{"campaigns":[{"candidatename":"Robert Kirk","chatgptsummary":null,"notes":null,"party":"REP","person":{"biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\nJames Robert Kirk is a Republican candidate for the Cabarrus County Schools Board of Education at-large seat in the 2026 general election. He is running under the campaign name \"Robert Kirk\" with the slogan \"Kirk for Cabarrus Kids.\" His campaign contact address is in Concord, North Carolina.\n\nKirk's campaign identifies county growth as placing pressure on school facilities, teachers, and staff. He emphasizes ensuring that every student in Cabarrus County has a quality education that prepares them for future opportunities.\n\n## Career\nKirk has experience spanning military service, private sector leadership, classroom teaching, and district-wide educational leadership. He has previously served on the Cabarrus County Board of Education and has been involved in public service and nonprofit work.\n\n## Sources\n- [1] [Robert Kirk for Cabarrus County Schools Board of Education \u2013 kirkforcabarruskids.com](http://www.kirkforcabarruskids.com/home)\n","firstname":"James","lastname":"Kirk","middlename":"Robert","suffix":null,"token":"b9ce270ba5db39fb"},"token":"BDQTJmmgXYHHxAeV"},{"candidatename":"Pam Escobar","chatgptsummary":null,"notes":null,"party":"DEM","person":{"biography":"Pamela \"Pam\" Cunningham Escobar is an at\u2011large member of the Cabarrus County Schools Board of Education in North Carolina, a position she has held since being elected in the November 2022 general election and whose current term runs through 2026. The board\u2019s duties include setting district policy, approving the annual budget, hiring and evaluating the superintendent, and overseeing the educational programs that serve the county\u2019s K\u201112 students [1][11].\n\nEscobar ran as a nonpartisan candidate in 2022 and is listed as a Democrat for the 2026 race, where she appears on the ballot for an at\u2011large seat in the November 3, 2026 general election. The Democratic primary for this race was canceled, allowing her to advance automatically to the general ballot [1].\n\nBefore her election, Escobar\u2019s public profile highlighted her role as a parent and her commitment to listening to students, families, and community members. Her campaign messaging emphasizes \"Education \u2013 Listening \u2013 Communication,\" stating that she puts children\u2019s education first and will continue to solicit and act on constituent concerns [1].\n\nDuring her tenure, Escobar has been an active participant in board deliberations. In April 2024, she publicly opposed a proposal to introduce a prayer invocation at board meetings, arguing that such practices could alienate diverse community members and divert attention from pressing educational issues. She articulated that the board\u2019s focus should remain on teaching and empowering students rather than religious activities, and warned that mandated prayer could expose the district to legal challenges [11]. The board ultimately voted 5\u20112 to develop a written prayer policy for public comment, reflecting the contentious nature of the issue.\n\nEscobar can be contacted via the campaign email vote4pamescobar@gmail.com, which is listed on her Ballotpedia profile as the primary outreach address for voters seeking more information or wishing to support her candidacy [1]. No phone number or dedicated campaign website URL was identified in the available sources.\n\n## Sources\n- [1] [Pam Escobar - Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Pam_Escobar)\n- [2] [Pam Escobar (Cabarrus County Schools school board At-large, North Carolina, candidate 2022) - Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Pam_Escobar_(Cabarrus_County_Schools_school_board_At-large,_North_Carolina,_candidate_2022))\n- [4] [Pamela Escobar (@ReporterPam) / X](https://x.com/reporterpam)\n- [5] [Pamela Escobar on LinkedIn: I decided to apply for a part-time gig--Cabarrus County School Board\u2026](https://www.linkedin.com/posts/reporterpam_pam-escobar-4-cabarrus-county-school-board-activity-6878885703107846144-MZHn)\n- [7] [Pamela Escobar (@ReporterPam)](https://www.facebook.com/ReporterPam/)\n- [8] [Vote 4 Pam Escobar, Cabarrus County School Board Candidate | Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/vote4pamescobar/)\n- [11] [North Carolina county school board clashes over prayer proposal | Fox News](https://www.foxnews.com/media/school-board-member-asks-how-much-god-do-you-need-meeting-erupts-over-prayer-policy)","firstname":"Pamela","lastname":"Escobar","middlename":"Cunningham","suffix":null,"token":"1978dcb0ab76334c"},"token":"kqFrLhtGjgrkoNnL"},{"candidatename":"William L. Barbee","chatgptsummary":null,"notes":null,"party":"REP","person":{"biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\n\nWilliam L. Barbee is a Republican candidate running for an at-large seat on the Cabarrus County Schools Board of Education in North Carolina [2]. He is seeking one of three available seats in the 2026 election cycle [3]. As of May 2026, Barbee has not held previous elected office and works as a realtor [3].\n\nBarbee describes himself as a small business owner and grandfather to four Cabarrus County Schools (CCS) students [4]. He holds a degree in Business Administration along with project management credentials [4]. His campaign platform focuses on supporting teachers and staff, promoting strong core academics, and ensuring schools remain safe, orderly, and respectful [3].\n\nIn the Republican primary for the Cabarrus County Schools Board of Education, Barbee is one of five Republicans competing for the three open seats [4]. He advanced in the primary alongside other candidates, including Dr. Robert Kirk and Hartsell [5]. The general election is scheduled for November 3, 2026 [3].\n\n## Background and education\n\nWilliam L. Barbee is a 76-year-old candidate for the Cabarrus County Schools Board of Education [3]. He identifies as a Republican and works as a realtor [2][3]. Barbee self-describes as a local small business owner and a grandfather of four students within the Cabarrus County Schools system [4].\n\nBarbee holds a degree in Business Administration, along with project management credentials [4]. He states that his top issues include supporting teachers and staff, promoting strong core academics, and enabling safe, orderly, and respectful schools [3][4].\n\n## Career\n\nWilliam Barbee holds a degree in Business Administration and has professional experience in project management [4]. He is a licensed real estate agent operating in Concord, North Carolina, where he runs his business, Realtor Bill Barbee NC, which focuses on connecting buyers and sellers in the state's real estate market [6][7]. Additionally, Barbee previously held an unlimited license as a general building contractor in Wilson, North Carolina, though that license has since expired [8].\n\nBarbee is a small business owner who states that his professional background positions him to focus on student readiness, teacher support, and fiscal accountability [9]. He is also a grandfather of four students enrolled in Cabarrus County Schools [4].\n\n## Office history\n\nWilliam Barbee has no prior history of holding elected or appointed office [3]. He is a candidate for the Cabarrus County Schools Board of Education, At-Large Seats in the 2026 election cycle [2][4]. As of May 2026, he is running in the Republican primary for this position and has not yet won an elected office [3].\n\n## Legislative record and accomplishments\n\nWilliam Barbee has not held prior elected office, and his legislative record is therefore limited to his current campaign for the Cabarrus County Schools Board of Education [1][3]. As a candidate rather than an incumbent legislator, he has not sponsored bills or served on committee assignments within a governing body. His policy positions are defined by his campaign platform, which emphasizes supporting teachers and staff, promoting strong core academics, and enabling \"safe, orderly, and respectful\" schools [3][4]. Barbee self-describes his top issues as ensuring students receive a high-quality education in a safe, supportive learning environment [4].\n\n## Business interests and wealth source\n\nWilliam Barbee is a self-described small business owner and real estate professional who holds a degree in Business Administration [4]. He operates under the brand Realtor Bill Barbee NC, describing his mission as helping buyers, sellers, and investors navigate the North Carolina real estate market [6]. His professional profile lists him as a licensed real estate agent based in Concord, North Carolina [7].\n\nBarbee\u2019s business background includes prior experience as a licensed general building contractor. Records indicate he held an unlimited license for general building in Wilson, North Carolina, though that specific license status is listed as expired [8]. He also holds project management credentials, which he cites as part of his professional qualifications [4].\n\nRegarding family wealth and historical business interests, sources reference \"Barbee Farms\" in Cabarrus County, but do not explicitly identify William L. Barbee as the current owner or operator of that specific entity [10]. Other records link the Barbee name to various other business ventures, including a firm associated with valuation services in Charlotte and a contractor license in Wilson under the name William C. Barbee, Jr., but these are not directly confirmed as his current primary sources of wealth [8][11].\n\nFinancial disclosure documents for the 2026 election are available through voter guide profiles, though specific asset values or detailed income breakdowns are not provided in the available source text [2]. Barbee has stated that his business experience positions him to focus on fiscal accountability and student readiness [9].\n\n## Family\n\nWilliam Barbee is a grandfather of four students enrolled in Cabarrus County Schools [4]. He holds a degree in Business Administration and has experience in project management [4].\n\n## Sources\n[1] [William Barbee - Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/William_Barbee)\n[2] [William L. Barbee - iVoterGuide](https://ivoterguide.com/candidate/89942/race/24776/election/1371)\n[3] [William L. Barbee | The Election Hub](https://www.theelectionhub.org/mecklenburg-county/william-l.-barbee/2026-primary/cabarrus)\n[4] [The Cabarrus Compass | William Barbee is one of five Republicans ...](https://www.instagram.com/p/DUTJw5EjVWp/)\n[5] [Cabarrus County Board of Education election story is updated with ...](https://www.facebook.com/61578162131770/posts/cabarrus-county-board-of-education-election-story-is-updated-with-comments-from-/122163722636938737/)\n[6] [About Us - realtorbillbarbeenc.com - Bill Barbee Real Estate](https://realtorbillbarbeenc.com/about-us)\n[7] [Bill Barbee - Real Estate Agent in Concord, NC - Reviews - Zillow](https://www.zillow.com/profile/wbarbee9)\n[8] [William C. Barbee, Jr. - Find Licensed Contractors in North Carolina](https://nccontractorcheck.com/wilson/building/william-c-barbee-jr-wilson-nc/)\n[9] [Get to know Cabarrus County Board of Education Republican ...](https://cabarruscompass.com/p/get-to-know-cabarrus-county-board-76e)\n[10] [Barbee Farms | Explore Cabarrus](https://www.explorecabarrus.com/businesses/barbee-farms/)\n[11] [William A. (Andy) Barbee - Charlotte](https://greerwalker.com/team-member/william-a-andy-barbee/)","firstname":"William","lastname":"Barbee","middlename":"Lee","suffix":null,"token":"f65c3835380a2045"},"token":"8yhlXT8BJbvmLZd6"},{"candidatename":"Bubba Hartsell","chatgptsummary":null,"notes":null,"party":"REP","person":{"biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\nPatrick \"Bubba\" Lynn Hartsell won one of three Republican nominations for the Cabarrus County Schools Board of Education in the March 3, 2026 primary, finishing third among five candidates with 19.10% of the vote (Robert Kirk led with 25.44%, William L. Barbee was second with 19.14%). Hartsell advances to the November 3, 2026 general election [1].\n\n## Background\nAccording to the North Carolina voter file, Hartsell is a registered voter in Cabarrus County, North Carolina, registered since 2018 (8 years), with party affiliation listed as Republican [2].\n\nThe voter file shows Hartsell's year of birth as 1985; NC publishes only the year of birth in its bulk voter export, so day and month are not part of the public record [2].\n\nThe voter history file shows 13 elections voted in since 2016, most recently the 2026-03-03 primary election [3].\n\n## Sources\n[1] [North Carolina State Board of Elections \u2014 March 3, 2026 primary official precinct-level results](https://s3.amazonaws.com/dl.ncsbe.gov/ENRS/2026_03_03/results_pct_20260303.zip)\n[2] [North Carolina State Board of Elections \u2014 Voter Search](https://vt.ncsbe.gov/RegLkup/)\n[3] North Carolina State Board of Elections voter history file (`ncvhis_Statewide`), published at [dl.ncsbe.gov](https://dl.ncsbe.gov/)","firstname":"Patrick","lastname":"Hartsell","middlename":"Lynn","suffix":null,"token":"18e26ef807d45e58"},"token":"-w1X9_-RiTPXyLXK"},{"candidatename":"Courtney Steinberg","chatgptsummary":null,"notes":null,"party":"DEM","person":{"biography":"According to the North Carolina voter file, Courtney Suzanne Steinberg is a registered voter in Cabarrus County, North Carolina, registered since 2018 (8 years), with party affiliation listed as Democratic [1].\n\nThe voter file shows Courtney Suzanne Steinberg's year of birth as 1979; NC publishes only the year of birth in its bulk voter export, so day and month are not part of the public record [1].\n\nThe voter history file shows 13 elections voted in since 2018, most recently the 2026-03-03 primary election [2].\n\nThis summary draws only from the public North Carolina voter registration and history records. No additional published biographical information was located. Voters with personal knowledge of Courtney Suzanne Steinberg can reach ballotproject.org with corrections or additions.\n\n## Sources\n[1] [North Carolina State Board of Elections \u2014 Voter Search](https://vt.ncsbe.gov/RegLkup/)\n\n[2] North Carolina State Board of Elections voter history file (`ncvhis_Statewide`), published at [dl.ncsbe.gov](https://dl.ncsbe.gov/)","firstname":"Courtney","lastname":"Steinberg","middlename":"Suzanne","suffix":null,"token":"d285eb6e9dded0f6"},"token":"iRxEAXnYdW4Re9Va"},{"candidatename":"Mishell Williams","chatgptsummary":null,"notes":null,"party":"DEM","person":{"biography":"Mishell Nicole Williams is the Democratic candidate for an at\u2011large seat on the Cabarrus County Schools Board of Education in North Carolina. The race appears on the general ballot on November 3, 2026, after the Democratic primary was cancelled and she advanced alongside three other Democrats [1].\n\nWilliams is a wife and mother of three boys. She earned a Bachelor\u2019s degree in Education and a Master\u2019s degree in Literacy (also described as a Master\u2019s in Curriculum and Instruction with a focus on literacy) [1][8].\n\nHer professional background spans nine years teaching in Title\u202fI schools, first in Cleveland, Ohio, and later in Charlotte\u2019s Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools district. She maintains an active teaching license and continues to teach part\u2011time for Cabarrus County Schools while running for the board [1][7].\n\nBeyond the classroom, Williams has been deeply involved in local school communities. She has served as vice\u2011president of two Parent\u2011Teacher Organizations (PTOs) for the past two years and was slated to become president before focusing on her candidacy. She also volunteers as a tutor using the Orton\u2011Gillingham method and sits on the Cabarrus County Schools Parent Advisory Board, regularly visiting schools to identify and fill gaps for students and families [1][8].\n\nWilliams\u2019 campaign emphasizes three core priorities: teacher and staff retention, growth to meet the district\u2019s expanding population, and safety for students and staff. She pledges to advocate for policies that keep highly qualified educators in the district, ensure that every teacher and student have the tools needed for success, and maintain both physical and emotional safety in schools. Her platform also stresses a \u201cwhole\u2011child\u201d approach, seeking equitable, supportive, and inspiring education for every student regardless of background [7].\n\nAs of the latest information, Williams has not received formal endorsements from Democratic or progressive organizations, though the Cabarrus County Democratic Party has expressed support for her candidacy [9].\n\nWilliams can be contacted via the email address listed on her Ballotpedia profile, mishellwilliams2@gmail.com, for further information or constituent outreach [1].\n\n## Sources\n- [1] [Mishell Williams - Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Mishell_Williams)\n- [7] [Mishell Williams for Cabarrus County School Board](https://www.votemishell.com/)\n- [8] [About Mishell Williams](https://www.votemishell.com/about)\n- [9] [Endorsements for Mishell Williams - North Carolina Democratic Party Candidate](https://bluevoterguide.org/NC/candidate_Mishell_Williams/530217)\n- [10] [Candidate Profiles \u2013 NC Voter Guide](https://ncvoterguide.org/profiles/)","firstname":"Mishell","lastname":"Williams","middlename":"Nicole","suffix":null,"token":"75e798ed6cda6fce"},"token":"OeVo0AYAkOqNAnSV"}],"choices":null,"description":null,"district":null,"districtgroup":null,"districtgroupname":null,"districtname":null,"job_type":"school_board","o.office":"county_school_board","office":"county_school_board","officedescription":"A school board member serves on the elected body that governs a public school district. The board sets district policy and budget priorities and hires and evaluates the superintendent, while leaving day-to-day management to the administration.","officequalities":"- Policy judgment for a public school district \u2014 setting direction while leaving day-to-day management to the superintendent.\n- Budget literacy for operating and capital budgets, in coordination with the county commission (which appropriates) and the state.\n- Ability to hire, evaluate, and when necessary replace the superintendent \u2014 the board's highest-stakes recurring decision.\n- Constituent relations with parents, teachers, principals, and community members.\n- Willingness to complete the state-required annual training through the Tennessee School Boards Association.","officeterm":4,"officetitle":"County School Board Member","partisan":1,"pgr":"general","quantity":3,"referendum":null,"source":null,"title":"Cabarrus County Schools Board Of Education"}