Michigan Primary 2024 Voter Guide: Wayne County Sheriff
Learn about the candidates running for Wayne County Sheriff in 2024.
The 2024 Michigan primary takes place on Tuesday, Aug. 6.
Wayne County Sheriff Raphael Washington is seeking reelection. He’s challenged in the Democratic primary by Joan Merriewether, who he defeated in 2022. On the Republican side, Articia Bomer faces T.P. Nykoriak on the ballot.
Related: 2024 WDET Voter Guide
WDET distributed surveys to local, county and congressional candidates in key races on the August primary ballot to gain a deeper understanding of what’s motivating them to run. Responses have been edited for clarity and length.
Jump to candidate
Democratic Candidates
Name: Raphael Washington
Wayne County Sheriff Raphael Washington did not respond to WDET’s questionnaire request. You can find more information at Washington’s official campaign website.
Name: Joan Merriewether
Joan Merriewether did not respond to WDET’s questionnaire request. You can find more information at Merriewether’s official campaign website.
Republican Candidates
Name: Articia Bomer
Age: 52
Current Occupation: CEO, Bomer Teach Detroit
Tell us about yourself in 200 words or less.
I am a lifelong resident of the city of Detroit [in] Wayne County, Michigan. I am a mom of 10. 7 boys, 3 girls. I am a woman of many hats. I have had to be a legislator, an administrator and fundraiser for the last 35+ years. I have witnessed first hand the struggles, the hardships, the hurt and the pain. I have suffered homelessness at times in my life, but was always able to bounce back. I love the community, I love people, places and things here in Wayne County. I am part of that “village” that we all need in life to raise our children up in a manner that improves the quality of life.
Why are you running for Wayne County Sheriff?
I am running for sheriff to help protect the rights of the people. There is a lot of civil unrest here in Wayne County, yet the same elected officials are voted back in office every two to four years. If things are not working well in Wayne County, if crime is at an all time high, if human trafficking is still taking place, if both inmates and deputies are being murdered inside the jails in Wayne County, then this should be enough to say, “Hey, what do we have to lose?” I am running to become your next constitutional sheriff. A sheriff who will protect the constitution at all cost. I will take all complaints serious. I will not waver otherwise.
What are the top 3 priority issues that Wayne County faces and what actions would you, as sheriff, take regarding each of them?
Wayne County is facing a serious problem of lawlessness. We have a crime rate that is going higher despite the false claims that we are doing better. The truth is, we’re getting worse.
Editor’s note: The city of Detroit, which has the largest population in Wayne County with over 630,000 residents, saw a reduction in violent crime by 0.6% in 2023 compared to the previous year.
Wayne County is also facing lawsuits that are or will be paid out to the victims that exceed $10 million.
Free and fair elections
This means that moving forward, if I am elected Sheriff, will be working close handed with people who are running our elections process. If I am elected, I will work closely with them all to ensure that we are putting forth efforts to have an action plan in place for Wayne County — all 43 cities in Wayne County will be protect[ed].
What actions/decisions by your opponent have you disagreed with and how would you do things differently?
One: in regards to Raphael Washington, I would never be written up for sexual misconduct or any other conduct that violates my oath of office.
Editor’s note: An investigation into four separate harassment claims over 14 years against Raphael Washington was inconclusive, resulting in no disciplinary action being taken. Washington has denied any wrongdoing.
Two, I would not use my taser on an inmate as a means of punishment for being unruly. Both Democratic candidates cannot say the same. I would always try to organize a deescalation process that will limit the use of tasers on inmates . Tasers kill. Let’s allow inmates to have their day in court. Always remember, inmate lives matter too”
Name: T.P. Nykoriak
T.P. Nykoriak did not respond to WDET’s questionnaire request. Nykoriak does not appear to have a campaign website.
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