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Walter James Hart, Jr.
Registered Voter Party:
Republican
Incumbent:
No
Previous experience in elected office:
None; ran for Gastonia mayor in 2023; previously ran for city council in Detroit in 2005 and 2009
Age:
~57
Occupation:
Nonprofit leader (Canine Companions LTD)
Description:
Hart cited housing and the police as his top issues of concern as he believes public safety and affordability are important issues. He also wants to seek advice from neighbors on what is important to them. In a candidate forum hosted by the Gaston Business Association, Hart said that he has led a "colorful life." The Gaston Gazette reported in 2023 when he ran for mayor that he was convicted in a prostitution ring 30 years ago and that he served seven years in federal prison.
Other personal:
Hart moved to Gastonia in 2020 and uses his grandfather's land to train the dogs in his nonprofit, which supports veterans with PTSD and children with autism. He is a registered Republican.
The Gaston Business Association Questionnaire
The candidate did not respond to the survey.