2026 General Election: November 3, 2026. New info launches early October.
Che'z (Shea) Adams
Party:
Democrat
Incumbent:
No
Age:
Approximately 50
Previous experience in elected office:
None
Occupation:
Former educator (long-term substitute teacher and exceptional children teacher); behavioral therapist; foster care case manager
Description:
In the 2026 primary, Adams defeated longtime incumbent Lee Dedmon in the Democratic primary to advance to the general election. She ran unsuccessfully for the same role in 2024. Adams' key issues are expanding school-based mental health services, preserving arts education, improving athletic facilities and increasing parental involvement in schools. She says her experience in mental health and public education has prepared her to advocate for students, families and educators. Gaston County Schools have been plagued by budget shortfalls, layoffs and complaints about a lack of transparency in decision-making.
Other personal:
Adams moved to Gastonia in 1990 and graduated from Hunter Huss High School before earning a Bachelor of Science in Health Care Management from Florida A&M University. She has worked in children's mental health since 2003, serving as a Qualified Mental Health Professional, foster care case manager, trainer and recruiter. She later worked as a substitute teacher in Clover and Gaston County schools and teaches exceptional children at Movement School. She has also worked managing finances for political candidates. She is the mother of one son.