Carl Ritchie Issues Debate Challenge to Greg Kitchens

"Charleston County deserves to hear directly from the Republican challengers to ensure the best candidate is facing Graziano in the general election"

Friday, June 14, 2024

MOUNT PLEASANT, SC – Chief Carl Ritchie, Republican candidate for Charleston County Sheriff, issued a debate challenge to his runoff opponent, Greg Kitchens, today. Chief Ritchie stressed the need for Charleston County voters to hear directly from the candidates, so they can determine whom the best challenger to incumbent Sheriff Kristin Graziano should be in the fall.

“Charleston County has suffered from the failure of leadership of Kristin Graziano and deserves to hear directly from the Republican challengers to ensure the best candidate is facing her in the general election," said Chief Ritchie.

"Today, I am challenging Greg Kitchens to debate and give Charleston County residents the ability to understand the stark contrast in our law enforcement experience, the stark contrast in our most recent law enforcement service, and the stark contrast in our abilities to lead the Sheriff’s Office on Day One.

I offer 33 years of proven law enforcement leadership in the Lowcountry. I offer military police, SWAT, narcotics, and school safety experience. I offer executive leadership of a local agency during the pandemic, civil unrest, hurricanes, and infrastructure failures. I also offer my unique ability to lead on Day One, having most recently served as Police Chief of a nationally accredited agency in 2021.

Greg Kitchens hasn’t served in law enforcement in over 25 years. His last law enforcement service was that as a deputy in 1998. Greg Kitchens’ local enforcement experience totaled less than 7 years, and he has no executive law enforcement leadership.

The contrast of the candidates on the ballot on June 25^th couldn’t be more extreme, and I challenge Greg Kitchens to discuss these differences and our visions for the Sheriff’s Office. Charleston County deserves it.”

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