New Hanover Sheriff Ed McMahon Switches To Republican Party Ahead Of 2026 Election

Yesterday, New Hanover County Sheriff Edward (Ed) McMahon announced that he planned to switch his party registration from Democrat to Republican, ahead of his re-election campaign in 2026. This is the latest example of Democrats fleeing to the Republican Party. This year, Robeson County Commissioners switched parties, flipping control of the Robeson County Commission. And famously, Rep. Tricia Cotham switched parties after experiencing bullying by her Democrat colleagues. New Hanover County has long been a notorious swing county that often votes for both Republicans and Democrats.

Here is Sheriff McMahon’s statement on his decision to leave the Democrat Party, “It has been my honor and privilege to serve as your Sheriff here in New Hanover County for the past sixteen years. I have been dedicated to upholding the law, ensuring public safety, and leading the Sheriff’s office in a way that puts community trust first. That mission remains the same today as it was the day I took office. I look forward to continuing this important work on behalf of each citizen in this great county and am announcing my intention to seek re-election as your Sheriff in 2026. 

McMahon continued, “After careful consideration and because of personal reasons, I have made the decision to change my voter registration. It has always been my desire to keep politics out of the Office of the Sheriff and this decision does not change my unwavering commitment to serve all residents of New Hanover County fairly, impartially and with integrity.”  

McMahon was first elected Sheriff in 2010, and in 20213 he was appointed to the Seventh Congressional District Homeland Security Task Force. Before becoming Sheriff, he served in both the Patrol and Detective Divisions, rising through the ranks to obtain the rank of Captain.  McMahon married his college sweetheart in 1982 and has two children and seven grandchildren.  

On this event, Chairman of the North Carolina Republican Party Jason Simmons said, “No one understands the realities of violent crime and the need to support law enforcement like Sheriffs across North Carolina. We welcome Sheriff McMahon to the Republican Party, and we will always back the blue and support the brave men and women who serve their communities.”