Kelly VanHorn

Party:

Republican

Incumbent:

Age:

Previous experience in elected office:

None

Occupation:

Teacher for Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools

Description:

VanHorn’s top issues focus on fiscal accountability, public education and supporting Charlotte’s local economy. She emphasizes protecting taxpayers by opposing uncapped school voucher expansions and DEI bans, noting that “siphoning millions from our public schools to subsidize private tuition…forces local property taxes up to fill the gap.” VanHorn describes her approach as “looking at the numbers, not the political narrative,” arguing that public schools are “the engine of Charlotte’s economy” and that local administrators need flexibility to manage school systems effectively. She is endorsed by NC Educators on the Ballot which is a grassroots organization to support Republican candidates for the state house in the 2026 primary. VanHorn changed her party registration to Republican in the fall of 2025.

Other personal:

VanHorn has worked in Charlotte for most of her career and has been an educator for 24 years. In addition to teaching, she has been active as a union organizer, advocating for educators and workforce rights. She is a former competitve volleyball player. VanHorn earned a master’s degree in Mathematics Education from UNC Charlotte in 2006.

Candidate Website

The Election Hub Questionnaire

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

24 years in Education, 48 years old. Educator in CMS. I live in Unincorporated Mint/Hill Charlotte.

Fun fact: My cul de sac is a state road and Layers Road has no sidewalks where Unincorporated County/Mnt Hill exist though Charlotte is developing sidewalks. Express transportation not easily accessible. I want the Silver Line and Greenways as part of the East/Outer Plan.

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.

While I have no experience in a political position, I do have 24 years experience in Education. I have a Masters Degree in Special Education; Bachelors degree in Sociology/Social Studies Education, and add on licensure in Mathematics and Gifted Education. Voters should vote for me because I am giving them an anti-MAGA choice in the Republican Party. I do believe in fair taxes for residents and corporations and holding our elected officials accountable. My opponent, Tricia Cotham, took 825,000 from the Republican Party after running as a Democrat who made a promise to our children and Educators to fight for them. I Honor my Promises and will never waiver in my commitment to our children and communities. I will not be bought by campaign funds nor be told what to do by any party. That is why the NC GOP demanded that I be disavowed in this election. I am on the ballot and you can vote for me.

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.

High EVASS Growth-STAR BONUS in improving student achievement over multiple years/Part of multiple teams put in Title 1 schools to increase student achievement in Mathematics.

2017 Teachers Fellowship Institute Fellow

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

Charlotte-Metrolina Labor Council, AFL-CIO

Planned Parenthood South Atlantic

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

Around 18 years

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

I played Junior Olympic Volleyball and went to the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta. Later, I moved to GA and worked for the state in group homes of persons with special needs. I took a group of Special Olympic Athletes to Atlanta. Watching them win their medals and share them was by far the best experience of my life. They showed me what the true spirit of joy and sportsmanship is all about!