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Key details about Precinda Bjorgen < Back to Candidates Precinda Bjorgen Party: Democrat Incumbent: No Age: Approximately 63 Previous experience in elected office: None Occupation: According to Linkedin, a former real estate broker Description: We were unable to verify information about this candidate. Other personal: Bjorgen has a bachelor's degree from N.C. State. No candidate website or social media found The Election Hub Questionnaire No response from candidate < Previous Candidate Next Candidate >

District 1 District 2 District 3 District 4 District 5 District 6 CMS Board of Education District 3 District 3 is in eastern Mecklenburg County. Incumbent Gregory “Dee” Rankin is running uncontested. CMS high schools in this district include Cato Middle College, Charlotte Engineering Early College (), Charlotte Teacher Early College, Cochrane Collegiate/iMeck Academy, Garinger and Julius L. Chambers. 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 3 Candidate

Key details about Chris Measmer < Back to Candidates Chris Measmer Party: Republican Incumbent: Yes Age: 38 Previous experience in elected office: Two terms as Cabarrus County Commissioner (2010-14, 2022-25), appointed N.C. State Senator (2025) Occupation: Business owner, local restaurant group Description: According to his campaign website, Measmer's top issues include DMV efficiency, property tax reform, reducing government regulations, preserving farmland, government accountability, preserving the right to bear arms, stronger immigration enforcement, fair pay for teachers, fully funded public schools and school choice. He said in a candidate video interview that the REINS Act was a piece of legislation he was glad that he helped to pass; it enables the N.C. General Assembly to approve state agency spending over a specific amount. Several states have passed or are considering their version of a similar act. Other personal: Measmer (pronounced MEES-mer) was born and raised in Cabarrus County and graduated from Central Cabarrus High School. He is the second-generation owner of the Wayside Family Restaurant. He has also served as Vice Chair of the N.C. branch of the National Federation of Independent Business. Measmer was appointed to the N.C. Senate in April 2025 by the county Republican party after a four-hour closed-door session where he was one of seven candidates. He is now running for election for that seat. He earned a bachelor's degree in political science from George Washington University. 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). Age: 38, Education: Bachelor's Degree in Political Science, Occupation: Small Business Owner, Live: 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 am running to continue my work to make living more affordable and to champion responsible use of taxpayer dollars. As the cost of living continues to rise, as your Senator I will remain focused on identifying waste and fraud of taxpayer dollars and improving efficiency. I voted for the SCRIPT Act to lower drug prices, and for the REINS Act to hold unelected bureaucrats from overspending state money and to require more transparency. 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 have served the Cabarrus community for a number of years as a job creator and an elected official. As a business owner I have met the challenges of meeting payroll with inflation, and as a County Commissioner have created policies to improve education, public safety and to preserve our way of life. I have taken my knowledge and care for District 34 to Raleigh where I secured a second DMV for Cabarrus and voted to hold the government accountable for how our tax dollars are spent. What is one thing you would like to accomplish in the first six months if elected? The REINS Act was the first good step to preventing potential ambiguous regulations which negatively impact businesses. I would like to go a step further by reviewing current regulations and eliminating those which hinder businesses monetarily and operationally. 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? As a business owner I know first hand how the labor shortage has impacted the business community. I have supported the community college and technical education programs to help prepare our youth for the work force. In schools we must give an improved focus on teaching communication, critical thinking and professional skills. 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? I will collaborate with local officials to determine needs and advocate for infrastructure appropriations for District 34. 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? With each piece of legislation that crosses my desk I am able to apply my knowledge from serving on the County Commission on how unfunded mandates impact counties and municipalities. I am conscious not to approve new unfunded mandates. 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? I was chosen by leadership to sit on the Regulatory Reform Committee to help determine excessive regulations and how to make current regulations more business friendly. Through our committee work, I'll advocate for a thorough review to identify opportunities for improving government efficiency. 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? The General Assembly has already made great strides to improve public safety, diversify education choices and to make living more affordable by lowering the income tax and reducing regulations. We can continue on this path by supporting workforce development programs and cutting red tape so North Carolina can continue to be the nation's top state for businesses. < Previous Candidate Next Candidate >

Key details about George Guise < Back to Candidates George Guise Party: Democrat Incumbent: No Age: 60 Previous experience in elected office: None Occupation: In-house counsel to the Mecklenburg sheriff’s office; former assistant U.S. and district attorney; former private practice attorney Description: Guise's top issues include protecting individual rights, ensuring fairness and dignity in the courtroom, faithfully following the law and strengthening the judicial system through experienced and ethical leadership. He emphasizes that judges must ensure “individuals’ rights are protected,” that “all parties are treated fairly and with dignity and respect,” and that “the law is followed, and justice is served." Guise is endorsed by the Black Political Caucus of Charlotte-Mecklenburg and a number of other endorsements, including the mayors of Davidson and Huntersville. Other personal: George Guise has lived in Davidson, North Carolina, since 1995. He has been married for 35 years to Dr. Barbara Matheny Guise and is the father of five children. Outside of his professional career, he has been involved in pro bono legal work and community advocacy. In his past, he was a "semi-pro keyboard player." He earned his undergraduate degree from Davidson College and his law degree from Vanderbilt University School of Law. Candidate Website The Election Hub Questionnaire Please share demographic information to help voters (your age, education, and where you live in NC now). My name is George Guise. I am 60 years old, and a graduate of Davidon College (1987) and Vanderbilt University School of Law (1990). My wife Barbara and I have lived in Davidson for the past 31 years and raised our five children there. 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’m running for Superior Court Judge because our state system of justice needs Judges with the breadth and depth of experience that I would bring to the bench, with a proven commitment over decades of service to the fundamental principles of due process and equal protection under the law, an untarnished reputation for honesty, integrity and fair dealing, and an unwavering commitment to the independence of the judicial branch. I have never held elected office before. I have been a state and federal prosecutor of the most serious and complex felony cases for more than a dozen years – with more than 50 felony jury trials – including with the Mecklenburg County District Attorney’s Office and then during the Obama administration with the US Department of Justice in the Western District of North Carolina in Charlotte. I’ve been in private practice handling cases in both civil litigation and criminal defense – much of the latter being court-appointed indigent defense. I’ve been General Counsel at Davidson College. In my current role as In-house Counsel to the Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office, among other responsibilities, I manage the agency’s civil litigation which is significant both in term of volume and in terms of complexity: ranging from employment law matters to contract disputes, administrative code enforcement, personal injury and even civil rights cases – much of which can and does end up in Superior Court. Further in my role as Counsel to MCSO, I serve as a member of Mecklenburg County’s Key Court Officials, and on the Executive Committees for Mecklenburg County Courthouse Security and the Criminal Justice Advisory Group. I have served multiple terms on the Board of Directors and am the immediate Past President of the North Carolina Association of Police and Sheriffs’ Attorneys (NCAPSA), an organization dedicated to providing resources, education and support to Law Enforcement Agency attorneys across the State. And I have served on the Legal Affairs Committee of the National Sheriffs’ Association for the past six years. My commitment to the citizens of Mecklenburg County and our justice system here includes service as a pro-bono attorney with Legal Aid of NC – and recognition as volunteer lawyer of the year for Mecklenburg County when I was representing so many victims of domestic violence, and families who were being threatened with eviction and homelessness, that we decided to establish a Legal Aid Clinic at the Ada Jenkins Center in Davidson. I’ve taught classes on Poverty Law and Social Justice for multiple semesters at Davidson College. I lecture annually to the Constitutional Law Class in the Honors Program at UNCC. I’m a 15+ year volunteer Judge with the Teen Court Program run by Lift Up Carolinas – an amazingly successful Juvenile Justice Diversion Program with a significantly lower recidivism rate than our youth who go through the Juvenile Justice Court System. I’ve served on the Boards of Directors of Legal Services of Southern Piedmont and the Charlotte Center for Legal Advocacy – organizations committed, as am I, to ensuring access to justice for those members of our community who routinely struggle to find that access on their own. Tell us about 1-2 professional accomplishments that gives voters a sense of your leadership style or skills. 1. Hard to pick from the hundreds of violent felony cases that I prosecuted over the years, or the dozens that I tried, including murder, sex offenses, felony assaults, armed robbery, burglary, drug trafficking and – on the federal side – gang-related offenses, international drug trafficking conspiracies, extortion and money laundering. I am proud of what my commitment to public safety, and advocacy for victims and their families over decades of service, says about who I am and my commitment to justice. 2. In a civil lawsuit that my client (the Sheriff’s Office - MCSO) recently resolved, I am proud of how we handled what I came to realize (and helped my client to realize) was an inadvertent lack of appropriate policy and procedure on the agency’s part. “Jane” was arrested by local authorities and brought to the detention center operated by MCSO. Jane is a Muslim woman who was wearing a hijab covering her head and parts of her face, in furtherance of her sincerely held religious beliefs. MCSO personnel, with the best of intentions and no policy instructing otherwise, had Jane remove her hijab to be photographed and then posted that photograph on the agency’s website for the public to see. As her lawsuit suggested, the posting of Jane’s photograph without her hijab may have violated a federal civil rights act regarding religious freedoms for persons in custody. In resolving the matter, I was able to draft a new policy for MCSO that prohibits the publishing of mugshots of individuals not wearing religious headwear should doing so dishonor their sincerely held religious beliefs, and further to allow for the wearing of religious headwear while in custody – subject to necessary and appropriately conducted searches. Justice was ultimately well-served in Jane’s case. What endorsements from any notable NC organizations or individuals have you received? I am unaware of any organizational endorsements yet announced in my race. I am proud of the endorsements of a number of civic leaders like both Democratic Mayors of the municipalities in Judicial District 26C: Christy Clark of Huntersville and Rusty Knox of Davidson. But most meaningfully, I believe, are the multitude of endorsements of lawyers in Mecklenburg County whom I have worked with in our justice system – some as colleagues, others on opposite sides of an issue or case – that signify my reputation not only in terms of my knowledge of the law, but also in terms of integrity, fairness, honesty and an unbiased commitment to ensuring justice is served. Career prosecutors in Mecklenburg County as well as the Public Defender and leadership in the criminal defense bar all endorse me. Anne Tompkins, the former US Attorney and chief federal prosecutor for the Western District of North Carolina, and Claire Rauscher, the former Federal Public Defender in the District, both endorse me. Lawyers who work on opposite sides, especially adversaries in the criminal justice arena, do not often see eye to eye. I am proud of what these endorsements say about my reputation and my qualifications for the job. Finally, every Superior Court Judge in Mecklenburg County who can endorse a candidate in my election endorses me (only Judges who are candidates in their own races can endorse others). This includes Hon. Karen Eady-Williams and Hon. George Bell. Superior Court Judge-to-be, Hon. Elizabeth Trosch, also endorses me. How long have you lived in the region you are looking to represent in office? My wife, Barbara, and I have lived in District 26C – all in Davidson – for the past 31 years, and raised our five children there. Please tell us something unexpected about you that voters may be interested in knowing. From high school through college, law school and for a little while thereafter, I was a part-time, semi-pro keyboard player accompanying various friends and more serious musicians, including the almost world famous Blue Dogs, of local indie-alt-country renown. Check out our 1991 cult classic “Music for Dog People!” < Previous Candidate Next Candidate >

Key details about Cathy Cloninger < Back to Candidates Cathy Cloninger Party: Republican Incumbent: Yes Age: 64 Previous experience in elected office: Gaston County Commissioner since 2022, representing Dallas Township Occupation: Retired employee from a domestic violence shelter Description: Cloninger has been a longtime champion of domestic violence prevention. She advocated for "smart planning" to help county residents. She said she'd work with each municipality and its elected officials to build strong partnerships and promote economic growth. She advocated for stewarding citizens' tax dollars well. Other personal: Cloninger is a lifelong resident of Gaston County. She worked for 34 years at a domestic violence center that is now named after her. She retired in 2017. She is married to the former sheriff of Gaston County (Alan Cloninger) and has two daughters and two grandchildren. She has been recognized with The Order of the Long Leaf Pine. She holds a bachelor's degree from Mars Hill College. Candidate Website Video from Gaston Business Association's Candidate Forum < Previous Candidate Next Candidate >

Key details about Garry L. McFadden < Back to Candidates Garry L. McFadden Party: Democrat Incumbent: Yes Age: Approximately 65 Previous experience in elected office: Mecklenburg County Sheriff (2018-present) Occupation: Currently, Mecklenburg County Sheriff; former CMPD homicide detective Description: McFadden describes himself as "factual, fearless and faithful." He is in his seventh year as county sheriff and was the first Black sheriff elected to the role. Republicans have widely criticized him for failing to cooperate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and state legislators in 2025 passed a law attempting to force him and other sheriffs to cooperate more. He has been known for not cooperating with ICE for many years though he told an N.C. House committee on February 9, 2026 that his office "follows the law." In an extensive Charlotte Optimist profile from 2025 , McFadden is described as well-dressed, well-connected and "widely regarded as one of the most successful homicide detectives in America." He is endorsed by the Black Political Caucus of Charlotte-Mecklenburg. Other personal: McFadden has been named in lawsuits accusing him of racism and retaliation. Several of his employees have left and publicly complained about his management style, including a chief deputy who said he suffered “mentally and physically” under what he called McFadden’s “abusive and narcissistic behaviors.” In response, McFadden has said he is direct and has tough conversations and has high standards of accountability. McFadden has also "drawn scrutiny" for the death of inmates in the county jail, though he denies that it was due to anything related to the jail or its staff. In 2024, he was secretly recorded referring to a white captain as a “cracker” and to a chief deputy as the n-word (both men are Black, and McFadden subsequently apologized). In January 2026, a petition to remove him from office was dismissed. He is a father and grandfather. McFadden attended Johnson C. Smith University. Candidate Social Media The Election Hub Questionnaire No response from candidate < Previous Candidate Next Candidate >

Key details about Kelly Hastings < Back to Candidates Kelly Hastings Party: Republican Incumbent: Yes Age: 64 Previous experience in elected office: N.C. House member since 2011 Occupation: Realtor Description: Hastings describes himself as a "common sense conservative," and the top issues cited on his website are voter IDs, election integrity and public safety. He is a longtime incumbent in District 110, having served eight terms. He was the primary sponsor of 10 bills in the current session, including several to support veterans. He has one of the highest rates of excused absences for votes among members of the N.C. House (he was not present for 17% of votes to date in the current legislative session and was absent in 20% of the votes in the 2023-24 session). He said on Facebook that these absences were due to a "severe respiratory infection" and having to "help family members during the session." Other personal: Hastings served in the U.S. Marine Corps and Reserves. He is married and the father of a daughter (he says on his website, "They are saved!") He said in May 2025 that he wouldn't seek a new term because he wanted to "put a term limit on himself." He then decided to switch his position months later following the shootings of Minnesota state legislators. He said he didn't want to leave "his colleagues during a violent and dangerous time ." He is a Realtor and has a bachelor's degree from Appalachian State University. Candidate Website Video from Gaston Business Association's Candidate Forum Questionnaire from the Gaston Business Association Please provide a short introduction (50 words or less) highlighting your background and achievements. I am a member of the North Carolina House of Representatives, and I am a REALTOR. What motivated you to seek this office, and what specific skills, experiences, or perspectives uniquely prepare you to serve effectively in this role? The primary reason for running for office is to assist constituents. Keeping my promises to constituents helps me serve effectively. From your perspective, what are the top issues impacting Gaston County’s business climate and economic competitiveness? If elected, what specific actions would you support or pursue to strengthen our local economy? Lower taxes, less crime, student learning, improved infrastructure, lower energy prices, less red tape, and fiscal conservatism help make North Carolina the No. 1 state for business. Given the office you are seeking (U.S. House, N.C. House, Sheriff, Commissioner, or School Board), what do you believe is the most pressing issue within the scope of that role, and how would you address it? Economic security is a top issue, and I will continue to vote for lower taxes, less crime, student learning, improved infrastructure, lower energy prices, less red tape, and fiscal conservatism to help make us the No. 1 state for business. Effective leadership requires collaboration across sectors. How would you work with local businesses, municipal leaders, and community organizations to advance shared goals? Listening to the needs of stakeholders is important as we work collaboratively. < Previous Candidate Next Candidate >

Key details about Cecilia Oseguera < Back to Candidates Cecilia Oseguera Party: Democrat Incumbent: Yes Age: 51 Previous experience in elected office: District court judge since 2022 Occupation: District Court judge; former Assistant Federal Public Defender Description: Oseguera’s top issues focus on fairness, impartiality, respect for individuals in court, strengthening public trust in the judiciary and ensuring accessibility of the courts. On her campaign website, she emphasizes her commitment to upholding justice and strengthening public trust in the courts through a combination of judicial experience and deep engagement with the legal community. Her website highlights her extensive trial and appellate experience, including service as an Assistant Federal Public Defender and substitute Federal Magistrate Judge. Other personal: Oseguera lives in Mecklenburg County, where she serves as a District Court Judge. She is active in professional legal organizations including the Mecklenburg County Bar Board of Directors and the Fourth Circuit Judicial Conference. Oseguera earned a bachelor's degree from UCLA, a JD from Whittier Law School and an LL.M. in Financial Services Compliance from Seton Hall University School of Law. Candidate Website The Election Hub Questionnaire Please provide demographic information about yourself to help voters (age, education, current occupation, where you live). I currently serve as a District Court Judge in Mecklenburg County. I hold a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from UCLA, a Juris Doctor from Whittier Law School, and a Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Financial Services Compliance from Seton Hall Law School. I live in Mecklenburg County, where I have dedicated my career to public service and the fair administration of justice. 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 to continue serving the people of Mecklenburg County with fairness, experience, and sound judgment. The courts work best when judges are prepared, impartial, and focused on applying the law consistently while treating everyone who appears before them with dignity and respect. I was appointed to the District Court bench in 2022 by Governor Roy Cooper and later elected by the voters of Mecklenburg County to continue that service. Since taking office, I have presided over high-volume criminal, civil, family, juvenile, and domestic violence dockets, managing hundreds of cases while ensuring statutory requirements are met and all parties are heard. Voters should choose me again because experience, impartiality, and transparency matter. 1. VOTERS DESERVE TO KNOW: Voters deserve transparency and clarity when choosing a judge. Judicial candidates should be evaluated based on their experience, judgment, respect for the rule of law, and commitment to public safety. A judge must apply the law as written, not pursue ideological goals or activism from the bench (2) JUDICIAL ROLE v. ACTIVISM: I respect civic engagement, but judicial service is different. Judges are not advocates or activists—we are neutral decision-makers bound by the law. The role of a judge is not to advance a political or ideological agenda, but to apply the law fairly, consistently, and impartially. The courtroom is not a place for experimentation or advocacy—it is a place for careful judgment and accountability. 3. PUBLIC SAFETY: Every decision made in District Court affects real people—victims, families, and the safety of our community. My approach has always been guided by the law, respect for victims, and an understanding that public safety and fairness are not competing values. 4. The RECORD vs. RHETORIC: I believe candidates should be evaluated not by rhetoric, but by their record of service, follow-through, and accountability. Throughout my career, I have shown up, done the work, and honored the responsibilities entrusted to me. I welcome voters to review my record, observe my courtroom, and speak with attorneys, litigants, and community members who have seen my work firsthand. Transparency and accountability are essential to public trust in the judiciary. Mecklenburg County deserves an experienced judge with an established reputation for fairness, efficiency, and integrity. 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. One of my proudest accomplishments is successfully managing high-volume dockets while ensuring that every litigant feels heard and respected. This requires organization, decisiveness, and calm leadership—particularly in emotionally charged cases involving families, victims, and public safety. Prior to taking the bench, I spent nearly two decades as an Assistant Federal Public Defender, gaining extensive courtroom experience through complex litigation and jury trials. That background, combined with my judicial experience, allows me to approach every case with perspective, fairness, and respect for all who come before the court. I have also been selected to serve as a substitute Federal Magistrate Judge in the Western District of North Carolina, an opportunity that reflects professional trust and recognition of my judgment, temperament, and legal acumen. I presently serve on The Mecklenburg County Bar Board of Directors. What endorsements from any notable North Carolina organizations or people have you received? I have been endorsed by the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Fraternal Order of Police. I have received an “Excellent” rating from the LGBTQ+ Democrats of Mecklenburg County. I am also honored to be endorsed by the Honorable Edwin Quarles, North Carolina Department of Veterans Affairs Commission (12th Congressional District) and Commissioner for the Town of Huntersville, and the Honorable Regan Miller (Ret.), former Chief District Court Judge of Mecklenburg County. I am supported by a broad range of courtroom stakeholders who have observed my work firsthand, and I take that trust seriously. As a judge, I do not advocate for causes or constituencies. Public safety and equal justice are not competing values. My record reflects that balance, A complete list of endorsements from a broad range of community leaders and stakeholders is available on my campaign website at Re-Elect Cecilia Oseguera . How long have you lived in the region/district where you are running for office? 21 years. Tell us something unexpected about yourself that voters may be interested to know. Something voters may find unexpected is that I am a first-generation college and law school graduate, raised by immigrant parents who worked as laborers. I grew up in an underserved community, where I learned early the value of hard work, accountability, and respect for others. I also speak Spanish, which helps me better understand the lived experiences of many people who come before the court. Those experiences shaped my perspective long before I became a judge, and they guide how I listen, communicate, and ensure that everyone who enters my courtroom feels heard and treated with dignity. Questionnaire from Path to Permanency What is the extent of your professional and/or personal experience handling child welfare cases? While my primary District Court assignments have included criminal, civil, and domestic matters, I understand the profound responsibility involved in cases affecting children and families. Throughout my judicial service and prior federal practice, I have handled matters involving vulnerable individuals, strict statutory frameworks, and high-stakes decision-making. Child welfare cases require urgency, preparation, and careful adherence to the law — principles I apply in every courtroom assignment. What specific actions will you take as a district court judge to reduce the length of foster care cases and ensure children achieve permanency within federally recommended timeframes? Timely permanency requires disciplined case management. As a judge, I ensure hearings occur within statutory timeframes, expectations are clear from the outset, and orders are entered promptly. When delays arise, the court must identify the cause and address it directly. Children experience time differently than adults, and statutory deadlines must be treated as meaningful, not aspirational. How familiar are you with the Adoption and Safe Families Act (ASFA) timelines, and how will you ensure accountability among the court, parent defenders, and child welfare agencies in meeting those time limits while also engaging with community resources and NCJFCJ-supported initiatives—such as frequent family time and family finding—to improve permanency outcomes for foster children? I am familiar with the timelines established under the Adoption and Safe Families Act, including timely permanency hearings and the statutory framework governing termination of parental rights when reunification is no longer appropriate. The court must ensure reasonable efforts findings are properly made and that all stakeholders — DSS, parent counsel, GAL, and service providers — remain accountable to statutory deadlines. How do you view the role of a district court judge in ensuring timely permanency for children in foster care within Mecklenburg County's child welfare system? The District Court judge serves as both legal decision-maker and case manager in child welfare matters. The court must balance constitutional parental rights with a child’s need for safety and stability. My role is to apply the law faithfully, ensure hearings proceed on time, and make evidence-based decisions that promote timely and lawful permanency. < Previous Candidate Next Candidate >

Key details about William L. Barbee < Back to Candidates William L. Barbee Party: Republican Incumbent: No Age: 76 Previous experience in elected office: None Occupation: Realtor Description: According to Barbee's campaign website his top issues are supporting teachers and staff; promoting strong core academics; enabling "safe, orderly, and respectful" schools; supporting parental involvement and transparency; preparing students for "real life;" budgeting taxpayer dollars responsibly; and supporting a balanced approach to student well-being. Other personal: Barbee is a realtor and owner of ReMax Action Properties. He is endorsed by Tim Furr, a former School Board member and County Commissioner. He and his wife, Sharon, have a daughter and granddaughter. Barbee attended Thomas Edison State University. Candidate Website 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). Live in Concord, Degree in Business Adminstration, 76,Real Estate 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’m running for school board to focus on students, support teachers, respect parents, and make responsible decisions with taxpayer dollars. Schools should unite a community—not divide it. 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. As part of a cost reduction team, eliminated leased space and more efficiently utilized existing space, resulting in a cost savings of $1.5M. 2.Wrote and implemented new contract for vendor delivery service, resulting in a savings of $350,000 per year. 3. Consolidated jobs in department, reducing off-site operations head count while maintaining steady production level. What is one thing you would like to accomplish in the first six months if elected? Develop plan to reatin teachers. Public schools play a critical role in preparing students for both higher education and the workforce. How should the school system balance academic achievement, student growth, and Career & Technical Education to meet the needs of students and employers? Great question—this is the tension public schools are trying to solve right now. The short answer: it’s not an either/or. A strong school system treats academic achievement, student growth, and Career & Technical Education as mutually reinforcing, not competing priorities. Schools should not operate in isolation. A balanced system: Regularly consults employers about skill needs Expands internships, job shadowing, and work-based learning Uses advisory boards to keep programs relevant School facilities and capital planning directly affect learning environments and community growth. How would you approach long-term facilities planning to ensure schools keep pace with enrollment and workforce demands? Facilities planning should start with solid enrollment projections tied to local housing trends, birth rates, and economic development plans—not just past attendance. Partnering with county planners and employers helps anticipate where growth is actually coming from and what kinds of students and workers the community will need in 5, 10, and 20 years. The workforce is changing faster than buildings. New and renovated schools should include adaptable spaces—classrooms that can convert to labs, workshops, or collaborative learning areas without major reconstruction. This allows schools to expand Career & Technical Education, STEM, and industry-aligned programs as demand shifts, instead of being locked into outdated layouts.eeping pace isn’t just about new schools—it’s about upgrading existing ones. Modern HVAC, technology infrastructure, safety features, and energy-efficient systems improve learning conditions and reduce long-term operating costs. Smart capital planning balances growth with responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars Attracting and retaining high-quality teachers remains a challenge statewide. What strategies should be prioritized to build a stable, effective educator workforce in Cabarrus County? A top factor in teacher recruitment and retention is pay. North Carolina’s teacher salaries lag behind many neighboring states, making it harder to attract and keep talent. Competitive pay signals respect for the profession and helps teachers meet the cost-of-living pressures that often push them out of the classroom. The School Board should Advocate for higher base salaries and structured raises linked to experience and advanced credentials. Expand sign-on bonuses, retention stipends, and differentiated pay for high-need subjects (like special education or STEM).Leverage federal/state grant funds to supplement pay where possible. Teachers want growth without leaving the classroom. Cabarrus County already has Advanced Teaching Roles (ATR) that let high-impact teachers take on leadership while staying in instruction. These sorts of career ladders boost retention and morale. We need to expand ATR and related leadership pathways (e.g., instructional coaches, teacher leaders).Offer professional development that aligns with teachers’ career goals.Create transparent advancement routes that tie to compensation and recognition. Beyond standardized test scores, what measures do you believe best reflect school performance and student preparedness for future success? The best measure of school performance is whether students leave capable, confident, and prepared—academically, socially, and professionally. A balanced accountability system should reflect that reality, not reduce success to a single number on a spreadsheet. Strong partnerships with local governments, businesses, and community organizations can enhance educational outcomes. How would you support collaboration to strengthen opportunities for students and families? I’d support collaboration by focusing on purpose-driven partnerships that benefit students and families, and not just feel-good agreements. 1. Schools, local governments, and businesses all care about workforce readiness, community stability, and quality of life. I’d bring partners together around concrete outcomes—career exposure, student support services, family stability, and safe, healthy learning environments—so everyone knows what success looks like. 2. Partnering with local employers, community colleges, and trade organizations can expand internships, apprenticeships, job shadowing, and dual-enrollment opportunities. This gives students real-world experience and helps local businesses build a future workforce right here in the county. 3. Work with local governments, nonprofits, and faith-based organizations can help schools connect families to mental health resources, food security, after-school programs, and transportation support. Students are better positioned to succeed when ouside barriers are reduced. 4. Clear points of contact and accountability are needed. A partnership works best when someone owns them. We should look at designated liaisons or advisory councils made up of educators, business leaders, and community members to keep communication open and ensure partnerships stay active and effective. Collaboration shouldn’t be top-down. Regular feedback from parents, students, and local stakeholders helps identify gaps, refine partnerships, and build trust. < Previous Candidate Next Candidate >

Key details about Tricia Ann Cotham < Back to Candidates Tricia Ann Cotham Party: Republican Incumbent: Yes Age: 47 Previous experience in elected office: N.C. House (2007-2017, 2023-present) in various districts; currently represents District 105 Occupation: N.C. Representative Description: Cotham has been a state house representative for the Charlotte region for 6.5 terms (on and off since 2007). Her top issues focus on fighting inflation, supporting small businesses, strengthening public safety and investing in education, including raising teacher pay, increasing classroom funding, and expanding Opportunity Scholarships. In the most recent legislative session, she sponsored a number of bills aimed at improving public safety, supporting law enforcement, and enhancing resources for students and schools. She ran unsuccessfully for U.S. House in 2016 but lost to incumbent Alma Adams. She registered as a lobbyist during some of her time between her N.C. House terms. She was a Democrat for most of her political career but in April 2023 switched to the Republican Party, giving the GOP a supermajority. In that 2023-24 legislative session, the legislature overrode all 29 vetoes by then-Governor Roy Cooper. Cotham was the primary sponsor on 49 bills in the current legislative session, including proposals to support in vitro fertilization and defund Planned Parenthood. She was a key figure in getting a bill to authorize a referendum on a sales tax referendum for transit and transportation through the legislature in 2025. She has one of the highest rates of excused absences among N.C. House members at 29% for the current legislative session and 17% for the 2023-24 session. Other personal: Cotham was born and raised in Charlotte. Her mother, Democrat Pat Cotham, was a longtime Democratic Mecklenburg County commissioner. The younger Cotham was former teacher and assistant principal and was recognized as CMS Teacher of the Year. Cotham earned a bachelor's from UNC Charlotte and a master’s degree from UNC Chapel Hill. Candidate Website The Election Hub Questionnaire No response from candidate < Previous Candidate Next Candidate >