Southerland speaks after winning Duplin Co. sheriff primary

DUPLIN COUNTY, N.C. (WITN) - Eric Southerland will become Duplin County’s next sheriff after defeating incumbent Stratton Stokes in Tuesday’s Republican primary.

With no Democrat in the race, Southerland is set to take office on the first Monday in December.

Southerland received 48% of the vote, compared to 38% for Stokes and 13% for Tony James. Stokes was first elected sheriff in 2022.

Southerland, a former Warsaw police chief for six years, previously worked for the Duplin County Sheriff’s Office for 11 years.

He retired from the Warsaw Police Department in 2020 and has since been teaching at James Sprunt Community College.

“Getting on this campaign trail has really reminded me how much I miss this line of work and all that comes with it,” Southerland said. “I am so fired up and ready to hit the ground running.”

Southerland said he entered the race to bring change to the county and its sheriff’s office.

“I just felt like we needed some change in this county and leadership in the sheriff’s office so we could get back to the roots of being a public service department,” Southerland said.

Southerland said some employees could be assigned new roles and that it will be up to them whether they choose to stay.

“I’m a fair guy. I’m willing to give everyone an opportunity, and the choice will be up to them. If they’re happy with the positions that they are given and are willing to work as a team to move this county forward, then they are more than welcome to have a job,” Southerland said.

He said he intends to bring in some of his own staff.

When asked why he believes he won, Southerland pointed to voter frustration.

“I think people were looking for more of a change when they elected the current sheriff, and they didn’t see it, and they feel like I’m going to be the one to bring change to this county that they’ve been seeking for some time,” he said.

Warsaw resident Marvin Coe, a Southerland supporter, said the sheriff-elect is the right choice.

“Duplin County needs people in that position to support the citizens of the county and aren’t just running for office to fill a space,” Coe said.