2026 General Election: November 3, 2026. New info launches early October.
Bobbie Shields
Party:
Republican
Incumbent:
No
Age:
73
Previous experience in elected office:
None; ran for N.C. Senate District 40 in 2018, 2020, and 2022
Occupation:
Engineering firm owner
Description:
Shields' priorities include economic development, improving infrastructure and reforming public education. As a small business owner, he says he will pursue new job opportunities and will make sure he balances individual and business interests. In addition, he plans to work to implement more research across institutes of higher education, advocate for funding for school nurses and combat "linkages between the criminal justice system and educational deficiencies."
Other personal:
Shields served as an interim Mecklenburg County manager in 2013 and in several engineering and administrative roles for the county for 27 years prior. He has a bachelor's degree from N.C. State University, a master's degree from the University of South Carolina and an MBA from UNC Charlotte.