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Key details about Resa Travis < Back to Candidates Resa Travis Party: Republican Incumbent: No Age: 57 Previous experience in elected office: None Occupation: Assistant Clerk of Superior Court Description: Travis's campaign website lists the following priorities: efficiency and accessibility, transparency and accountability, technology and modernization, customer service and commitment to service. She states, "Right now, decisions are made by too few, which creates frustration and low morale. That isn't leadership. I believe in a collaborative approach where staff help identify what works and what needs improvement." Other personal: She is Assistant Clerk of Superior Court and was previously a deputy clerk. She is married to Mike Travis, a police officer, and they have one daughter. Travis earned an associate's degree from CPCC and attended UNC Charlotte. Candidate Website Candidate Video Interview (YouTube) Questionnaire from The Chamber, Leading Business in Cabarrus Note that candidate responses are verbatim and have not been edited. Please provide demographic information about yourself to help voters (age, education, current occupation, where you live). 57; Attended Northside Christian Academy; Central Piedmont Community College & UNCC 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 30 plus years of hands on experience that reflects dedication and commitment to the Clerk of Superior Court's office. I am firmly established in that I have a proven record of service, accountability and leadership. I am deeply connected in that I have built strong relationships and earned the trust not only with the employees of the clerk's office but with the Key Court officials as well. I have a very clear understanding of how the clerk's office operates and how it serves our community. I have insight knowledge court operations and procedures and I am committed to learn every aspect of the office. I pray that my actions, dedication and consistencies will reveal my commitment to restore the Clerk's Office. 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 completed the "Leading At All Levels" training at the Administrative Office of the Courts program; I had the honor to be chosen for the District Court Criminal committee, that completed and compiled a training manual for employees across the state. I have completed numerous training classes recommended by the Administrative Office of the Courts. What is one thing you would like to accomplish in the first six months if elected? The Clerk's office must be a place of integrity, clear procedures, accountability and teamwork. As Clerk, I will prioritize ethical leadership, transparent processes, proper training, and a respect workplace culture. Strong leadership sets the tone. I am committed to restoring morale, improving operations and ensuring the Clerk of Court's office serves our community efficiently, lawfully and with dignity. < Previous Candidate Next Candidate >

Key details about Margot Dupre < Back to Candidates Margot Dupre Party: Republican Incumbent: No Age: NA Previous experience in elected office: None Occupation: NA Description: (Update: This candidate has been disqualified. See below.) Dupre describes herself as "a conservative, pro life, pro second amendment, pro-business, pro-law enforcement military wife." The key issues listed on her site are jobs and the economy (she supports tariffs to "counter unfair competition,") inflation (she believes the solution is energy independence and expansion of U.S. energy production) and building back Western North Carolina in the wake of Hurricane Helene. Other personal: Dupre describes herself as a "mom on a mission." She is a foster parent and horse enthusiast. She was a foster child until she was 18 and was an intern at a local police department in college. WRAL reported in January 2026 that the North Carolina State Board of Elections is investigating an allegation that she is actually a resident of Florida, which she says is false. (Update: The North Carolina State Board of Elections disqualified Dupre on February 4, 2026.) Candidate Website The Election Hub Questionnaire No response from candidate < Previous Candidate Next Candidate >

Key details about Beau Blair < Back to Candidates Beau Blair Party: Democrat Incumbent: No Age: 42 Previous experience in elected office: None Occupation: NA Description: Blair is running because he believes that "no one should have to work two jobs just to survive." He says education, healthcare and housing should be basic American rights. On his website, he also mentions support of veterans, women's rights in healthcare decisions and the assurance of safety and dignity for LGBTQIA+ people. Following the Renee Good shooting in Minneapolis, he said on Facebook , "It is time that we create laws to protect us from agencies that have become just as dangerous as the ones they claim to protect us from." Other personal: Blair is from Salisbury and describes himself as "a husband, a father, a bartender." He is married and the father of two. He says on his website that his current occupation is "building liquor brands." Candidate Website Video Interview of Candidate The Election Hub Questionnaire Please provide demographic information about yourself to help voters (age, education, current occupation, where you live). Age:42 Education: The Blue Ridge School Current Occupation: Brand Ambassador I currently live in Salisbury, 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. What separates me from my opponents is simple: I am not a career politician. I’m one of the people they’re supposed to represent. I’ve never held public office. I don’t come from party politics or corporate boardrooms. I come from working twelve-to-fourteen hour shifts. I’ve spent more than 25 years working in hospitality and the service industry as a bartender, a server, and behind the scenes in hotels. I have lived paycheck to paycheck, worked late nights and weekends, and still show up every day for my family and the people I serve. I know what it’s like to worry about rent, healthcare bills, and whether your paycheck will stretch far enough. These are not talking points for me, it’s our real everyday life. My wife is a naturalized citizen. During the election, we watched the rise of division and anti-immigrant rhetoric and had to ask ourselves a hard question: do we leave to protect our family, or stay and fight for the country we believe in? We chose to stay and fight.That decision is why I’m running. Families like ours and like so many across this district feel like Washington stopped listening a long time ago. Politicians protect party insiders and special interests while working people get left behind. They have forgotten what its like to be a Public Servant. I don’t owe corporate PACs or party bosses anything. I don’t take their money. This campaign is powered by bartenders, teachers, truck drivers, nurses, and parents. What separates me is that I don’t want to go to Washington to become a party politician, climb ladders, or get my revenge, I want to go to Washington to be a servant leader who listens, helps solve problems, and actually fights for families like mine so our kids have more opportunity than we did, not less. 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. 1.Back when I was working for Marriott Hotels, I received four “Host of the Month” awards in one year These are more than just employee of the month awards, these come directly from guests of the hotel who feel that you went above and beyond to help them during their stay and or after their stay to ensure that everything was perfect. 2.We built this campaign from scratch alongside everyday people recruiting volunteers, organizing neighborhoods, and bringing communities together around real solutions for working families. What endorsements from any notable North Carolina organizations or people have you received? Progressive Caucus of the Democratic Party, Scott Huffman How long have you lived in the region/district where you are running for office? I am from Salisbury and have been here the majority of my life. I did live in Raleigh for a few years, but we moved back to Salisbury for 6 years now where we are raising our family currently. Tell us something unexpected about yourself that voters may be interested to know. I spent years working in hotels and restaurants, so I know what it means to work long, hard hours with very little to show for it and still show up the next day and do it all over again. But I’ve never done it just for me, I have always had my family guiding me and motivating me. They’re the driving force behind everything I do. They are one of the biggest reasons why I stepped up to run for office, and they’ve shaped this campaign from day one, because my family, and every family in this district, is worth fighting for. < Previous Candidate Next Candidate >

Key details about Ian Patrick < Back to Candidates Ian Patrick Party: Republican Incumbent: Yes Age: 40 Previous experience in elected office: Harrisburg Town Council 2019-2025, appointed to Cabarrus County Commission (December 2025-present) Occupation: Licensed architect Description: Patrick's key issues include intentional development and infrastructure planning, eliminating unnecessary waste to save taxpayer dollars, protection of natural resources and reducing costs and improving planning of schools. He is in favor of “faster approvals on building permits for commercial developments.” On his campaign Facebook page Patrick states, "Based on the budget research I've done so far I keep seeing an emerging pattern. Cabarrus County either leads the pack or is near the top in terms of: tax rate, spending and debt. But I can't find the corresponding services that we provide more than our peer counties. In fact, many of them do more than us, and we already do more than we're required or even should do." Other personal: Patrick was appointed from a field of 16 applicants by the county GOP to fill a vacant seat on the county commission during a closed session in December 2025. He replaced longtime local politican Lynn Shue who passed away in late 2025. Patrick is now running for election to the seat. Prior to that, Patrick served as chair of the Harrisburg Board of Adjustment. He is a licensed architect in North and South Carolina. He has co-owned biloba Architecture (in Charlotte) with his wife, Erin, since 2015. He has two children in the Harrisburg schools.In 2022, he was awarded the Charlotte Business Journal's 40 under 40 award. He earned a B.A. in Architecture (2007) and a Bachelor of Architecture (2009) from UNC Charlotte. 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) . Harrisburg is where I call home with my wife and my two wonderful children. My wife and I have owned an Architecture firm together since 2015. My two degrees are from UNC Charlotte in architecture, including a professional 5-year degree, and I am a registered architect in North and South Carolina. 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 was appointed to the Cabarrus County Board of Commissioners by the Cabarrus County GOP in December 2025 with a unanimous vote by the Board of Commissioners. I was then appointed as Vice Chair of the Board, again with a unanimous vote. Before my current term on the Board, I served as a two-term Town Councilman in Harrisburg. I was also the Chair of the Board of Adjustment, and liaison to Planning and Zoning. My experience in local government, specifically in maintaining fiscal responsibility, has allowed me to take the knowledge I’ve gained in city government to the County as a whole. In my 6 years serving in Harrisburg, we added an entire division to our Sherriff’s department, got a seat at the table by appointing a Captain of the Division, fixed traffic problems, strengthened our fire department, and improved our parks. We brought in tens of millions of dollars in commercial investment all while slowing residential growth approvals by 96% so the infrastructure could catch up. We did all of this and more and still lowered taxes. 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 am Chairman of the Board of CPNI, which is a non-profit group comprised of construction professionals who give their time and their expertise, free of charge, to struggling rural town across North Carolina to help revitalize their economies. These towns and rural areas have had their livelihood ripped away from them by industry moving overseas and their jobs have been cancelled. People are unaware that North Carolina has the most small towns in the entire country – and they’re struggling. I am proud to be leading this group and helping rural North Carolinians across the state. I am a member of the Cabarrus Chamber, NC Economic Development Association, CPN (Construction Professionals Network), SCUP (Society of College and University Planners), and a certified disaster relief inspector for NC SEER – where we work for FEMA after natural disasters to ensure buildings are safe for people to return. I am LEED Certified for Building Design + Construction where I served as the Board Vice-Chair and Membership Committee Chair. I served on the American Institute of Architect’s Legislative Review Committee and am a registered architect in North and South Carolina. I received the Charlotte Business Journal’s prestigious 40 under 40 award in 2022 and a CPN Service Award the same year. What is one thing you would like to accomplish in the first six months if elected? I’ve only been a sitting Commissioner since December 2025 and I’m already making changes to ensure Cabarrus County remains a great place to raise a family and start a business. My focus now is tackling the nearly $14 million dollar budget deficit. A deficit that balloons to $27 million in 2028 and a staggering $66 million by 2031. This is not sustainable. With an almost half a billion-dollar budget, there is no reason whatsoever to be seeing shortfalls even five years out, let alone one. After my work is done in the next few months to pass a budget that actually works, I’ll shift my focus to ensuring the tax burden placed on ordinary hardworking people is as minimal as possible. 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? This question is probably better addressed to local city council members. It is not the farmers and the rural folks in unincorporated areas of the county that are causing the growth that’s straining our schools, roads, and infrastructure. In Harrisburg, I prioritized commercial development that has minimal impact on those services while creating high value and opportunities for existing residents. To the extent that the County can and should shape policy and growth, my expertise as an architect has given me a unique skillset to tackle the issues and opportunities associated with our unprecedented growth. 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? The County doesn’t just play a central role in funding school facilities, but we are required by the Constitution and State statute to do so. That is a difficult ask for the residents. Cabarrus County spends nearly $114 million a year for school operations. These operational expenses are clearly the responsibility of the State government, not the County, as established by General Statute 115C-408. We have almost a half a billion dollars in deferred maintenance, overcrowded schools, and underpaid teachers. If the operational expenses that the County is now paying were lifted from the back of the residents, we could build every school we needed, maintain them properly, and cut our taxes in half. I welcome you to join me in lobbying the legislature to abide by the Statutes they put in place. 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? A strong workforce depends on strong people, not the County government. The people of Cabarrus County are full of grit and fortitude. They ask for and deserve quality education out of the government, but they don’t ask us to run their life for them – and they shouldn’t. That’s not our job. Our job as a County is to provide a basic, predictable environment for residents and businesses. If that most basic duty is met, the private sector will thrive and the residents will benefit. It’s as simple as that. To the extent the County does support a strong workforce, it is with our support of the Community College system that trains the workforce for good, high-paying jobs in advanced manufacturing, health sciences, and trade programs. This allows us to be attractive to business that provide opportunities for residents to advance in their careers and ultimately support their families. 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? I don’t believe Cabarrus County has that problem. We’re experiencing unprecedented economic growth and prosperity. Our only issue seems to be that we don’t know what to do with it. We’re operating under outdated policies that don’t take full advantage of the opportunities the private sector has to offer. We’re giving away without objection tax revenue for no reason whatsoever. We’re acting as if Cabarrus County isn’t an incredibly attractive market for private investment and opportunity for the people to grow their wealth. We’re in the top 5 counties in the state and we’re acting as if we need help. No, we need to unleash the business community to do what they do best – grow – which in turn provides the best opportunities for the people. 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 don’t understand the framing of the question. It seems to me you’re just better off to get out of the way and let businesses generate the prosperity, wealth, and opportunity that they are built for. Government doesn’t have these skills – and they shouldn’t. Government’s responsibility is to make sure people aren’t being taken advantage of, that their tax dollars are spent wisely, and that the business community can make reasonable predictions in the market. If I had one area we could do better at, it would be faster approvals on building permits for commercial developments. Cabarrus County is an incredible place to have a business – we should simply get out of the way. < Previous Candidate Next Candidate >

Key details about Lakesha Womack < Back to Candidates Lakesha Womack Party: Democrat Incumbent: No Age: 47 Previous experience in elected office: None Occupation: Chief Strategy Office, Aspire Community Capital Description: Womack's key priorities are to make quality healthcare affordable and accessible (including a safety net for seniors), to enable economic mobility (supporting childcare, workforce development and capital for small business owners), and to support robust public school funding and affordable higher education. She also advocates for large corporations to pay a fairer share of taxes and to place limits on corporations buying up affordable housing. Womack is endorsed by the Black Political Caucus of Charlotte-Mecklenburg. Other personal: Womack grew up in Alabama. She describes herself as " a consultant, minister, and Chief Strategy Officer of an emerging CDFI (community development financial institution). Womack has a 20-year-old son and said she was motivated to run for office out of concern for his future. She has bachelor's and master's degrees from Vanderbilt University. Candidate Website Video from Gaston Business Association's Candidate Forum The Election Hub Questionnaire Please provide demographic information about yourself to help voters (age, education, current occupation, where you live). I am 47 years old. I earned a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Vanderbilt University and am currently enrolled at Vanderbilt Law School, where I am pursuing a Master’s in Legal Studies. I currently live in Charlotte, North Carolina. 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. 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 Congress because our communities deserve leadership that is grounded in integrity, accountability, and a deep understanding of the challenges working people face every day. Too many decisions in Washington are driven by corporate interests and political convenience rather than the lived realities of families struggling with rising health care costs, stagnant wages, underfunded schools, and threats to our democracy. I am running to change that and to ensure government works for people, not powerful insiders. Voters should choose me because I bring real-world experience, not career politics. I have spent my career working alongside small business owners, workers, faith communities, and nonprofit leaders to solve problems and expand opportunity. I am not beholden to corporate PACs or dark money, and I am willing to challenge systems that no longer serve our communities. My leadership will be guided by listening to constituents, building coalitions, and delivering practical, people-centered solutions to issues such as affordable health care, economic mobility, equitable education, and protecting the right to vote. I have not previously held elected office. However, I bring extensive experience working in and around the political process, including campaign strategy, voter engagement, and civic education at the local, state, and national levels. I have supported and advised candidates, participated in canvassing and voter outreach, and helped lead community-based civic engagement efforts. This experience has given me a strong understanding of how policy is shaped, how campaigns are run, and how to remain accountable to the people I represent. 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. Two professional accomplishments that best reflect my leadership style are rooted in listening, collaboration, and results-driven innovation. First, I served for eight years as an elected leader in a national young adult ministry, including four years as committee chair. In that role, I worked with a diverse group of leaders from across the country and learned the importance of listening deeply to the needs of young adults rather than imposing top-down solutions. Together, we built vibrant, inclusive ministry opportunities that reflected the lived experiences, cultural diversity, and aspirations of the communities we served. This experience shaped my collaborative leadership style and reinforced the value of shared decision-making. Second, in my current work with ASPIRE Community Capital, I have helped reimagine how we support small businesses by moving beyond “business as usual.” Instead of one-size-fits-all approaches, I work with entrepreneurs to understand their real challenges and design loan products and support programs tailored to their needs. This work reflects my commitment to practical problem-solving, equity, and building systems that respond to people, not institutions. What endorsements from any notable North Carolina organizations or people have you received? [Candidate did not respond] How long have you lived in the region/district where you are running for office? 9 years Tell us something unexpected about yourself that voters may be interested to know. One thing voters may find unexpected is that my passion for policy started early. In high school, I participated in the Alabama Youth Legislature, which is where I first fell in love with the policymaking process. In my senior yearbook, I wrote that I wanted to become a United States Senator, long before I ever imagined running for office. I’ve always been a bit of a political nerd, and that early curiosity has grown into a lifelong commitment to understanding how policy works and how it can be used to improve people’s lives. Questionnaire from the Gaston Business Association Please provide a short introduction (50 words or less) highlighting your background and achievements. LaKesha Womack is a Charlotte-based strategist, nonprofit executive, and small-business advocate with 20 years of experience strengthening communities. A recipient of the Southeast Woman in Fintech Champion Award, she advances economic justice for working families, helps entrepreneurs access capital, and brings people-centered, results-driven leadership to North Carolina’s 14th District. What motivated you to seek this office, and what specific skills, experiences, or perspectives uniquely prepare you to serve effectively in this role? I’m running for Congress because too many working families are doing everything right and still falling behind. Through my work in economic development, faith leadership, and community finance, I’ve seen how federal policies shape real lives and how often those policies overlook people in the middle. I believe the government should be practical, accountable, and centered on dignity, opportunity, and fairness. I bring a rare combination of strategic leadership, economic justice experience, and community engagement. I’ve helped small businesses access capital, guided nonprofits and boards through growth and crisis, and worked across sectors to turn ideas into results. That hands-on perspective, paired with policy fluency and deep community listening, prepares me to legislate with clarity, collaboration, and impact for North Carolina’s 14th District. 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? Gaston County’s economic competitiveness is challenged by limited access to capital for small businesses, workforce skill gaps, infrastructure and broadband needs, and rising costs for working families. These issues constrain business growth, hiring, and local consumer demand. If elected, I would expand federal support for CDFIs and community lenders, strengthen workforce training and apprenticeship partnerships, invest in broadband and transportation infrastructure, and support policies that lower childcare and healthcare costs. My focus is on building a strong local economy where small businesses can grow, workers earn family-sustaining wages, and economic opportunity is broadly shared across Gaston County. 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? The most pressing issue within the scope of the U.S. House is restoring ecaonomic stability and trust for working families by making federal policy work in real, practical ways. Congress has direct authority over taxation, spending, labor standards, and oversight, yet too many families feel squeezed by rising costs while wages lag behind. I would address this by advancing policies that lower the cost of living, health care, housing, and childcare, particularly, while supporting fair wages and responsible tax policy that rewards work and ensures corporations pay their fair share. Equally important, I would use the House’s oversight role to demand transparency and accountability in how federal programs are implemented, ensuring resources actually reach communities like North Carolina’s 14th District and produce measurable results. Effective leadership requires collaboration across sectors. How would you work with local businesses, municipal leaders, and community organizations to advance shared goals? Effective leadership starts with listening and building sustainable partnerships. I would maintain regular, structured engagement with local businesses, municipal leaders, and community organizations through roundtables, site visits, and issue-focused working groups to ensure federal priorities align with local realities. I would use my role to convene stakeholders across sectors, help communities navigate federal resources, and advocate for policies shaped by those closest to the challenges. By sharing data and focusing on outcomes, not politics, I would work collaboratively to advance shared goals across North Carolina's diverse 14th District for economic growth, workforce development, infrastructure, and quality of life. < Previous Candidate Next Candidate >

At-Large District 1 District 2 District 3 District 4 District 5 District 6 District 7 Charlotte City Council District 3 District 3 includes much of western Charlotte including the airport and Steele Creek. Forty-seven percent of registered voters are Democrats, 37% are unaffiliated, and 14% are Republican . Newcomer Joi Mayo defeated embattled incumbent Tiawana Brown and former council member Warren Turner in the primary. She faces two new competitors in the general election: independent candidate Robin Emmons and Republican James Bowers. Only voters in a given district can vote for their district representative. Each member of the Charlotte City Council serves a two year term. Key issues for the council now include public safety, following the August murder of a Ukrainian woman on a light rail train; affordable housing; and land use decisions related to the city’s growth. The city also runs departments including the airport, police and fire, transportation, garbage/recycling, water, planning, neighborhood services and others. The city oversees the Charlotte Area Transit System. If the transit tax referendum passes, a new regional transit authority will be in charge of the transit system, and the City Council’s role will be limited to appointing people to a portion of the new authority. City Council District 3 Candidates

Key details about Habekah Cannon < Back to Candidates Habekah Cannon Party: Democrat Incumbent: No Age: 33 Previous experience in elected office: None Occupation: Attorney; former assistant public defender in Mecklenburg County Description: Cannon’s top issues focus on fairness, impartiality, access to justice, efficiency in court proceedings and strengthening community trust in the legal system. On her campaign website, she states that her judicial philosophy is guided by fairness, integrity and respect for every person who enters the courtroom, emphasizing that barriers to justice should be removed so all individuals can navigate the legal system with dignity. Cannon was asked to leave her job at the public defender's office after a series of arrests following protests against police brutality in 2020. She then launched an "abolitionist" law firm . She is endorsed by the Black Political Caucus of Charlotte-Mecklenburg, the Charlotte Muslim Caucus and the Charlotte-Metrolina Labor and Council. She has an “excellent” rating from the LGBTQ+ Democrats of Mecklenburg County. Other personal: Cannon is a native of Goldsboro. She has a background in missionary work in South Africa. Cannon earned a Criminal Justice degree from Hampton University and a JD from North Carolina Central 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). 33, Hampton University-Undergrad, North Carolina Central University School of Law, Managing Attorney of the Law Office Habekah B. Cannon, PLLC 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 bring fairness and impartiality to every decision, dignity and respect to every person who enters the courtroom, and integrity and consistency to the application of the law. 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 tried complex and contested cases and represented clients with successful outcomes. I have provided pro bono legal services throughout North Carolina, including Know Your Rights presentations, will clinics, and expungement services, in partnership with the North Carolina National Conference of Black Lawyers. Through this work, I have remained committed to expanding access to justice and serving communities in need. What endorsements from any notable North Carolina organizations or people have you received? Black Political Caucus Charlotte Muslim Caucus Charlotte-Metrolina Labor and Council, and An excellent rating from the LGBTQ+ Democrats of Mecklenburg County. How long have you lived in the region/district where you are running for office? 9 years Tell us something unexpected about yourself that voters may be interested to know. Service is my passion. I served as a child missionary with my parents in South Africa for eight years, where my commitment to helping others first began. That early experience shaped my dedication to service and continues to guide my work in the law and in the community. Questionnaire from Path to Permanency (a nonprofit supporting children in foster care) What is the extent of your professional and/or personal experience handling child welfare cases? During law school, I served as a Guardian ad Litem and have since represented parents in abuse and neglect court. 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? As a district court judge, I will actively manage foster care cases to prevent unnecessary delays and keep children on a path to timely permanency. I will enforce statutory timelines, limit continuances to good cause, and ensure that every hearing moves the case forward. Having served as a Guardian ad Litem during law school and represented parents in abuse and neglect court, I understand how delays harm children and families. I will focus early on identifying barriers to reunification or permanency, require clear and realistic case plans, and ensure timely entry of orders so progress is not stalled. My priority will always be protecting due process while keeping the child’s sense of time at the center of every decision. 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 ASFA timelines and the court’s role in ensuring foster care cases move toward timely, safe permanency. As a district court judge, I would actively manage these cases, limit continuances to good cause, and hold the court, attorneys, and child welfare agencies accountable through clear expectations and timely orders. 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? I view the district court judge as the central point of accountability in ensuring timely permanency for children in foster care. The judge sets expectations, enforces statutory timelines, and ensures that every hearing moves the case toward a safe and permanent outcome. In Mecklenburg County, that means actively managing cases, limiting unnecessary continuances, requiring clear and realistic case plans, and ensuring timely entry of orders so progress is not stalled. < Previous Candidate Next Candidate >

Key details about Alexis Hughes < Back to Candidates Alexis Hughes Party: Republican Incumbent: No Age: 36 Previous experience in elected office: None Occupation: Realtor Description: According to her campaign page, Hughes' main issues are: "defending constitutional, limited government”; being a steward of taxpayer dollars; promoting smart growth; prioritizing funding, staffing, and resources for law enforcement, fire, EMS, and dispatch; and transparency with voters. Additionally, her campaign includes the following "core conservative beliefs ": that parents should have the ultimate say in raising their children; that education should focus on learning and preparation for life, not political agendas; that the Constitution exists to protect citizens from unchecked power; that politics should serve citizens, not enrich politicians; that we should strive to "be the village, not the handout;" that sexually explicit books do not belong in schools; that drag shows and sexually suggestive performances are not for children; and that female spaces must be protected for biological females. She also serves on the planning and zoning board of Midland, N.C. Other personal: Hughes is a realtor at eXp Realty. According to the candidate, she was awarded for being in the top 1.5% of realtors nationwide and top 3% in the Charlotte area. She was previously a 911 operator in Union and Cumberland counties and completed coursework toward an associate's degree in Business Administration at Central Piedmont Community College. She is married and has three children. 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’m a Christian, wife and mom of three who has lived in Midland since 2011. I started my career as a 911 dispatcher, and later transitioned into real estate, where I now run a small local team and help lead a larger organization in 8 states and 2 countries. I’ve also currently serve on the Midland Planning & Zoning Board. My background gives me real world experience balancing budgets, public safety, and responsible growth. 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 because county decisions directly affect families’ taxes, schools, safety, and quality of life, and I believe those decisions should be thoughtful, transparent, and fiscally responsible. I bring experience as a small business owner and in appointed public service roles where I’ve had to weigh property rights, long-term planning, and budget realities. My focus is simple: evaluate decisions based on facts and make choices that protect taxpayers while maintaining essential services. 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. One of my most significant professional accomplishments has been building and leading successful teams while maintaining accountability, transparency, and ethical standards. I began my real estate career as an individual agent and grew that into a high-performing local team serving Cabarrus County and the surrounding region. At the same time, I helped lead and support a larger multi-state organization of agents across eight states and two countries. That growth required managing budgets, forecasting revenue, controlling expenses, and making difficult decisions when conditions changed. Those are the same practical skills required when overseeing taxpayer dollars and long-term county planning. Another key accomplishment has been my work as a certified mentor and advisor, a role I’ve held for more than seven years. In that capacity, I’ve trained and supported agents nationwide on regulatory compliance, financial risk, contract law, and ethical decision-making. This work required translating complex rules and financial concepts into clear, practical guidance while holding people accountable to professional standards. It strengthened my ability to evaluate information carefully, ask the right questions, and make decisions based on facts rather than pressure or emotion. I have also gained meaningful leadership experience through my involvement in land use, planning, and governance-adjacent roles. Serving on the Midland Planning & Zoning Commission and Board of Adjustment required balancing property rights, community impact, ordinances, and long-term planning considerations. These roles often involved making tough decisions that were not always popular, but were grounded in fairness, data, and the rule of law. That experience reinforced the importance of consistency, transparency, and restraint in government decision-making. Finally, as a small business owner, I am directly accountable for payroll, operating expenses, compliance, and long-term sustainability. When costs rise, there is no safety net, decisions must be made carefully and responsibly. That firsthand experience shapes how I view government spending. I understand that every dollar spent by the county comes from families and businesses who are balancing their own budgets, and that reality should guide every public decision. Together, these experiences define my leadership style: measured, data driven, and people focused, with a strong emphasis on accountability and long term thinking. I don’t approach leadership from a political theory standpoint, but from real world experience making decisions where the consequences are immediate and felt by others. What is one thing you would like to accomplish in the first six months if elected? In the first six months, my priority would be improving transparency and communication so residents understand what decisions are being made and why. That includes asking clearer questions, reviewing spending carefully, and making sure public input happens before decisions are finalized. When people understand the process, better decisions follow. 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? Balanced growth starts with making sure growth pays for itself so existing residents aren’t burdened with higher taxes. I would focus county investments on core needs like infrastructure, public safety, and maintenance, while closely reviewing discretionary spending. Growth should happen where it makes sense, with clear rules, respect for property rights, and accountability when public dollars are involved. 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? The county has a legal responsibility to fund school facilities, and that responsibility should be taken seriously and carefully. I believe in planning ahead, coordinating growth with capacity, and ensuring county funds are used as intended. Supporting education and protecting taxpayers are not opposing goals; both require transparency, oversight, and cooperation between the county and school board. 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? The county’s role is to support conditions that allow families to work and thrive, not to overextend itself. That means aligning education and job training with local needs, reducing unnecessary barriers, supporting infrastructure and public safety, and being mindful that rising taxes make it harder for families to afford child care, housing, and transportation. Fiscal responsibility is a workforce issue. 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? Economic growth helps keep taxes lower and funds essential services, but it should be managed responsibly. I would focus on strong infrastructure, public safety, predictable rules, and supporting existing local businesses. Incentives should be used cautiously, transparently, and only when there is clear benefit to taxpayers. Growth should strengthen the county without shifting costs onto residents. 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? County decisions affect businesses through taxes, fees, infrastructure, and predictability. I would evaluate policies by asking whether they increase costs unnecessarily or create uncertainty. Supporting business doesn’t require more government; it requires disciplined spending, clear rules, reliable infrastructure, and listening to the people creating jobs in our community. < Previous Candidate Next Candidate >

District 1 District 2 District 3 District 6 Stallings Mayor Town of Stallings Council District 6 Stallings, NC is primarily in Union County. Only two precincts, 136 and 221, are located within Stallings town limits. According to the Mecklenburg County Board of Elections office, 243 registered voters in Mecklenburg County will be eligible to vote for the candidates below whose jurisdiction stretches to small slivers of Mecklenburg County. Most of the Stallings Town Council Districts are four-year terms, except for District 1 which is a two-year term. The population of Stallings is 16,000 and the median household income is $106,000. Council District 6 Candidate

District 1 District 2 District 3 District 6 Stallings Mayor Town of Stallings Mayor Stallings, NC is primarily in Union County. Only two precincts, 136 and 221, are located within Stallings town limits. According to the Mecklenburg County Board of Elections office, 243 registered voters in Mecklenburg County will be eligible to vote for the candidates below whose jurisdiction stretches to small slivers of Mecklenburg County. Most of the Stallings Town Council Districts are four-year terms, except for District 1 which is a two-year term. The population of Stallings is 16,000 and the median household income is $106,000. Stallings Mayoral Candidate