Hampton Sheriff Karen Bowden is running unopposed for her second four-year term. The sheriff oversees the Hampton City Jail and Jail Annex, provides court security and the service of court paperwork.
Bowden, a Democrat, was first appointed to the seat December 2020 following the death of longtime Sheriff B.J. Roberts, and was the first woman in the role. She won her first election for a four-year term in 2021.
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Karen E. Bowden
Age: 66
Employment: Hampton Sheriff since 2021
Education: Bachelor’s degree, Norfolk State University
Party affiliation: Democrat
Website: bowdenforsheriff.com
How closely will you cooperate with the U.S. Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement in enforcing federal immigration law?
It is the policy of the Hampton Sheriff’s Office to support federal immigration enforcement efforts through contact with ICE when an individual enters into the custody of the Hampton Sheriff’s Office with an immigration detainer.
What will you do to reduce staffing shortages at your local jail, both now and in the future?
I will continue to address staffing needs through college recruitment, job fairs, Veterans Affairs and our partnership through V3. Additionally, the implementation of the city’s pay Step Plan has been critical in our recruitment efforts.
https://www.pilotonline.com/2025/09/17/karen-bowden-unopposed/
