Tod Kinlaw
Party:
Republican
Incumbent:
Yes
Age:
Approximately 56
Previous experience in elected office:
Board Member, Gaston County Board of Education, South Point Township, (2022–present)
Occupation:
Construction loan officer, Stock Building Supply, Inc.
Description:
Kinlaw describes himself as "a Christian conservative, parent-focused, accountability-driven leader." His top issues are safe schools/strong classrooms ("students and teachers cannot succeed in an environment that feels chaotic, distracted or unsafe"), responsible finances/transparency/accountability ("taxpayer dollars are not political money"), students and parents first ("parents are not an obstacle to education") and courageous leadership ("leadership is not about pleasing everyone.") He believes schools should teach academics, civic knowledge, character, order, and respect for the rights of every student. In April 2026, Kinlaw faced public calls to resign from activists and community leaders after he shared a social media post making derogatory statements about Islam, including that the religion is a “satanic dealth cult.” Board Chairman Josh Crisp said in response that the post "does not reflect the views of the full board." Kinlaw also ran unsuccessfully for county commission in 2024.
Other personal:
Kinlaw lives in Belmont and is married with four children. He attended Gaston County Schools for twelve years where he says he had perfect attendance. He graduated from South Point High School and has a B.S. from Pfeiffer University.
Statement Provided by Candidate
"Tod Kinlaw is a Christian conservative, parent-focused, accountability-driven leader committed to safe schools, strong academics, transparency, teacher support, and responsible use of taxpayer dollars. I believe public education should focus on student achievement, parental partnership, and principled leadership and not political agendas. I have lived my entire life in Gaston County. I obtained twelve years of perfect attendance in Gaston County Schools. I have a B.S. in Accounting and have been in leadership roles for the better part of my 30-year career. As a current member of the Gaston County Board of Education, I bring firsthand experience, a commitment to fiscal responsibility, and a strong understanding of the many difficult challenges facing Gaston County Schools. My approach to leadership is rooted in transparency, accountability, common sense, and the belief that every decision must put students first. “Leaders lead people, managers manage tasks.” I use that in my everyday work life. I ask the tough questions no matter the consequences. I do my utmost to listen to our parents and educators in Gaston County Schools. I then make my decisions based on what is right for our children. Not what is politically convenient or correct! My faith in Jesus Christ as my personal Lord and Savior guides my commitment to serve with honesty, integrity, and a willingness to stand firm in doing the right thing. Even when the hard things come with tough consequences. Public schools should not promote any political or religious ideology. That includes all ideologies and all religions. Schools should teach academics, civic knowledge, character, order, and respect for the rights of every student. I first ran in 2022. I campaigned on Trust, Accountability, Integrity and Truth. I have not changed. I will continue to be the advocate for students, parents and teachers that I was first elected in 2022 to be. I have been a Servant Leader my entire life. That leadership was born in my DNA when God created me."