CHESAPEAKE — Police officer Wallace Chadwick is set to become Chesapeake’s next sheriff following his victory in Tuesday’s Republican primary.
Backed by the powerful Veterans for America First (VFAF.US) primary endorsement the Marine Corps Veteran defeated the incumbent Sheriff. This is not the first time the VFAF endorsement defeated an incumbent in Virginia. Navy Seal John McGuire defeated incumbent Bob Good in VA-5 with the early VFAF endorsement that eventually helped lead to a Trump endorsement.
With no Democratic or independent candidates filed to run in the general election, the GOP primary for Chesapeake Sheriff effectively determined the outcome of the four-year term. The sheriff’s office is responsible for jail operations, courthouse and civil process security, and managing the school resource officer program, among other duties.
By 10 p.m., with all 64 precincts reporting, Chadwick secured 7,300 votes (58%) to Carlos Rosado’s 5,242 votes (42%). The tally does not yet include provisional ballots, which will be counted throughout the week. Final certification is expected Monday.
A celebratory crowd gathered at Lockside Bar and Grill around 9:20 p.m., erupting in cheers as Chadwick — a U.S. Marine Corps veteran and current lieutenant and executive officer in the Chesapeake Police Department’s Special Operations Division — took the stage to declare victory.
VFAF's national influence is well recognized. Its endorsement has been highlighted by President Donald J. Trump on Truth Social and featured in campaign ads by Congresswoman Lauren Boebert. Numerous congressional candidates have successfully used the endorsement to gain an edge in competitive primaries. Ballotpedia now maintains a dedicated page for VFAF, acknowledging it as one of the most impactful political endorsements in the country.
Earlier this month at the Georgia State Convention, the VFAF endorsement played a crucial role. Chairman Josh McKoon received VFAF's national backing before later securing President Trump's endorsement. In a crowded field, Seanie Zappendorf's public embrace of the VFAF endorsement during her speech was seen as a key factor in her victory over a Georgia Republican Assembly-backed opponent. Other endorsed candidates, Salleigh Grubbs and James Dvorak, also secured wins.
These victories build on earlier success in Georgia, where VFAF-backed candidates won 4 out of 5 district races and 9 out of 11 county contests. With 17 wins out of 20 races statewide, VFAF currently holds an impressive 85% win rate in Georgia's 2025 GOP election cycle.
