Antwain Nance

Party:

Democrat

Incumbent:

Age:

Previous experience in elected office:

None

Occupation:

Union representative, International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers; “material logistics specialist”

Description:

Nance’s campaign website identifies his top issues as safer communities, restoring public trust in law enforcement, fair and professional policing, protecting women and children, jail reform and inmate safety and stronger leadership within the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office. On his website, Nance states that he will “increase deputy presence, improve response times and implement proactive crime prevention strategies,” emphasizes “zero tolerance for discrimination, abuse of power or misconduct,” and commits to “transparency, ethical leadership and clear communication” in order to rebuild trust. He says he is running because “trust in leadership has been weakened.”

Other personal:

Antwain Nance is a native and lifelong resident of Mecklenburg County. He is a former ground services worker at American Airlines and a union shop steward. He previously worked as a detention officer in Charlotte. He graduated from West Mecklenburg High School.

Candidate Website

The Election Hub Questionnaire

Please provide demographic information about yourself to help voters (age, education, current occupation, where you live).

aged 37, High school diploma, Currently a Material logistics specialist. i live in Charlotte, NC

Why are you running for this role and why should voters pick you? Please share your previous experience in elected office that would be relevant to voters.

I am running for this role because public safety, accountability, and trust in leadership have been weakened, and our community deserves better. This position is not about titles or politics for me. It is about responsibility and service.

While I have not previously held elected office, I bring direct, relevant experience from inside the system. I am a former Mecklenburg County Detention Officer and union shop steward who has worked on the front lines and advocated for the rights and safety of staff and inmates. I have seen firsthand how leadership decisions impact morale, staffing, safety, and outcomes for the public.

My background gives me a practical understanding of operations, accountability, and the consequences of failed leadership. I am not running as a career politician. I am running as someone who has lived the realities of this office, understands what needs to change, and is willing to take responsibility for restoring trust and professionalism.

Voters should choose me because leadership is not about endorsements or longevity in politics. It is about judgment, integrity, and the courage to act when systems are failing. I represent everyday people, not political interests, and I am committed to putting people over politics and public safety first.

Tell us 1-2 professional accomplishments you have achieved in your work experience (not limited to public service) that give voters a sense of your leadership style or skills.

I have led and served as a union shop steward, where I represented coworkers in disputes, advocated for fair treatment, and held management accountable while maintaining professionalism and cooperation. That role required listening under pressure, resolving conflict, and standing firm on principle, skills that directly reflect my leadership style: calm, firm, and people-centered.

Additionally, I have built and led a grassroots campaign organization from the ground up without institutional backing, major donors, or political machinery. This required strategic planning, disciplined messaging, accountability, and the ability to motivate and organize people around a shared purpose. It reflects my hands on leadership approach, leading by example, taking responsibility, and earning trust through action rather than title.

My leadership style is rooted in service, accountability, and transparency. I do not lead from ego or authority alone. I lead by listening, taking responsibility, and doing the work.

What endorsements from any notable North Carolina organizations or people have you received?

At this time, I have not received formal endorsements from major political organizations or high profile individuals. My campaign has been built independently and intentionally, without reliance on political machines, institutional power, or insider backing.

Instead, my support comes from everyday people. community members, working families, detention officers, deputies, and voters who recognize the need for accountability, integrity, and reform in leadership. I take pride in earning trust directly from the public rather than inheriting endorsements through political relationships.

As this campaign continues, my focus remains on engaging voters, listening to their concerns, and demonstrating leadership through action and transparency. I believe endorsements matter most when they come from the people who are directly impacted by the decisions of this office.

How long have you lived in the region/district where you are running for office?

I am a lifelong Mecklenburg County resident.

Tell us something unexpected about yourself that voters may be interested to know.

I never planned to run for office. I stepped forward because I saw problems being ignored and felt a responsibility to act.