Charlotte, North Carolina, February 14, 2026
The Mecklenburg County Republican Party is demanding the resignation of Sheriff Garry McFadden, citing his poor performance during recent legislative testimony. McFadden’s inability to properly identify government branches and his incorrect claim about the sheriff’s office operating under the judicial branch triggered the GOP’s decision. Additionally, ongoing scrutiny regarding his leadership has raised further concerns about his suitability for the position.
Charlotte, North Carolina – The Mecklenburg County Republican Party has publicly called for the resignation of Sheriff Garry McFadden, following a contentious appearance before state lawmakers earlier this week. The demand, issued via a social media statement on February 10, stems from what the party described as Sheriff McFadden’s struggle to identify the number of governmental branches and his inaccurate assertion that the sheriff’s office operates under the judicial branch during his testimony at the state capitol.
Republican Lawmakers Express Concerns Over Testimony
During the hearing on Monday, February 9, which initially centered on safety issues within the Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS), Sheriff McFadden spent more than two hours engaged in a heated exchange with members of the House Select Committee on Oversight and Reform. Republican committee chairs expressed dissatisfaction with the Sheriff’s responses, characterizing them as evasive and citing legal constraints that left many questions unanswered. Lawmakers, including Representative Allen Chesser, observed a “combative and resistant” demeanor from the Sheriff during the proceedings.
In the aftermath of the testimony, state House Republicans have escalated their actions, formally requesting extensive documentation from Sheriff McFadden. A letter filed on Wednesday by the three co-chairs of the House Select Committee on Oversight and Reform mandates that Sheriff McFadden provide documents by February 28. These requested records pertain to his office’s communications with federal immigration officials, the details of jail operations, records concerning inmate deaths, and travel records. The legislative body’s concern extends to the Sheriff’s fundamental understanding of governmental structure, asserting that such confusion from a top law enforcement official erodes public trust and raises doubts about his suitability for the role.
Ongoing Scrutiny and Past Allegations
This latest demand for resignation adds to a series of challenges and criticisms faced by Sheriff McFadden during his tenure. The Sheriff has been a figure of ongoing public and political scrutiny, often responding to various allegations and concerns regarding his leadership and the operations of the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO).
Earlier this year, in January 2026, a legal petition seeking Sheriff McFadden’s removal from office was dismissed by a Mecklenburg County judge. The petition, filed by State Representative Carla Cunningham and four former MCSO employees, alleged misconduct, abuse of authority, and habitual failure to perform duties. Accusations within the petition included mismanagement of the county jail, retaliation against former employees and whistleblowers, misuse of official resources, and the alleged weaponization of the internal affairs unit. The judge ruled that the petition did not meet the legal threshold required under state law for the removal of an elected official, partly because it lacked approval from the District Attorney or County Attorney. Despite the dismissal, an investigation into the underlying allegations by the State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) continues.
The Sheriff’s office has also faced persistent allegations of a toxic workplace environment and concerns about unsafe jail conditions. In August 2025, a second chief deputy, Christopher Allen, resigned, citing a “toxic and abusive environment” and accusing Sheriff McFadden of “abusive and narcissistic behaviors,” constant backstabbing, lies, disrespect, and false narratives. This followed the resignation of Chief Deputy Kevin Canty in November 2024, who similarly accused Sheriff McFadden of creating a hostile work environment and operating the agency like a “third-world dictatorship.” Canty’s resignation letter criticized the Sheriff for taking credit for successes while attributing failures to others, and included allegations of abuse of power, unprofessionalism, and racism.
In September 2025, a former director of Business Operations for the MCSO filed a lawsuit against Sheriff McFadden. The lawsuit alleged she was fired in retaliation for reporting racial pay disparities and claimed she was asked by the Sheriff to alter expense reports. The former director further asserted that Sheriff McFadden fostered a “toxic culture of retaliation and racism” within the department.
Sheriff McFadden publicly apologized in November 2024 for using “racially charged” language captured in a video. This apology came amidst accusations from former Chief Deputy Canty, who stated he had heard the Sheriff use derogatory terms to describe white deputies and assert that Black employees had a “plantation mentality.” In response to these various allegations, Sheriff McFadden has maintained that his office is a strong agency and has expressed his commitment to the community and his staff. He has previously stated that he will not resign, indicating his intention to continue serving and potentially seek re-election.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why has the Mecklenburg County Republican Party called for Sheriff McFadden’s resignation?
The Mecklenburg County Republican Party has publicly called for the resignation of Sheriff Garry McFadden, following a contentious appearance before state lawmakers earlier this week. The demand stems from what the party described as Sheriff McFadden’s struggle to identify the number of governmental branches and his inaccurate assertion that the sheriff’s office operates under the judicial branch during his testimony at the state capitol.
What were the key issues during Sheriff McFadden’s testimony?
During his testimony on Monday, February 9, Sheriff McFadden engaged in a heated exchange with members of the House Select Committee on Oversight and Reform. Republican committee chairs expressed dissatisfaction with the Sheriff’s responses, characterizing them as evasive and citing legal constraints that left many questions unanswered. Lawmakers observed a “combative and resistant” demeanor from the Sheriff.
What documents have state House Republicans demanded from Sheriff McFadden?
State House Republicans have formally requested extensive documentation from Sheriff McFadden. A letter filed on Wednesday mandates that Sheriff McFadden provide documents by February 28 related to his office’s communications with federal immigration officials, the details of jail operations, records concerning inmate deaths, and travel records.
Has there been a previous attempt to remove Sheriff McFadden from office?
Earlier this year, in January 2026, a legal petition seeking Sheriff McFadden’s removal from office was dismissed by a Mecklenburg County judge. The petition alleged misconduct, abuse of authority, and habitual failure to perform duties.
Are there ongoing investigations related to Sheriff McFadden’s office?
Yes, despite the dismissal of a petition for his removal, an investigation into the underlying allegations by the State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) continues.
What other allegations has Sheriff McFadden’s office faced?
The Sheriff’s office has faced persistent allegations of a toxic workplace environment and concerns about unsafe jail conditions. Two chief deputies resigned in 2024 and 2025, citing a “toxic and abusive environment” and “abusive and narcissistic behaviors.” Additionally, a former director of Business Operations filed a lawsuit in September 2025, alleging retaliation for reporting racial pay disparities and being asked to alter expense reports. Sheriff McFadden also apologized in November 2024 for using “racially charged” language.
Key Features of Recent Events Surrounding Sheriff McFadden
| Feature | Detail | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Demand for Resignation | Mecklenburg County GOP called for Sheriff McFadden’s resignation on February 10, 2026. | County-level |
| Basis for Demand | Sheriff’s testimony on February 9, 2026, where he allegedly struggled with governmental branch identification and misclassified his office. | State-level (testimony to state lawmakers) |
| Legislative Action | State House Republicans demanded extensive records by February 28, 2026, concerning immigration, jail operations, inmate deaths, and travel. | State-level |
| Prior Removal Attempt | A petition for his removal was dismissed by a Mecklenburg County judge in January 2026 due to not meeting state legal thresholds. | County-level / State-level (based on state law) |
| Ongoing Investigation | State Bureau of Investigation (SBI) continues to investigate underlying allegations from the dismissed petition. | State-level |
| Workplace Environment Allegations | Multiple former deputies and a director alleged a toxic, abusive work environment, retaliation, and racial pay disparities in 2024 and 2025. | County-level |
| Public Apology | Sheriff McFadden apologized in November 2024 for using “racially charged” language. | County-level |
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