Guest: Johnny Hawkins - Durham County Sheriff Candidate

Johnny D. Hawkins is a longtime law‑enforcement and public safety professional running as the Democratic candidate for Durham County Sheriff in the March 2026 primary election. He brings nearly 38 years of experience spanning military service as a U.S. Army veteran and extensive leadership roles within the North Carolina Department of Public Safety, including time as a correctional warden, director of special operations and intelligence, chief of detention services, and other senior management positions. After retiring from state service, Hawkins also worked in community safety roles, including as Interim Director of Safety & Security at Trinity School of Durham & Chapel Hill, and has emphasized community engagement, staff wellness, and interagency collaboration in his campaign platform. His priorities include improving staffing and morale within the sheriff’s office, strengthening community‑focused crime prevention and safety initiatives, and fostering collaboration with local law enforcement and community partners to enhance transparency and public trust.