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Key details about Lee Dedmon < Back to Candidates Lee Dedmon Party: Democrat Incumbent: Yes Age: 78 Previous experience in elected office: Gaston County Board of Education (2014-present) Occupation: Retired principal Description: Dedmon is a longtime educator who has served on the school board since 2014. He does not appear to have a campaign website. In media interviews in previous elections, he has said the county must keep teacher pay competitive and that the school system needs to invest in programs that support new teachers. Other personal: Dedmon is the retired principal of Cherryville Senior High School and Highland School of Technology, a magnet school in Gastonia. He is a father and grandfather. He played basketball at UNC Chapel Hill for legendary coach Dean Smith from 1969-71, and the Gaston Gazette once called Dedmon, who was listed at 6’10”, “probably the tallest principal in the history of Gaston County Schools.” No candidate website or social media found < Previous Candidate Next Candidate >

Key details about Olivia Scott < Back to Candidates Olivia Scott Party: Democrat Incumbent: No Age: Approximately 33 Previous experience in elected office: None; several unsuccessful runs for school board and city council dating back to 2017 Occupation: According to LinkedIn, "social media advisory" to the county's Register of Deeds Description: We were unable to find information about her positions. Other personal: Scott has a bachelor's degree from UNC Charlotte. Candidate Social Media The Election Hub Questionnaire No response from candidate < Previous Candidate Next Candidate >

Key details about Jack Codiga < Back to Candidates Jack Codiga Party: Republican Incumbent: No Age: 28 Previous experience in elected office: None Occupation: Associate Producer, Medalist Capital, a mortgage lender Description: Codiga says "soaring housing and healthcare costs and crippling college debt" are crushing America. The top issues he cites on his website are equal justice under the law ("past injustices" cannot justify special treatment), sound money ("abolish the Federal Reserve" and "return to gold and silver as money"), and free markets ("end all welfare programs, including the godfather of all Ponzi schemes,Social Security.") Other personal: Codiga describes himself as "a Christian, finance professional, and proud American." He moved to Charlotte from California in 2021. He is married and belongs to Life Church in South End. His biography on his employer’s website says he enjoys playing basketball and paddleboarding. He has a bachelor's from Santa Clara University. Candidate Website Candidate Video Statement The Election Hub Questionnaire Please share demographic information to help voters (your age, education, and where you live in NC now). I’m 28, graduated from Santa Clara University (in California) with a degree in Finance with a Real Estate minor, and my wife and I live in South Charlotte. 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 for the U.S. House of Representatives because my work in finance has shown me firsthand the damage caused by an unbacked currency. Too many conservatives have stopped addressing this root issue and instead argue only for slightly fewer subsidies than Democrats. But if we don’t fix our currency, we won’t fix the underlying reason the American Dream is slipping away. You should support me over my opponent because I offer clear solutions grounded in a clear view of human nature. My opponent focuses primarily on electability and his chances of beating Alma Adams. That matters but fixing the problems that put our country in this position matters more. Tell us about 1-2 professional accomplishments that gives voters a sense of your leadership style or skills. In my work, people trust me with multi-million-dollar decisions on how their commercial real estate deals are structured. I interface with capital providers for my clients and make a point to be clear, direct, and honest with everyone involved. What endorsements from any notable NC organizations or individuals have you received? I do not currently have the endorsement of any large political organization, as I am new to politics. My campaign is grounded in the belief that politics should be a true marketplace of ideas. I am deeply grateful for the friends and family who have come alongside me with their support and encouragement throughout this campaign. I’ve also enjoyed meeting people throughout the political world. I was interviewed by Andrew Dunn at Longleaf Politics, and I’m grateful that he told me that he will vote for me. How long have you lived in the region you are looking to represent in office? Since 2021. Please tell us something unexpected about you that voters may be interested in knowing. Although I strongly disagree with Democratic solutions to economic problems, I think Democrats, especially progressives, often do a good job identifying where the economy is failing. < Previous Candidate Next Candidate >

Key details about Deborah Allen < Back to Candidates Deborah Allen Party: Republican Incumbent: No Age: 64 Previous experience in elected office: None Occupation: Retired teacher; currently a substitute teacher in Cabarrus County Description: Allen's top three issues from her Facebook campaign page are 1) overcrowded buildings and overburdened teachers, 2) lack of consistent enforcement of discipline leading to safety issues, 3) teacher retention challenges due to low salaries and lack of support. On her campaign Facebook page, Allen states that she is for: children using the bathroom of their gender identity assigned at birth, school libraries not containing any books that graphically depict sexual relations in writing or illustrations, parents rights being exercised and heard, administrators examining waste and bloat and better handling of school ICE walkouts. Regarding the last item, she says, "Students, minimally, should have had an illegal absence put on their attendance record. There needs to be consequences for not following rules." Other personal: Allen retired after 33 years of teaching in the East Ramapo School District, which is in the New York City metro area. She is the author of “Between the House and the Barn ” about her journey to self-realization and the development of her Christian faith. She is married and a part-time substitute teacher. She earned a bachelor's and a master's degree in education (St. Thomas Aquinas College and Lehman College, respectively) and is certified in school supervision and as an educational administrator. Candidate Website Video Interview of Candidate Questionnaire from The Chamber, Leading Business in Cabarrus Candidate did not respond < Previous Candidate Next Candidate >

Davidson Board of Commissioners Davidson Mayor Town of Davidson Board of Commissioners Davidson has five town commissioners and a mayor. Previously, town commissioners served two-year terms, but in 2023, Davidson voters approved a change to staggered four-year terms. In this election , voters can vote for up to five commissioner candidates (six are running, including four incumbents), and the top two vote-getters will serve four-year terms, with the other three serving two-year terms. Key duties include setting town policy, enacting ordinances, approving the budget, and overseeing the town manager, who handles daily operations. Davidson’s population is 15,000 and the median household income is one of the highest in the county at approximately $150,000. Thirty percent of Davidson’s registered voters are Democrat, 23% are Republican and 46% are unaffiliated. The races are nonpartisan, which means candidates’ political parties will not be listed on the ballot. Board of Commissioners Candidates

Key details about Toni Emehel < Back to Candidates Toni Emehel Party: Democrat Incumbent: No Age: 56 Previous experience in elected office: None; ran unsuccessfully for a CMS board seat in 2025 Occupation: Strategic planning consultant Description: Emehel has emphasized improving communication within Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, strengthening teacher recruitment and retention and fostering a more unified and supportive school culture as her top priorities. In her candidate questionnaire, she stated that “a lack of quality communication” contributes to disunity and hinders progress and said that cultivating a culture of “active listening” is essential to meeting student needs and delivering quality instruction. She also told The Charlotte Observer that hiring and retaining “truly effective teachers” whose enthusiasm “ignites students” is key to improving student performance and closing achievement gaps. Other personal: Emehel has lived in Mecklenburg County for many years and has been actively involved in Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools since at least 2006. She is a parent and grandparent of students in the district and has described retiring from corporate America at age 37 to focus on her family, her children’s education and community service. Her interests include extensive volunteer work in schools and the community, serving as a Red Cross CPR instructor, Bible teacher, HOA president, literacy tutor, and organizer of school-based initiatives such as book drives and inter-club councils. She earned a bachelor's in Criminal Justice from UNC Charlotte, and a master's in Human Service Counseling: Executive Leadership from Liberty University. Candidate Website Video Interview with The Charlotte Ledger The Election Hub Questionnaire No response from candidate < 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 >

Mint Hill Board of Commissioners Mint Hill Mayor Mint Hill Mayor The Mint Hill Board of Commissioners is composed of the mayor and four commissioners. Voters will select two commissioners this election who will serve four-year terms. Mint Hill’s population is approximately 27,000 and its median household income is $99,000. Thirty-four percent of registered voters in Mint Hill are Republican, 27% are Democrat and 28% are unaffiliated. Mint Hill Mayoral Candidates

Key details about Adam Pasiak < Back to Candidates Adam Pasiak Party: Democrat Incumbent: No Age: 40 Previous experience in elected office: None Occupation: Strategic sourcing manager Description: Pasiak’s top issues, as presented on his campaign website, focus on building a stronger, safer and more inclusive Mecklenburg County. He emphasizes improving education, expanding access to quality jobs and healthcare and fostering economic growth. Environmental stewardship is a priority, including protecting the Catawba River Basin and other natural resources to ensure long-term community health and affordability. He supports maintaining affordability through accessible housing and cost-conscious living policies. Pasiak also prioritizes recreational infrastructure, such as parks and greenways, to enhance residents’ well-being and community resilience. Public safety is highlighted as essential for thriving neighborhoods, schools and transit systems. Additionally, he emphasizes accessibility to human services, including programs from early childhood through elder care, to create a continuum of support that promotes equity and stability. He also advocates for smart investment in transportation infrastructure, including the effective implementation of the PAVE Act to fund road, rail and bus projects. Other personal: Pasiak has been a resident of Mecklenburg County since 2008, relocating from upstate New York with his wife, Jill. They are parents of two children. He was the chair of the Democrats of North Mecklenburg and has a bachelor's degree from the University at Buffalo School of Management. Candidate Website The Election Hub Questionnaire Please provide demographic information about yourself to help voters (age, education, current occupation, where you live). I am a 40-year-old resident of the Highland Creek neighborhood, where he has lived for 10 years. I've been resident of Mecklenburg County for nearly 18 years, married to my wife, Jill, and we have two school-aged children. I hold a Bachelor’s Degree from the University at Buffalo and currently serves as a Strategic Sourcing Manager - Contracts at Honeywell, bringing extensive experience in complex negotiations and change management. 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 I believe Mecklenburg County is at a critical juncture where we need fresh leadership and a results-oriented approach to manage our multi-billion dollar budget. As a Strategic Sourcing Manager at Honeywell, I have a professional background in complex negotiations and change management, skills that I believe are essential for a Board that holds the 'power of funds' to oversee schools, parks, and essential human services. While I have not previously held an elected office, I have extensive experience in appointed civic leadership, including serving as Co-Chair of the Citizen Transit Advisory Council and as a member of the North Regional Advisory Council for Parks & Recreation. My decade of residency in Highland Creek and 18 years in the county have given me a deep understanding of our community’s needs—from environmental stewardship to ensuring affordability for both new and longtime residents. Voters should pick me because I am a dedicated father and neighbor ready to apply my professional expertise to build a safer, more accessible, and vibrant future for all. 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. In my professional career, I have consistently focused on driving efficiency and accountability in large-scale operations, a style I define as 'collaborative but results-oriented'. At Honeywell, I serve as a Strategic Sourcing Manager, where I lead complex negotiations and change management initiatives to ensure risks and resources are managed with the correct amount of oversight. A key achievement that mirrors my approach to public service was my tenure as Co-Chair of the Citizen Transit Advisory Council (CTAG). In this role, I successfully led a diverse body of public representatives to evaluate and make recommendations for approval on CATS multi-million dollar transit operating and capital budgets, including critical adjustments during the COVID-19 pandemic to maintain essential services. Whether in the private sector or as a community leader on the North Regional Advisory Council for Parks & Recreation, my leadership is marked by a commitment to affordability and strategic planning that prioritizes long-term community health. What endorsements from any notable North Carolina organizations or people have you received? I currently have the endorsement of Huntersville Mayor - Christie Clark and Huntersville Town Commissioner - Scott Coronet. We also have a few more endorsements from current and past elected officials coming shortly but can not be shared publicly as of yet. How long have you lived in the region/district where you are running for office? I've currently lived in District One for 10 years and Mecklenburg County for 18 years. Tell us something unexpected about yourself that voters may be interested to know. Outside of my professional and civic life, I am an avid supporter of our local park systems—not just as a former Parks & Recreation Advisory Council member, but as a father who loves exploring Mecklenburg County’s beautiful greenways with my wife, Jill, and our two children. However, voters might be surprised to learn that despite my passion for the outdoors, I have a persistent fear of getting lost. Whether I’m on a familiar trail or a new path, I find myself constantly checking a map or my GPS to confirm exactly where I am. It is a small personal quirk, but it certainly keeps me focused on the details and ensures I always have a clear plan for the road ahead! < Previous Candidate Next Candidate >

Key details about Dennis James Stines < Back to Candidates Dennis James Stines Party: Republican Incumbent: No Age: 66 Previous experience in elected office: None Occupation: Retired carpet installer; former patrol officer for Dallas and Stanley Police Departments Description: Stines said he wants to make Gaston County a better place for children and families. He advocates for fiscal responsibility, creating a better partnership between planning and zoning commissions, protecting farmland and stewarding citizens' taxes well. He said he would like to start more programs to help Gaston County residents. He said he would use voter-approved bonds and state grants to finance responsible growth. He also believes the county should work with municipalities to create facilities for the homeless. Other personal: Stines is a small business owner. He owned a carpet installation business. He had a Dallas Mini-Mart, which he opened in 2005 and sold in 2010. He ran Shady Rest Grilling until 2014. And he operated “two car lots.” Additionally, for 20 years, he was a patrol officer for the Dallas and Stanley Police Departments. Stines is a lifelong resident of Dallas Township. He is married and has two children and three grandchildren. Candidate Website Video from Gaston Business Association's Candidate Forum < Previous Candidate Next Candidate >

Key details about Kevin Crutchfield < Back to Candidates Kevin Crutchfield Party: Republican Incumbent: No Age: 65 Previous experience in elected office: N.C. House of Representatives (2022-24) Occupation: Business owner Description: Crutchfield's campaign page indicates that his main issues are supporting small businesses and economic development, preserving the right to bear arms and supporting law enforcement and first responders. While in office as an N.C. House member, he sponsored legislation to allow parents to have access to a minor's medical records and a requirement to disclose the use of AI in political ads. Crutchfield lost a race for reelection to the N.C. House in 2024 by fewer than 200 votes. Other personal: Crutchfield graduated from UNC Charlotte and worked for 15 years at IBM. He and his wife, Cheryl, founded Casco Signs in 1998 and have grown it into a multimillion-dollar business, according to his campaign page. They also have three other businesses, including a real estate holding company. The Crutchfields have three sons, who attended Cabarrus County schools, and nine grandchildren. 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). Born 4-2-1960 College Graduate UNC Alumni CFO for Casco Signs, Inc. in Concord NC CEO for Crutchfield Farms in Midland NC CEO for The Crutchfield Group. LTD Midland NC Reside in Midland NC with My Wife Cheryl Father of 3 Grown Men, Father-in-law to 3 great women, and 9 Grandchildren Former Member of the NC House of Representatives 23-24 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 served 1 term in The NC House and achieved great success for my district. My resume, including my professional and political careers have prepared me to be successful for the constituents of my district and North Carolina. I have the experience and track record to go to work immediately on their behalf. I have the time in my schedule to fully engage in this responsibility. There is not a member on my community more qualified than Kevin Crutchfield. 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. 1) Passed into law HB31 The Hope Act to strengthen anti human trafficking laws to protect victims and prosecute offenders. This bill passed without opposition in a record time frame. 2) Passed Legislation to protect older citizens from potential fraud 3) Started and currently run 5 successful North Carolina companies What is one thing you would like to accomplish in the first six months if elected? Extend Protections for Victims of Human Trafficking beyond the hope act. Cabarrus County’s economy depends on a strong and available workforce, yet employers continue to face challenges related to child care access, education pipelines, and labor shortages. How would you use your role in the General Assembly to support workforce participation and long term economic competitiveness in our region? From talking to local childcare providers, they have seating capacity but not the administrative staff to fill the seats effectively. We must work to study these requirements and make changes that will not affect the quality of care but allow us to use the capacity we have. The Federal attention to fraud in this arena must be uncovered and addressed. It undermines the confidence the taxpayers have in the system. Continued attention to high quality education to solve the workforce pipeline issues is paramount. There are changes coming from a federal level concerning the department of education. The changes are big and I am anxious to see these changes role out in application As Cabarrus County grows, continued investment in transportation, water and wastewater systems, and technology infrastructure is critical. What priorities would guide your approach to state infrastructure funding, and how should the state partner with local governments to support growth? As a representative, I worked with our delegation to return more than 185 Million Dollars for just this purpose. I would continue that effort. Working with our local government officials, strategic investment of those appropriations is vital as they best understand the areas we need to focus on. State policies often have direct impacts on local governments and school systems. How would you approach legislation that places new responsibilities on local entities, particularly when those responsibilities are not accompanied by recurring funding? First word, Collaboration. During my time as a representative, whenever these type issues come up, I would meet with and talk to the people involved to understand the impact of such legislation. Resulting in crafting legislation that seeks to solve the problem without creating an unfunded mandate. I will say that sometimes local governments can create systems of government that overregulate and negatively affect business that may need work to resolve. But it is all about working together for the benefit of all North Carolina Taxpayers. State regulations shape the business environment for employers large and small. How would you evaluate whether regulations are achieving their intended purpose without creating unnecessary costs or barriers for businesses? As a small business owner of multiple companies, I experience firsthand the impact of excessive regulation. I will always evaluate weather proposed regulation would have a negative impact on the business environment. I will be a warrior to reduce unnecessary regulation that would kills jobs. Of course, this takes collaboration with the regulators and the business community to understand the impact regulation will have to craft legislation to avoid that. Over the next several years, what state-level policy decisions do you believe will most influence Cabarrus County’s ability to grow, attract investment, and maintain a high quality of life? Incentive investment and taxation will most influence the ability for Cabarrus County to grow. Cabarrus is quickly becoming a suburb of Charlotte. While many do not want to hear that, it's coming. Cabarrus is 2nd out of 100 counties in current and projected growth. Its clear from my time in the house that the senate is on a path to continued reduction of state income taxes. As business owner, I have experienced the collection and redistribution of sales tax collected across the state. What I know for sure is the state and Cabarrus county will continue to battle balancing taxation, investment and growth. It's a problem we are blessed to have. I am hopeful in this battle as long as we have lawmakers focused making NC better for its citizens and businesses. < Previous Candidate Next Candidate >