Politics

Sheriff announces campaign for a third term

Lowell Griffin

By Lightning Reports, Published: December 3, 2025

Sheriff Lowell Griffin anounced on Wednesday that he will seek re-election to a third term.

Saying the community's "strength, generosity and resilience in the face of (Hurricane Helene) has made me a stronger man," Griffin praised "some of the best law enforcement officials in the world" that make up the sheriff's office and "tremendous community partnerships" that help him to the job.

A native and lifelong resident of Henderson County who started his public service as a teen-age volunteer firefighter at Edneyville Fire Department, Griffin, 59, defeated incumbent sheriff Charlie McDonald in the Republican primary in 2018, then cruised to re-election without opposition in 2022.

Here is the announcement:

To the great people I serve, for the past seven years, you've honored me with the opportunity to serve you as the Sheriff of Henderson County. As a lifelong resident, I continue to value the area, what it provides, and most of all, you the people who make it so special.

Although I've cherished my time as your Sheriff, these first two terms have not been without challenges. Together, we faced uncertainty with COVID. We saw evil claim the life of Detective Ryan Hendricks.

We worked to strengthen relationships and remained a cohesive community as the social justice movement spread across the nation. Together, we navigated one of the worst natural disasters in history, a disaster that claimed lives and property. Your strength, generosity, and resilience in the face of it has made me a stronger man.

Today, I'm blessed to be surrounded by some of the best law enforcement officials in the world who, day after day, strive to provide the best service possible, ensuring that the community we live, work, and play in is safe for all.

Over the past two terms, we've established tremendous community partnerships that I deeply cherish. Your support has allowed us to achieve the successes that we have enjoyed. I simply wouldn't do this job in many areas across the nation today, but the people of Henderson County are special. You are my friends. This county is my lifelong home, and all of it is definitely worth fighting for.

That's why I, Lowell Griffin, am proud to announce that I will be seeking re-election for the office of Henderson County Sheriff in 2026. Thank you and God bless.