The Friends of Durham focuses primarily on local elections: City Council, County Commissioners, District Attorney, Sheriff, and School Board. We do NOT endorse for national elections.
The Friends of Durham Support Candidates who will move Durham forward again
We are proud to announce our 2026 Municipal Election Endorsements
District Attorney: Jonathan Wilson
Sheriff: Clarence Birkhead
The Friends of Durham Endorse Jonathan Wilson for District Attorney
After interviewing both candidates for District Attorney, the Friends of Durham has chosen to endorse attorney Jonathan Wilson. It is our contention that Wilson, also our choice 4 years ago, will bring the credibility back to the office of District Attorney that has been under increasingly critical scrutiny over the last several years, and particularly this year. The FOD feels that public safety in Durham is suffering from the low case file clearance rate compared to our peer communities, Raleigh in particular. Too many violent crimes are being committed by offenders who have been arrested but then released out on the street due to poor judgment on the part of the DA’s office on what constitutes a punishable offense in their first (or first of several) encounters with law enforcement. We are confident that Wilson will review these cases with a stronger view of keeping these folks off the street, and from committing more egregious offences once released.
The Friends of Durham Endorse Clarence Birkhead for Sheriff
After interviewing both candidates for County Sheriff, the Friends of Durham has chosen to endorse current Sheriff Clarence Birkhead. Sheriff Birkhead has ably served the citizens of Durham County for 8 years now, and we see no reason why his exemplary management of all the County enforcement tasks under his umbrella should come to a close. His 40 plus years of law enforcement experience have greatly benefited Durham, and we strongly believe that he can continue to manage his department in a professional manner and keep the residents of Durham safe.
The Friends of Durham Support Candidates who will move Durham forward again
We are proud to announce our 2026 Municipal Election Endorsements
District Attorney: Jonathan Wilson
Sheriff: Clarence Birkhead
The Friends of Durham Endorse Jonathan Wilson for District Attorney
After interviewing both candidates for District Attorney, the Friends of Durham has chosen to endorse attorney Jonathan Wilson. It is our contention that Wilson, also our choice 4 years ago, will bring the credibility back to the office of District Attorney that has been under increasingly critical scrutiny over the last several years, and particularly this year. The FOD feels that public safety in Durham is suffering from the low case file clearance rate compared to our peer communities, Raleigh in particular. Too many violent crimes are being committed by offenders who have been arrested but then released out on the street due to poor judgment on the part of the DA’s office on what constitutes a punishable offense in their first (or first of several) encounters with law enforcement. We are confident that Wilson will review these cases with a stronger view of keeping these folks off the street, and from committing more egregious offences once released.
The Friends of Durham Endorse Clarence Birkhead for Sheriff
After interviewing both candidates for County Sheriff, the Friends of Durham has chosen to endorse current Sheriff Clarence Birkhead. Sheriff Birkhead has ably served the citizens of Durham County for 8 years now, and we see no reason why his exemplary management of all the County enforcement tasks under his umbrella should come to a close. His 40 plus years of law enforcement experience have greatly benefited Durham, and we strongly believe that he can continue to manage his department in a professional manner and keep the residents of Durham safe.
