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Key details about Nasif Majeed < Back to Candidates Nasif Majeed Party: Democrat Incumbent: Yes Age: 80 Previous experience in elected office: N.C. House District 99 Representative (2019-present); former Charlotte City Council member Occupation: “Businessman,” according to the N.C. General Assembly website Description: Majeed is running for his fifth term in the N.C. House. He previously served on the Charlotte City Council for eight years. His top issues focus on veterans’ affairs, raising the minimum wage, improving teacher pay, ensuring affordable childcare for working families and supporting equal pay for equal work for men and women. The N.C. General Assembly has overridden the governor’s veto eight times in the current legislative session. Majeed has voted to override two of those bills including one addressing sexuality and religion in schools . Majeed is the primary sponsor of 13 bills this legislative session including six focused on veterans' benefits. He has one of the highest rates of excused absences among the Mecklenburg County house delegation. He was not present for 7% of votes in the current legislative session. Majeed is endorsed by the Black Political Caucus of Charlotte-Mecklenburg and The Charlotte Observer. Other personal: Majeed is from Raleigh and has spent much of his life in Charlotte working in public office and with local initiatives. He has a background in aviation and community service. He was a Vietnam veteran, a B-52 combat pilot, airline pilot, and associate imam, as well as a leader in local business and neighborhood development projects. He also says he was the first African-American to build and operate a Burger King franchise in Charlotte. Majeed graduated with an Associate of Arts from the University of Florida and both a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration and a Master’s in Agricultural Education from North Carolina A&T State University. Candidate Website The Election Hub Questionnaire No response from candidate < Previous Candidate Next Candidate >

Key details about Barry G. Richards < Back to Candidates Barry G. Richards Party: Republican Incumbent: No Age: 63 Previous experience in elected office: None; former town manager of Mount Gilead (2006); ran unsuccessfully for N.C. House as a Democratic candidate (2008) Occupation: Business owner, Arrive Driving School Description: Richards says he likes “boring” and that he wants “to govern with boring sobriety.” Other personal: Richards is a lifelong resident of Cabarrus County and has been the owner of Arrive Driving School since 2006. He previously worked in the insurance and banking industries. He also served as the town manager of Mount Gilead in 2006. Richards is married to Catherine Richards. No candidate website or social media found Questionnaire from The Chamber, Leading Business in Cabarrus Note: The following responses are verbatim from the candidate and have not been edited. Please provide demographic information about yourself to help voters (age, education, current occupation, where you live) . Age 63, Mt. Pleasant High Grad. Appalachian State Grad BS Political Science 1985/ Master's Public Administration 1990. Lutheran Theological Southern Seminary Master Theological Counseling 2003 Ordained Chaplin 2006 Retired NCDMV. Live in St. John's community on same land from ancestors since 1735. Charter Member of Community Church of Mt. Pleasant. Attend weekly and participate intentionally. Why are you running for this role and why should voters pick you? Please share any experience in an elected role that would be relevant to voters. I have always been politically involved national, state and local. Talked with some people and jumped in. I am the best candidate with my background as a local government administrator in NC and education. I have written federal and state grants. I have administered governmental budgets and lowered taxes and raised revenue at the same time. I have actual plans to lower taxes and raise revenue. I will decrease property tax exposure to all land paying taxpayers and personal property tax owners. I will look at each line item during budget deliberations. I will listen to the people and am very available throughout the County by attendance at school events throughout the county. Pull up a chair and seat and we can talk. Everyone should have skin in the game paying reduced taxes and my accommodation to listen. Tell us about 2-3 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. Best predictor of future is the past. I maintained taxes or lowered property tax as Town Manager. I administered and came under-budget in federal/state grants while building water/sewer plants, recreational upgrades and rehabilitating homes in impoverished areas. I have worked with economic development for over 5 year period as town manager. I got rid of business taxes because they were petty and a nuisance for the amount of money they actually produced. It wasn't a lot to the business but just not having to deal with it was appreciated by local businesses. I have included in budgets the administration for fire, rescue, and police without decreasing funding for public safety. What is one thing you would like to accomplish in the first six months if elected? I like boring. I hear the current commissioner meetings are "entertaining." I don't want to entertain. I just want to govern with boring sobriety. I want all citizens to be able to come to a meeting and present their opinions and request. Doesn't mean they will get what they want but they can present in a civil manner to an engaged board. Cabarrus County includes both fast-growing communities and areas facing economic challenges. How would you guide county policy and investment decisions to support balanced growth and opportunity across the entire county? I would first work with the municipalities in their land planning and zoning. The municipalities with their extraterritorial zoning lead commercial/industrial development and the county needs to work with them as they develop residential and business growth. The County has a part in budgeting economic growth administration. The county needs to look at revenue bonding dependency and lowering taxes at the same time. A huge industrial base growth should occur with lowering property taxes to balance budget. This unique planning will allow all property owners to benefit for economic growth and from the homeowner to the large business. We need to explore deeper not just make it a question of do we or do we not endorse revenue bonds. Electric and phone utilities should be able to keep up with growth. Water and sewer utilities will need support from all governmental entities. Schools will need to remember the property tax proceeds are not infinite. County government plays a central role in funding public school facilities and long-term capital needs. How would you approach decisions related to school capital investment to ensure facilities keep pace with growth, support student success, and remain fiscally responsible for taxpayers? I am a product of the Cabarrus County school system. My education base, moved me along to a few college degrees. Schools are a big part of the budget but schools will need to remember the property tax proceeds are not infinite. Schools will need to look at employee attrition and not not just rubber stamp a new hire. Just because the state partially pays for a position does not mean we accept that position once opened by attrition. Same for county employees. A strong workforce depends on more than jobs alone. It is shaped by access to education, child care, and community resources. How would you use the county’s role to support workforce participation and quality of life for Cabarrus County residents? Economic growth produces job opportunity. We have a great Cabarrus workforce and small business environment that is conducive to growth. The private sector is the lead in this, not the government. I would get government out of the way by reducing zoning requirements for landscape and esthetic amenities. I would lower on site development and allow business more freedom in how they develop their sites. Building codes need to remain for safety and as currently legislated. This would support workforce opening. We need to increase the workforce by capitalism, not government interference. All able body people in Cabarrus should be looking for work or retiring. Economic growth is essential to maintaining a strong tax base, supporting public services, and creating opportunity for residents. How would you approach county-level policies and investments to ensure Cabarrus County remains competitive in attracting and retaining businesses while managing growth responsibly? Cabarrus County is the best place in the Charlotte metro area to raise a family in quality schools and residential domains. We have rural or urban environments for all. It is the most attractive place for commercial growth and proves it by the latest additions and continual business growth. That commercial growth will continue. I would work closely with State economic development units as I have in the past with annual reviews and recruitment. I would lead economic growth to Cabarrus and then support them with lower taxes. While counties do not regulate businesses in the same way as the state or municipalities, county policies can still influence the cost and ease of doing business. How would you consider the impact of county decisions on the business community? I would work with municipalities in economic growth leads and placement. Lower restrictions and taxes to get businesses to Cabarrus. State generated revenue from sales tax to state reimbursements will continue to grow with economic growth. A solid balance local budget will occur. The burden on property owners will lessen. Everyone will have skin in the game. < Previous Candidate Next Candidate >

District 1 District 2 District 3 District 4 District 5 District 6 CMS Board of Education District 2 District 2 is in western Mecklenburg County. Incumbent Thelma Byers-Bailey is retiring, opening the role for a newcomer. CMS high schools in the district include Harding University, J.T. Williams Montessori, Northwest School of the Arts, Olympic, Phillip O. Berry Academy of Technology, West Charlotte and West Meck. This term lasts four years and is one of nine elected positions at CMS. Six of the nine seats are up for election this year. This is a nonpartisan race, so candidate political parties will not be listed on the ballot. Board of Education District 2 Candidates

Key details about Cason Gardner < Back to Candidates Cason Gardner Party: Republican Incumbent: No Age: 23 Previous experience in elected office: None; ran unsuccessfully for Concord City Council in 2024 Occupation: Financial analyst Description: According to his campaign page, Gardner is running to keep the cost of living low; encourage community engagement; increase government accountability, transparency, and fiscal responsibility; and oppose unnecessary tax increases. When Gardner ran for City Council in 2024 he said his main motivation was "the lack of transparency that is in our government right now.” He goes on to say, “There is no reason why a local government body should have closed door meetings or pay almost twice the appraised value of a property. The residents have a right to know about the decisions their government makes and why." He is one of the youngest people running for office in the region. Other personal: Gardner is a financial analyst at a Concord start-up, and was previously an assistant football coach at Catawba College. He served for four years on the Cabarrus County Youth Commission and is a member of the Pittsburgh Baptist Church. He graduated from Catawba College in 2024 with a B.A. in Economics and Finance and a minor in Athletic Coaching. Candidate Website Video Interview of Candidate Questionnaire from The Chamber, Leading Business in Cabarrus Note: The following responses are verbatim from the candidate and have not been edited. Please provide demographic information about yourself to help voters (age, education, current occupation, where you live) . I am a 23 year-old Concord native and lifelong Cabarrus County resident who currently resides in Concord. I graduated from Catawba College in 2024 with a bachelor's degree in Economics & Finance and currently work as a financial analyst at startup property management firm in Concord. Why are you running for this role and why should voters pick you? Please share any experience in an elected role that would be relevant to voters. I chose to run because I saw a need in my community. The citizens of Cabarrus County deserve to know what their local government does, and I promise to be as transparent as possible. My vision for Cabarrus County is simple: lower the costs of living, encourage community engagement, increase government accountability & fiscal responsibility, no unnecessary tax increases, and ensure that Cabarrus County remains a thriving community. I have been involved with local government from a very young age and have educated myself on the inner workings of government at the local, state, and federal levels, which included becoming well-versed in Parliamentary Procedure (the rules that govern government affairs & meetings) and placed as a national finalist in the category at the 2024 Future Business Leaders of America Collegiate National Leadership Conference. I have also organized meetings with several government officials including former longtime Concord Mayor Scott Padgett and US Congressman Richard Hudson, and have lobbied for bills in front of state representatives in Raleigh. Finally, I have prior experience with the Cabarrus County Board of Commissioners, having served alongside the commissioners as a Cabarrus County Youth Commissioner from 2016-2020. Tell us about 2-3 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. I graduated from Catawba College with honors in 2024 with a degree in Economics and Finance and was a national finalist for the Parliamentary Procedure (the rules that govern official government actions & affairs) competition at the 2024 Future Business Leaders of America Collegiate National Leadership Conference. I also helped my company institute two new revenue streams in the past year and helped the company boost overall profit by more than 70% through my recommendations of redirecting of capital and other company resources. What is one thing you would like to accomplish in the first six months if elected? Work on balancing the county budget. Cabarrus County includes both fast-growing communities and areas facing economic challenges. How would you guide county policy and investment decisions to support balanced growth and opportunity across the entire county? First, I would work to ensure that annual infrastructure evaluations are done in cooperation with state & federal agencies to ensure infrastructure is maintained and upgraded safely and responsibly to handle anticipated growth. Second, I would encourage more public hearings to get the public's input on where zoning, economic, and infrastructure improvements need to be made. Finally, I would work to build relationships with business owners and the Chamber of Commerce to find opportunities that would provide the most valuable addition to our economy and labor market. County government plays a central role in funding public school facilities and long-term capital needs. How would you approach decisions related to school capital investment to ensure facilities keep pace with growth, support student success, and remain fiscally responsible for taxpayers? I believe that we must work with state & federal officials to look at how anticipated growth will affect our school system. This means annual evaluations on the safety of school buildings and their ability for student capacity. Further, we can build with companies that can offer education resources to their employees and their families. A strong workforce depends on more than jobs alone. It is shaped by access to education, child care, and community resources. How would you use the county’s role to support workforce participation and quality of life for Cabarrus County residents? First, I would work with county, state, and federal agencies to increase workforce education. Second, I would with local business owners to provide internships, as well as training for trades such as welding or electrical work. Third, I would work with county & state officials to ensure that training in the various blue-collar trade industries and internships in various other industries are mandatory in our high schools to ensure that our high school students have the job training necessary to excel in the workforce regardless of their post-high school education choices. Finally, I would explore giving companies certain tax benefits for providing childcare for employees. Economic growth is essential to maintaining a strong tax base, supporting public services, and creating opportunity for residents. How would you approach county-level policies and investments to ensure Cabarrus County remains competitive in attracting and retaining businesses while managing growth responsibly? County policies and investments must be handled responsibly. That said, I would work with my fellow commissioners to balance the needs of the county's residents with policies that attract businesses to Cabarrus. Meaning that I believe the county should reevaluate it's relationship with the Cabarrus County EDC by redefining the required parameters & requirements of the EDC to work with the county commissioners first before offering any incentives to outside businesses to come in. I believe our EDC parameters gives out incentives to companies too freely and too extravagantly. The Cabarrus County EDC should only offer tax cuts to businesses if they promise to keep wages above a certain minimum, such as above the state median salary, or if the companies promise to maintain certain employee benefits such as providing childcare to employees. Having these policies in place will help our county's residents navigate their costs of living and give companies incentives to help our residents on the path to financial stability. Companies will choose Cabarrus County regardless of tax breaks or other county-offered incentives due to its close proximity to an international airport and the financial capital of the Southeast. Having said all that, we must answer the question of how much do we want Cabarrus County to grow or do we want to maintain our identity as a county with a small-city feel? We also must ask how much should the county pay for infrastructure upgrades in anticipation of growth or do we make incoming businesses cover those expenses? This can be evaluated multiple ways; First, I would work to build the county's relationships with state & federal agencies to update & improve our roads so that they can safely handle a reasonable increase in population, as well as upgrading our school system, sewer system, & other key infrastructure before allowing major developments, such as the proposed Concord Farms development in Concord, to continue. Second, we need to build relationships with local business owners and other companies interested in bringing job opportunities to the county to ensure they can provide the most beneficial economic activity & jobs to our cities with minimal impact on existing infrastructure. Third, we need to maintain strong relationships with business owners to ensure that more job opportunities are provided as our infrastructure improves, this driving an increase in population and daily visitors to the county. Finally, we would need to ensure that annual infrastructure evaluations are done in cooperation with state & federal agencies to ensure infrastructure is maintained and upgraded safely and responsibly to handle anticipated growth. However, we must also value the public's opinion on these matters. While counties do not regulate businesses in the same way as the state or municipalities, county policies can still influence the cost and ease of doing business. How would you consider the impact of county decisions on the business community? We must make county policies that meet the needs of Cabarrus residents while providing economic growth to the county. This means listening to the input of residents on matters such as infrastructure maintenance and costs of living concerns while evaluating company presentations to see how Cabarrus can gain the most economic benefit for the well-being of its residents. < Previous Candidate Next Candidate >

Key details about Bubba Hartsell < Back to Candidates Bubba Hartsell Party: Republican Incumbent: No Age: 40 Previous experience in elected office: None; ran unsuccessfully as an at-large Cabarrus County School Board candidate (2024) Occupation: Realtor Description: According to Hartsell's campaign Facebook page, his top issues are student academic growth, improved teacher/support staff pay, social and emotional support, proper training for employees, better support for extracurricular programs, community engagement and parental rights and support. He recently posted on Facebook "PSA: men do not belong in the women's bathroom or in women's sports. I will fight for our children and teachers to make Cabarrus County Schools the best it can be." Other personal: He earned his real estate commission in 2019. He is a real estate broker with eXp Realty and he is also a N.C. Department of Public Safety assistant team leader. He previously worked as a special education instructional assistant and was a wrestling coach and football coach at Northwest Cabarrus Middle School. He is the chairman of the Cabarrus County Young Republicans. Hartsell and his wife, Victoria, have two children. Hartsell went to Northwest Cabarrus High School and studied at Rowan-Cabarrus Community College. Candidate Social Media Questionnaire from The Chamber, Leading Business in Cabarrus Candidate did not respond. < Previous Candidate Next Candidate >

Key details about Kristina Cook < Back to Candidates Kristina Cook Party: Republican Incumbent: Yes Age: Approximately 46 Previous experience in elected office: Kannapolis City Schools Board of Education (2019-present) Occupation: Agent, State Farm Insurance Description: Cook wanted to be on the board because she thought it was important to have a “mom’s voice.” In her time time on the board, it has hired two superintendents. She told The Cabarrus Compass in a candidate questionnaire that she is “not an ‘everyone needs a degree’ kind of person” and that she supports certificates and trade schools. She says if there is one immediate change she would make for the district, it would be to ensure there is a certified teacher in every classroom. Other personal: Cook is a lifelong Kannapolis resident and the mother of two. She attended Montreat College and Rowan Cabarrus Community College. No candidate website or social media found < Previous Candidate Next Candidate >

Key details about Antwain Nance < Back to Candidates Antwain Nance Party: Democrat Incumbent: No Age: 37 Previous experience in elected office: None Occupation: Union representative, International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers; “material logistics specialist” Description: Nance’s campaign website identifies his top issues as safer communities, restoring public trust in law enforcement, fair and professional policing, protecting women and children, jail reform and inmate safety and stronger leadership within the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office. On his website, Nance states that he will “increase deputy presence, improve response times and implement proactive crime prevention strategies,” emphasizes “zero tolerance for discrimination, abuse of power or misconduct,” and commits to “transparency, ethical leadership and clear communication” in order to rebuild trust. He says he is running because “trust in leadership has been weakened.” Other personal: Antwain Nance is a native and lifelong resident of Mecklenburg County. He is a former ground services worker at American Airlines and a union shop steward. He previously worked as a detention officer in Charlotte. He graduated from West Mecklenburg High School. Candidate Website The Election Hub Questionnaire Please provide demographic information about yourself to help voters (age, education, current occupation, where you live). aged 37, High school diploma, Currently a Material logistics specialist. i live in Charlotte, NC 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. I am running for this role because public safety, accountability, and trust in leadership have been weakened, and our community deserves better. This position is not about titles or politics for me. It is about responsibility and service. While I have not previously held elected office, I bring direct, relevant experience from inside the system. I am a former Mecklenburg County Detention Officer and union shop steward who has worked on the front lines and advocated for the rights and safety of staff and inmates. I have seen firsthand how leadership decisions impact morale, staffing, safety, and outcomes for the public. My background gives me a practical understanding of operations, accountability, and the consequences of failed leadership. I am not running as a career politician. I am running as someone who has lived the realities of this office, understands what needs to change, and is willing to take responsibility for restoring trust and professionalism. Voters should choose me because leadership is not about endorsements or longevity in politics. It is about judgment, integrity, and the courage to act when systems are failing. I represent everyday people, not political interests, and I am committed to putting people over politics and public safety first. 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. I have led and served as a union shop steward, where I represented coworkers in disputes, advocated for fair treatment, and held management accountable while maintaining professionalism and cooperation. That role required listening under pressure, resolving conflict, and standing firm on principle, skills that directly reflect my leadership style: calm, firm, and people-centered. Additionally, I have built and led a grassroots campaign organization from the ground up without institutional backing, major donors, or political machinery. This required strategic planning, disciplined messaging, accountability, and the ability to motivate and organize people around a shared purpose. It reflects my hands on leadership approach, leading by example, taking responsibility, and earning trust through action rather than title. My leadership style is rooted in service, accountability, and transparency. I do not lead from ego or authority alone. I lead by listening, taking responsibility, and doing the work. What endorsements from any notable North Carolina organizations or people have you received? At this time, I have not received formal endorsements from major political organizations or high profile individuals. My campaign has been built independently and intentionally, without reliance on political machines, institutional power, or insider backing. Instead, my support comes from everyday people. community members, working families, detention officers, deputies, and voters who recognize the need for accountability, integrity, and reform in leadership. I take pride in earning trust directly from the public rather than inheriting endorsements through political relationships. As this campaign continues, my focus remains on engaging voters, listening to their concerns, and demonstrating leadership through action and transparency. I believe endorsements matter most when they come from the people who are directly impacted by the decisions of this office. How long have you lived in the region/district where you are running for office? I am a lifelong Mecklenburg County resident. Tell us something unexpected about yourself that voters may be interested to know. I never planned to run for office. I stepped forward because I saw problems being ignored and felt a responsibility to act. < Previous Candidate Next Candidate >

Key details about Kim DeLaney < Back to Candidates Kim DeLaney Party: Democrat Incumbent: No Age: 46 Previous experience in elected office: NA Occupation: Nonprofit executive director Description: DeLaney passed away on January 26, 2026. Her obituary is available here. Other personal: NA Candidate Social Media < Previous Candidate Next Candidate >

Key details about Monifa (Mo) Drayton < Back to Candidates Monifa (Mo) Drayton Party: Democrat Incumbent: No Age: Approximately 48 Previous experience in elected office: None Occupation: CEO of a strategic planning firm; chair of the Mecklenburg Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) Board Description: Drayton’s campaign website identifies her top issues as equity, affordable housing, public safety, access to healthcare and food, environmental protection, senior protections and transparent, community-centered governance in Mecklenburg County District 2. Her website emphasizes anti-displacement policies and property tax stabilization to protect long-term homeowners, expanded affordable housing and community land trusts, increased access to healthcare and behavioral health services, investments in food access, sidewalks, greenways, environmental resilience, workforce development and ensuring residents have a direct voice in county decision making through transparency and data sharing. She is the former executive director of the Mecklenburg County Democratic Party. She resigned just after the 2024 presidential election because she says it was a "humiliating" work environment . Drayton is endorsed by the Black Political Caucus of Charlotte-Mecklenburg and The Charlotte Observer. Other personal: Drayton has been a Charlotte resident for many years. She currently serves as the CEO of a strategic planning firm. She says that in her spare time, she enjoys global travel, golf, live music and spending time with family and friends. Drayton holds a bachelor’s degree from South Carolina State University and a master’s degree from UNC Charlotte. Candidate Website The Election Hub Questionnaire No response from candidate < Previous Candidate Next Candidate >

Key details about Sharif R. Hannan < Back to Candidates Sharif R. Hannan Party: Democrat Incumbent: No Age: 41 Previous experience in elected office: None Occupation: "white collar investigations attorney" Description: Hannan says he is running because "it's time for accountability." He believes that "major budget items are added with little debate" to the county's budget. He describes the $120M Police Training Center that Central Piedmont Community College is planning in Matthews as a "boondoggle" that deserves thorough public debate and oversight. Other personal: Hannan was a former Assistant District Attorney for Bronx County, N.Y., and was an Insider Threat Investigations Manager at Meta (the technology company that owns Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp). Hannan and his wife live in Noda. On his LinkedIn page, he describes himself as "a cancer survivor and optimist." He has a bachelor's from James Madison University and a JD and LL.M. from the University of Miami School of Law. Candidate Website Video Interview with The Charlotte Ledger The Election Hub Questionnaire Please share demographic information to help voters (your age, education, and where you live in NC now). I am 41 years old. I hold a JD and an LLM in Taxation from the University of Miami and have worked as a major frauds prosecutor and white-collar investigations attorney. I am currently a resident of NoDA in Charlotte, North Carolina. Why are you running for this role, and why should voters pick you over your competitors? Please tell us about any previous experience in elected office that you have. I am running because residents feel priced out and shut out, and county government must refocus on affordability, openness, and investments that tangibly improve people’s lives. Voters should choose me because I bring independence, real-world regulatory and investigations experience, and a willingness to challenge business-as-usual—even when it’s uncomfortable. I am not running as a stepping stone to higher office, and I am not beholden to corporate or development interests. My focus is on protecting public resources and ensuring that public investments serve residents first. I have not previously held elected office. I see that as a strength: I come without entrenched relationships, political debt, or incentives to preserve the status quo. Tell us about 1–2 professional accomplishments that give voters a sense of your leadership style or skills. As a former major frauds and tax prosecutor, I led complex investigations involving financial misconduct and the misuse of public resources. That work required independence, attention to detail, and the ability to make difficult decisions based on evidence and law rather than pressure or politics. In parallel, my work as a grassroots organizer in the multifaith space has involved building coalitions across ideological, racial, and religious lines to focus on shared priorities. That experience reflects a leadership style that is collaborative, principled, and grounded in learning before acting. What endorsements from any notable NC organizations or individuals have you received? At this stage of the campaign, my strongest support comes from grassroots community members across Mecklenburg County who are looking for independent leadership and a break from insider politics. I am proud to have been endorsed by Meck4Change and the Charlotte Muslim Caucus. How long have you lived in the region you are looking to represent in office? I have lived in the Charlotte area for three years, and I hit the ground running across Mecklenburg County through community organizing and civic advocacy—particularly within the multifaith space. Please tell us something unexpected about you that voters may be interested in knowing. I spend a significant amount of time convening people who don’t usually agree—across faiths, backgrounds, and ideologies—to find practical areas of common ground. That perspective shapes how I approach leadership: I’m less interested in partisan performance and more interested in solutions that actually work for people’s day-to-day lives. I love nothing more than finding common ground with people who wouldn’t expect to find any at all—the work can be fun if we do it together. < Previous Candidate Next Candidate >

Key details about Che'z (Shea) Adams < Back to Candidates Che'z (Shea) Adams Party: Democrat Incumbent: No Age: Approximately 49 Previous experience in elected office: None; ran unsuccessfully for Gaston County Board of Education Gastonia Township in 2024 Occupation: Former educator (long-term substitute teacher and exceptional children teacher); behavioral therapist; foster care case manager Description: Adams states that her key issues are supporting low-income schools, saving the arts in schools, providing comprehensive mental health services for students and "safe sports facilities," and engaging parents. Other personal: Adams moved to Gastonia in 1990 and lived in Florida before that. She was a children's mental health advocate and a foster care case manager. She has also worked managing finances for political candidates. She has a bachelor's degree from Florida A&M University. She is the mother of one son. Candidate Website Video from Gaston Business Association's Candidate Forum < Previous Candidate Next Candidate >