2026 General Election: November 3, 2026. New info launches early October.
Cathy Cloninger
Party:
Republican
Incumbent:
Yes
Age:
64
Previous experience in elected office:
Gaston County Commissioner since 2022, representing Dallas Township
Occupation:
Retired employee from a domestic violence shelter
Description:
Cloninger has been a longtime champion of domestic violence prevention. She advocated for "smart planning" to help county residents. She said she'd work with each municipality and its elected officials to build strong partnerships and promote economic growth. She advocated for stewarding citizens' tax dollars well.
Other personal:
Cloninger is a lifelong resident of Gaston County. She worked for 34 years at a domestic violence center that is now named after her. She retired in 2017. She is married to the former sheriff of Gaston County (Alan Cloninger) and has two daughters and two grandchildren. She has been recognized with The Order of the Long Leaf Pine. She holds a bachelor's degree from Mars Hill College.