in public discussions regarding his platform, including an interview published in February 2026 ¹⁰.

Background and education

Charles Blackwood is a 45-year veteran of the Orange County Sheriff’s Office ⁴. He holds a degree from the School of Professional Studies at Wake Forest University ⁹. Specific details regarding his birthplace, year of birth, upbringing, religion, or other educational credentials are not provided in the available sources.

Career

Charles Blackwood is a 45-year veteran of the Orange County Sheriff’s Office ⁴. He holds a position as an adjunct professor at the School of Professional Studies at Wake Forest University ⁹.

In his professional capacity outside of elected office, Blackwood has held significant leadership roles within state law enforcement organizations. In March 2025, he was selected to serve as president of the North Carolina Sheriffs’ Association ⁷¹¹. Additionally, Governor Stein appointed him to chair the North Carolina Governor’s Crime Commission in March 2025 ³⁵¹²¹³.

Office history

Charles Blackwood is a 45-year veteran of the Orange County Sheriff’s Office ⁴. He was first elected as Sheriff of Orange County in 2018 ¹⁶. Following his initial victory, he won re-election to a second term in 2022 ¹. In 2026, Blackwood secured the Democratic primary nomination for the office of Orange County Sheriff ⁸, and is currently seeking election to a fourth term ¹⁰.

During his tenure as sheriff, Blackwood has held several leadership roles. He was elected President of the North Carolina Sheriffs’ Association ⁷, serving in that capacity through at least 2026 ¹¹. Additionally, Governor Stein appointed him to serve as Chairman of the North Carolina Governor’s Crime Commission in March 2025 ³. Blackwood also holds an appointment to the advisory board of the School of Professional Studies at Wake Forest University ⁹.

Legislative record and accomplishments

As a county sheriff, Charles Blackwood does not sponsor legislative bills or cast votes in the state legislature, as these are powers held by elected members of the North Carolina General Assembly ¹. His policy influence is exercised through executive leadership and advisory roles within the state’s law enforcement community. In March 2025, Governor Stein appointed Blackwood to serve as the Chairman of the North Carolina Governor’s Crime Commission ³⁵¹²¹³.

Blackwood also serves as the President of the North Carolina Sheriffs’ Association, a position he was elected to by his peers ⁷¹¹. In this capacity, he leads the state’s primary organization for county sheriffs, advocating for law enforcement interests and policy positions at the state level ¹⁴. He emphasizes the importance of "institutional knowledge" and accountability in his approach to public safety and community trust ⁶¹⁷.

Sources