2026 General Election: November 3, 2026. New info launches early October.
Rod Powell
Party:
Democrat
Incumbent:
No
Age:
Approximately 64
Previous experience in elected office:
None; previously ran unsuccessfully for Cleveland County Board of Education
Occupation:
Chair of Cleveland County Democratic Party; retired schoolteacher
Description:
The top priorities Powell mentions on his website are creating stronger public education, expanding healthcare access in rural communities, developing adaptable roads/infrastructure and lowering the cost of everyday items. He also plans to increase mental health service funding and organize "community events to promote environmental awareness."
Other personal:
Powell was born in South Carolina and moved to Greensboro for high school. He was a public school teacher for 30 years and lives in Cleveland County with his wife. Powell received a bachelor's in sociology from UNC Chapel Hill and a master's in gifted education and teaching from Lenoir-Rhyne University.