Photo: Wayne County Sheriff Raphael Washington (middle) celebrates with Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Brothers
In a stunning show of support and confidence, Wayne County Sheriff Raphael “Ray” Washington clinched a decisive victory in the Aug. 6, 2024, primary election, outpacing Democratic challenger Joan Merriewether. As he gears up for the November showdown against Republican T.P. Nykoriak—who defeated Articia Bomer—Washington’s triumph reflects his deep-rooted connection with voters and sets the stage for a pivotal race ahead.
As of Wednesday, Aug. 7, at 8 a.m., Washington had received 63.7% of the votes while Merriewether took 35.8% of the votes.
This significant win reaffirms Washington’s enduring popularity and leadership and paves the way for his continued dedicated service to the community. His remarkable success is a testament to Washington’s exceptional leadership qualities and steadfast devotion to bolstering public safety and fostering unwavering confidence within the community.
“It feels good to know we are here and getting it done and that we will always be able to serve the public as long as I’m Wayne County Sheriff,” Washington said.
Sheriff Washington’s win is especially noteworthy given the complex obstacles that law enforcement encounters and the changing requirements of the diverse communities in Wayne County. His election campaign focused on specific measures to enhance relations between the police and the community, propelling crime prevention tactics, and promoting increased openness within the law enforcement department. 
Since being appointed to the position in 2021 and his election to the role in 2022, Washington has successfully overseen runs three jail facilities, Road Patrol, a Marine Unit, a Mounted Unit, and has supplemented law enforcement activities in collaboration with the 43 cities and townships in his jurisdiction (which covers 673 square miles). With a proven track record of reducing crime and enhancing community relations, Washington has demonstrated the leadership and dedication necessary to continue serving the residents of Wayne County effectively.
Sheriff Washington has implemented several innovative strategies that have significantly reduced crime rates across the county. His commitment to modernizing law enforcement practices has included increasing the use of data-driven policing, which has allowed the department to allocate resources more efficiently and target high-crime areas effectively. This approach has not only resulted in a decrease in violent crime but has also improved the overall safety and well-being of our communities.
His unwavering dedication to upholding transparency and accountability in law enforcement has earned widespread admiration and trust from the community. His consistent efforts to openly and honestly communicate with the public have underscored his commitment to fully informing the community about the sheriff’s office’s decisions and activities. This steadfast approach has reinforced public trust and fostered a sense of cooperation and understanding between law enforcement and the community.
Washington adopted a highly involved and proactive strategy in his campaign approach, actively participating in community engagement. Alongside his team, he often personally distributed informational materials, making sure to be seen by the community and to engage with them directly. Through his accessibility and visibility, Washington effectively conveyed a resolute message about his dedication to community safety and underscores his genuine importance in addressing the community’s concerns.
Throughout his tenure, Sheriff Washington has been recognized for his proactive approach to public safety and dedication to addressing the root causes of crime. His efforts to implement innovative programs and engage with the community have earned him widespread respect and support from residents and fellow law enforcement professionals.
Washington’s deep-rooted connection to Wayne County is evident through his exceptional career accomplishments and his enduring bonds with the community. His sustained efforts to improve the well-being of all Wayne County residents showcase his unwavering dedication. His leadership embodies integrity, empathy, and an unyielding commitment to upholding justice for everyone.
Sheriff Washington has been a champion for criminal justice reform. During his tenure, the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office has spearheaded a range of innovative initiatives designed to decrease repeat offending and offer assistance to individuals reentering society after involvement with the criminal justice system.
Implementing programs emphasizing education, vocational training, and mental health support has played a crucial role in facilitating the successful reintegration of former offenders into the community and empowering them to build meaningful and productive lives.
Washington has emphasized that his main focus is strengthening the department’s recruitment and retention efforts. He has expressed his commitment to prioritizing this initiative leading up to November. He aims to actively bolster the number of department officers by increasing their recruitment and implementing strategies to enhance retention rates.
“I can concentrate more on building out our population of officers and deputies, so they don’t have to work so hard and be ordered to work overtime. I can really zero in on making that happen, and I’m looking forward to that,” Washington said during his election night celebration at Detroit’s Cambria Hotel.
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