Sheriff Graziano concedes after losing reelection bid

CHARLESTON COUNTY, S.C. (WCBD) – Charleston County Sheriff Kristin Graziano conceded Wednesday after losing her re-election bid against former Mount Pleasant Police Chief Carl Ritchie.

Sheriff Graziano said Tuesday night’s results were not what they hoped for but didn’t stop short of congratulating Ritchie on his win.

“Its really been a hard-fought campaign. And I respect, and I have to respect the voices of the people in Charleston County,” Sheriff Graziano said.

Graziano has served as Charleston County’s top law enforcement leader since she was elected in 2020, defeating longtime sheriff Al Cannon.

During a news conference Wednesday morning, she expressed gratitude to her supporters and her team at the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office. Graziano encouraged the agency to keep shining brightly, said the movement they started would continue, and asked the community to choose kindness and rise above the negativity.

“I am an elected official, and you all have held me accountable. I’ve been proud to stand up here, sometimes not so proud to own the things that have happened in our agency, in our profession, but I’ve been honest, and I’ve stood before you all with the utmost integrity. I don’t like that that was challenged at all in this election cycle. I think that’s reckless, and it’s put a target on the backs of law enforcement, and I will not tolerate that.”

Graziano became the first woman in South Carolina to serve as sheriff when she was elected four years ago. According to her campaign, Sheriff Graziano was nationally recognized for the programs she implemented at the Al Cannon Detention Center.

“While this chapter closes, this story of this kind of movement that we started will continue. We’re going to remain vigilant in advocating for this community and all that makes it special,” the sheriff shared.

Sheriff Graziano’s time in office wasn’t without criticism. She found herself at the center of several controversies throughout the last few years including the latest involving Congresswoman Nancy Mace regarding the handling of immigration enforcement.

“It’s unfortunate that they want to take a national issue and make it a local problem. Charleston is better than that. It’s unfortunate that people listen to the lies and the lies and deception won in this case over the truth.”

Sheriff Graziano said she remains committed to the community and didn’t shut the door on serving in the future.

“I’m getting calls now saying, ‘come help us do what you did in Charleston,'” the sheriff said. “My focus right now is on Charleston for the next two months. And if it helps other communities in the future, you know, bring programs that are going to lift people up and make their communities safer, I’m all for it. I’m not going to stop serving.”

As for what is next, Sheriff Graziano said she still has two months in the position and that it’s too soon to say what her future holds.