NORTH CAROLINA -- In an early exclusive release Friday to Spectrum News 1, Democratic Presidential nominee Joe Biden is touting the endorsement of six North Carolina sheriffs.

Law enforcement endorsements in the race for president have hit center stage in recent days. Thursday in North Carolina, current Vice President Mike Pence accepted an endorsement on behalf of the Trump/Pence campaign from the Southern States Police Police Benevolent Association.

Biden’s endorsements include several urban sheriffs. The list includes:

  • Durham County Sheriff Clarence Birkhead (D)
  • Hoke County Sheriff Hubert Peterkin (D) 
  • Buncombe County Sheriff Quentin Miller (D)
  • Cumberland County Ennis Wright (D)
  • Wake County Sheriff Gerald Baker (D)
  • Warren County Sheriff Johnny Williams (D)

“Joe Biden and Kamala Harris are a welcome change from the lack of leadership we are currently facing,” Hoke County Sheriff Hubert Peterkin said in the release. “Division and hatred are no way to lead our country forward.  We must return the decency and empathy to the White House that are so desperately needed."

Sheriff Peterkin played a pivotal role in the planning and execution of George Floyd’s North Carolina funeral in early June.

After months of social justice marches, riots, and national discussion, the issue of law enforcement remains a hot point of contention in the race for the White House. President Trump has touted “Law and Order” as an issue to support his campaign. 

Trump Victory Spokesperson Danielle Alvarez issued a response to the endorsements Friday afternoon saying, "As police groups nationwide endorse President Trump's law-and-order agenda, Joe Biden is touting the endorsement of a handful of sheriffs who refused to cooperate with ICE and happily let criminals back onto our streets. It's an unfortunately on-brand move for the Biden-Harris ticket, coming weeks after they raised funds to bail out the rioters wreaking havoc on American cities. You won't be safe in Joe Biden's America."

The Biden/Harris campaign argues the president has played a role in inciting chaos, destruction, and violence to help rally his base.