{"campaigns":[{"candidatename":"Chris Sutton","chatgptsummary":null,"notes":null,"party":"REP","person":{"biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\nChristopher Allen Sutton, known publicly as Chris Sutton, is a candidate for the New Hanover County Board of Education, seeking one of four at-large seats in 2026. He advanced in the Republican primary on March 3, 2026, receiving 7,069 votes (19.18 percent). He previously ran for the same board in the 2022 primary but did not advance. He lives in Wilmington, North Carolina.\n\nSutton's platform centers on transparency, accountability, and fiscal responsibility. He supports updating public records policies, advocates for elected board oversight of curriculum, and opposes diverting traditional public school funding to voucher programs.\n\n## Career\nSutton works as a maintenance technician. He has been actively engaged with New Hanover County Schools for more than seven years, attending board meetings and serving on the NHCS Family Advisory Council. He successfully advocated for the installation of LifeVac airway clearance devices in schools, and has served as a parent and victim advocate in cases involving Title IX violations and assault within the district.\n\nHe serves on the NHCS Family Advisory Council and his son's elementary school PTA.\n\n## Family\nSutton is a parent; his son attends an elementary school in New Hanover County.\n\n## Sources\n- [1] [Primary 2026: New Hanover County Board of Education primary candidate Chris Sutton \u2013 WHQR](https://www.whqr.org/2026-01-30/primary-2026-new-hanover-county-board-of-education-primary-candidate-chris-sutton)\n- [2] [Chris Sutton for School Board \u2013 suttonforschoolboard.com](https://suttonforschoolboard.com/)\n- [3] [Four candidates named unofficial winners in New Hanover Co. Republican school board primary \u2013 WECT](https://www.wect.com/2026/03/03/three-incumbents-two-challengers-square-off-new-hanover-co-board-education-republican-primary/)\n","firstname":"Christopher","lastname":"Sutton","middlename":"Allen","suffix":null,"token":"a64d7d426f6d6438"},"token":"tpoz2O3MzqloEM_K"},{"candidatename":"Josie Barnhart","chatgptsummary":null,"notes":null,"party":"REP","person":{"biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\nJosephine Arissa Barnhart, known as Josie Barnhart, is an incumbent Republican member of the New Hanover County Board of Education seeking re-election in 2026 [1]. She advanced from the March 3, 2026 Republican primary, placing second among five candidates with 20.66% of the vote, and is on the ballot for the November 3, 2026 general election alongside fellow Republicans Pat Bradford, Amy Dunning, and Chris Sutton [1][2].\n\n## Background\nAccording to the North Carolina voter file, Barnhart is a registered Republican in New Hanover County, registered since 2013 (13 years) [3]. The voter file lists her year of birth as 1988; North Carolina's bulk voter export publishes only birth year, not a full date [3]. Her voting history shows participation in 10 elections since 2016, most recently the March 3, 2026 primary [4].\n\n## Sources\n[1] [A look at who filed in the 2026 tri-county elections \u2013 Port City Daily](https://portcitydaily.com/local-news/2025/12/19/look-at-who-filed-in-2026-elections/)\n[2] [2026 Primary Results: New Hanover County \u2013 Port City Daily](https://portcitydaily.com/latest-news/2026/03/03/2026-primary-results-new-hanover-county/)\n[3] [North Carolina State Board of Elections \u2014 Voter Search](https://vt.ncsbe.gov/RegLkup/)\n[4] North Carolina State Board of Elections voter history file (`ncvhis_Statewide`), published at [dl.ncsbe.gov](https://dl.ncsbe.gov/)","firstname":"Josephine","lastname":"Barnhart","middlename":"Arissa","suffix":null,"token":"ddf654270fb86d0a"},"token":"wGe9oR8hhSzyAEbM"},{"candidatename":"Brittnei LaRue","chatgptsummary":null,"notes":null,"party":"DEM","person":{"biography":"Brittnei LaRue is a Democratic candidate for the New Hanover County Board of Education, one of four seats up for election in the November 2026 general election after winning a Democratic primary on March\u202f3,\u202f2026 with 14,726 votes (22.17\u202f%)\u30108\u2020L1-L4\u3011\u301010\u2020L13-L17\u3011. The Board of Education governs the county\u2019s public K\u201112 schools, setting policy, overseeing the budget, and guiding major initiatives such as the $320\u2011million school bond that will appear on the November ballot\u30108\u2020L22-L28\u3011. \n\nLaRue is not an incumbent; she filed to run as a newcomer in the 2026 cycle\u301012\u2020L9-L12\u3011. She holds a bachelor\u2019s degree in Foreign Languages with a concentration in Spanish\u30104\u2020L1-L2\u3011 and works as a financial professional, helping individuals and families make responsible decisions about their resources\u30101\u2020L1-L3\u3011\u30104\u2020L1-L3\u3011. As a parent of two children in New Hanover County Schools, she has personal experience with the district\u2019s challenges, including navigating an IEP process and addressing bullying concerns\u30107\u2020L1-L4\u3011. \n\nHer campaign emphasizes three pillars: SMART SCHOOLS \u2013 using resources wisely to deliver quality education for every child; TRUST & TRANSPARENCY \u2013 open decision\u2011making and clear communication; and SHARED PARTNERSHIPS \u2013 collaborative relationships among families, educators, and the community\u30101\u2020L7-L13\u3011\u30102\u2020L1-L9\u3011. Before launching her platform, LaRue conducted a county\u2011wide listening tour, meeting parents, teachers, staff, and community members to shape her priorities\u30101\u2020L4-L6\u3011\u30104\u2020L4-L6\u3011. \n\nA key policy focus is strengthening board governance policies, specifically revising policies 2127 and 2310 to clarify board member conduct, public communication, and community access, thereby improving accountability and public trust\u30104\u2020L7-L12\u3011. She also supports the upcoming $320\u2011million bond, advocating for transparent implementation and clear communication about project priorities and timelines\u30104\u2020L13-L16\u3011. \n\nThrough her financial background, LaRue argues that responsible stewardship of public dollars and transparent governance are essential to restoring confidence in the school system\u30101\u2020L1-L3\u3011\u30104\u2020L1-L3\u3011. Her campaign materials stress that listening is an ongoing responsibility, not just a campaign activity, and that collaborative leadership will help the district focus on student outcomes rather than political disputes\u30102\u2020L1-L9\u3011\u30107\u2020L5-L9\u3011. \n\nLaRue\u2019s campaign website provides additional details and a way for supporters to join the effort\u30102\u2020L1-L3\u3011.\n\n## Sources\n- [1] [Brittnei LaRue (New Hanover County Board of Education, North Carolina, candidate 2026) - Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Brittnei_LaRue_(New_Hanover_County_Board_of_Education,_North_Carolina,_candidate_2026))\n- [2] [Brittnei LaRue for New Hanover County Board of Education](https://www.larueforschools.com)\n- [4] [Primary 2026: New Hanover County Board of Education primary candidate Brittnei LaRue | WHQR](https://www.whqr.org/2026-01-30/primary-2026-new-hanover-county-board-of-education-primary-candidate-brittnei-larue)\n- [5] [Brittnei LaRue | New Hanover County NAACP](https://nhcnaacp.org/author/blarue/)\n- [6] [Candidate Q & A: Primary Election for New Hanover County Board of Education](https://www.wect.com/2026/01/30/candidate-q-primary-election-new-hanover-county-board-education/)\n- [7] [Black Women\u2019s Leadership Collective North Carolina](https://caro.news/black-womens-leadership-collective-north-carolina/)\n- [8] [Four candidates win unofficial Democratic primary for New Hanover County Board of Education](https://www.wect.com/2026/03/03/six-democrats-running-four-spots-new-hanover-county-board-education-primary/)\n- [9] [Crowded field emerges for 2026 NHC school board race: 9 candidates discuss priorities | Port City Daily](https://portcitydaily.com/latest-news/2025/12/23/crowded-field-emerges-for-2026-nhc-school-board-race-9-candidates-discuss-priorities/)\n- [10] [Primary results set Nov. face off for NHCO commissioner and BOE seats - WWAYTV3](https://www.wwaytv3.com/primary-results-set-nov-face-off-for-nhco-commissioner-and-boe-seats/)\n- [11] [Primary Election: 2026: NHCS Board of Education candidate questionnaires | Port City Daily](https://portcitydaily.com/latest-news/2026/02/15/primary-election-2026-nhcs-board-of-education-candidate-questionnaires/)\n- [12] [New Hanover County school board chairman will not seek re-election](https://www.wect.com/2025/12/10/new-hanover-county-school-board-chairman-will-not-seek-re-election/)","firstname":"Brittnei","lastname":"Larue","middlename":"Mary Magdalene","suffix":null,"token":"802d93d33e4b0e0d"},"token":"DVqMIh430-HXQ790"},{"candidatename":"Margie Gewirtzman","chatgptsummary":null,"notes":null,"party":"DEM","person":{"biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\n\nMargie Gewirtzman is the Democratic candidate for one of four open seats on the New Hanover County Board of Education in the November 3, 2026 general election [1][3]. She was one of several Democratic candidates already in the race when Port City Daily surveyed the field in December 2025 [1]. In April 2026, New Hanover County Democratic Party leaders held what they called a \"mini-primary\" -- a nominating meeting attended by more than 75 people -- at which Kristina Mercier and Gewirtzman competed for a ballot slot left open by candidate Rick Southerland; party leaders selected Gewirtzman to replace Southerland in the school board race [3].\n\n## Background and education\n\nPer her candidate questionnaire response to WHQR, Gewirtzman holds a master's degree in Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine and a bachelor's degree in Human Physiology [2]. Port City Daily describes her as new to the New Hanover County area, with a background in nonprofit work [1]. She is the mother of three children, including a child with a disability affecting his ability to process written material in a traditional classroom, and says her family's experience working with teachers and behavioral specialists to create and meet her children's individualized education programs (IEPs) over eighteen years motivated her campaign [1][2].\n\n## Career\n\nGewirtzman describes her career, in her own words to WHQR, as \"Acupuncturist (mainly advocating for my children)\" [2].\n\n## Legislative record and accomplishments\n\nGewirtzman has not previously held elected office [1]. Per her WHQR candidate questionnaire, her stated priorities include changing North Carolina's school-funding formula to properly staff for special-education and other student needs, pushing for more aggressive advocacy on EC (exceptional children) funding and support, and supporting the district's $320 million school bond [2].\n\n## Sources\n[1] [Crowded field emerges for 2026 NHC school board race: 9 candidates discuss priorities | Port City Daily](https://portcitydaily.com/latest-news/2025/12/23/crowded-field-emerges-for-2026-nhc-school-board-race-9-candidates-discuss-priorities/)\n[2] [Primary 2026: New Hanover County Board of Education primary candidate Margie Gewirtzman | WHQR](https://www.whqr.org/2026-01-30/primary-2026-new-hanover-county-board-of-education-primary-candidate-margie-gewirtzman)\n[3] [NHC Democrats pick Margie Gewirtzman to replace Southerland in school board race - WWAYTV3](https://www.wwaytv3.com/nhc-democrats-pick-margie-gewirtzman-to-replace-southerland-in-school-board-race/)","firstname":"Margaret","lastname":"Gewirtzman","middlename":"Ann Renn","suffix":null,"token":"c4172241ee4bace9"},"token":"sExjIfNNx0O7hkT2"},{"candidatename":"Wendy Dale","chatgptsummary":null,"notes":null,"party":"DEM","person":{"biography":"Wendy Marlene Dale is a Democratic candidate for the New Hanover County Board of Education, seeking one of four at\u2011large seats in the November 2026 general election after advancing from the March 3 Democratic primary with 11,862 votes (17.86% of the Democratic field)\u301010\u2020L1-L4\u3011\u301012\u2020L23-L27\u3011. The Board of Education governs the New Hanover County Public Schools system, setting policy, approving the district budget, overseeing curriculum and facilities, and hiring the superintendent. \n\nDale earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies, concentrating in Rhetoric, with a Minor in Social and Economic Justice from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill\u30106\u2020L4-L5\u3011\u30107\u2020L4-L5\u3011. She has spent more than two decades working as a paralegal and technology\u2011contracts specialist, giving her extensive business and legal experience\u30106\u2020L1-L2\u3011\u30107\u2020L1-L2\u3011. Dale is also a single mother whose child was diagnosed with ADHD and attended the district\u2019s public schools, a personal experience she cites as shaping her perspective on education policy\u30106\u2020L3-L4\u3011\u30107\u2020L3-L4\u3011. \n\nIn the primary, Dale positioned herself as a newcomer to elected office, emphasizing a platform focused on equity, funding, and transparency\u30108\u2020L1-L3\u3011. She advocates reinstating Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) provisions that were blocked by a federal court, arguing that DEI policies benefit students, teachers, and staff and should not be abandoned for partisan reasons\u30106\u2020L7-L10\u3011\u30109\u2020L7-L10\u3011. Dale opposes recent Republican\u2011led efforts to ban books and remove curriculum materials, describing such actions as overreach and violations of First Amendment rights\u30106\u2020L11-L13\u3011\u30109\u2020L11-L13\u3011. \n\nFiscal responsibility is another cornerstone of her campaign. She highlights the district\u2019s $368\u202fmillion budget as a major challenge and calls for additional funding for facilities, teacher raises, and program expansion\u30106\u2020L15-L17\u3011. Dale supports the $320\u202fmillion school bond slated for the November ballot, noting that the modest property\u2011tax increase (under $100 per year for most homeowners) will fund critical construction projects, including a renovation of New Hanover High School\u30106\u2020L18-L20\u3011. She also urges the state legislature to restore the education lottery to its original intent, limit payouts, and adopt a progressive income\u2011tax model to provide reliable school funding\u30106\u2020L21-L23\u3011. \n\nWhile Dale has not yet held elected office, her professional background and personal experience as a parent in the district inform her priorities: reinstating DEI, protecting curricular freedom, securing adequate funding, and ensuring transparent, data\u2011driven decision\u2011making on the board. Her campaign contact email is wendydale4nhcboe@gmail.com, listed on her Ballotpedia page\u30101\u2020L31-L33\u3011.\n\n## Sources\n- [1] [Wendy Dale (New Hanover County Board of Education, North Carolina, candidate 2026) - Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Wendy_Dale_(New_Hanover_County_Board_of_Education,_North_Carolina,_candidate_2026))\n- [6] [Primary 2026: New Hanover County Board of Education primary candidate Wendy Dale | WHQR](https://www.whqr.org/2026-01-30/primary-2026-new-hanover-county-board-of-education-primary-candidate-wendy-dale)\n- [7] [Candidate Q & A: Primary Election for New Hanover County Board of Education](https://www.wect.com/2026/01/30/candidate-q-primary-election-new-hanover-county-board-education/)\n- [8] [Crowded field emerges for 2026 NHC school board race: 9 candidates discuss priorities | Port City Daily](https://portcitydaily.com/latest-news/2025/12/23/crowded-field-emerges-for-2026-nhc-school-board-race-9-candidates-discuss-priorities/)\n- [9] [Wendy Dale NHC School Board | Port City Daily](https://portcitydaily.com/wendy-nhc-school-board-primary/)\n- [10] [Four candidates win unofficial Democratic primary for New Hanover County Board of Education](https://www.wect.com/2026/03/03/six-democrats-running-four-spots-new-hanover-county-board-education-primary/)\n- [11] [A look at who filed in the 2026 tri-county elections | Port City Daily](https://portcitydaily.com/local-news/2025/12/19/look-at-who-filed-in-2026-elections/)\n- [12] [2026 Primary Results: New Hanover County | Port City Daily](https://portcitydaily.com/latest-news/2026/03/03/2026-primary-results-new-hanover-county/)","firstname":"Wendy","lastname":"Dale","middlename":"Marlene","suffix":null,"token":"01078dbe6422e70e"},"token":"YX6VwcG4x0enh0p6"},{"candidatename":"Jerry Jones, Jr.","chatgptsummary":null,"notes":null,"party":"DEM","person":{"biography":"Jerry Lee Jones Jr. is a Democratic candidate for the New Hanover County Board of Education in the 2026 general election (Nov.\u202f3,\u202f2026)\u202f[1]. The Board of Education governs the county\u2019s public schools, setting policy, approving budgets, overseeing curriculum, and ensuring compliance with state education standards. As a board member, Jones would help shape decisions that affect teachers, students, and families across New Hanover County.\n\nJones grew up in poverty in New Hanover County and attributes his upward mobility to public education, which enabled him to become a scientist, educator, and small\u2011business owner\u202f[9]. He has worked as a teacher and, as a parent, has raised children in public schools, charter schools, and through homeschooling, giving him firsthand experience with the county\u2019s diverse educational pathways\u202f[9]. Jones\u2019s campaign emphasizes transparency, academic curiosity, and professionalism, and he pledges to strengthen public schools, expand opportunities, and improve communication among teachers, parents, and administrators\u202f[9].\n\nAlthough Jones has not listed formal degrees, his professional background includes work in scientific fields and running a small business, experiences he says inform his approach to problem\u2011solving and fiscal responsibility on the board\u202f[9]. He is also a member of the community\u2019s education advocacy network, receiving endorsements from the New Hanover County Association of Educators and the 314 Action Fund\u202f[8].\n\nJones previously ran for the same at\u2011large seat in the 2024 election, appearing on the November\u202f5,\u202f2024 ballot as one of three Democratic candidates for the three available seats\u202f[1]. He participated in the March\u202f5,\u202f2024 Democratic primary and was listed among the candidates on the general\u2011election ballot\u202f[1]. While Ballotpedia does not provide a detailed biography, the campaign website notes his commitment to parental involvement, equitable funding, and rebuilding trust among stakeholders\u202f[9].\n\nJones\u2019s public outreach includes a campaign website (electjerryjonesjr.com) that outlines his platform and provides a headshot, as well as a Facebook post from the New Hanover County Board of Elections announcing his candidacy in December\u202f2025\u202f[11]. He can be contacted via the email address listed on his Ballotpedia page, jerryjones4nhcschools@gmail.com\u202f[1].\n\n## Sources\n- [1] [Jerry Jones Jr. (New Hanover County Board of Education, North Carolina, candidate 2024) - Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Jerry_Jones_Jr._(New_Hanover_County_Board_of_Education,_North_Carolina,_candidate_2024))\n- [6] [Jerry Jones (Mayor of Morehead City, North Carolina, candidate 2025) - Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Jerry_Jones_(Mayor_of_Morehead_City,_North_Carolina,_candidate_2025))\n- [8] [iVoterGuide - Jerry Jones, Jr. iVoterGuide Profile](https://ivoterguide.com/candidate/78463/race/20813/election/1206)\n- [9] [Jerry Jones For New Hanover County Schools \u2013 A new voice fighting for transparency, academic curiosity, and professionalism](https://electjerryjonesjr.com/)\n- [11] [Jerry Jones Jr. (D) Candidate for New Hanover County Board of ...](https://www.facebook.com/nhcvote/posts/jerry-jones-jr-dcandidate-for-new-hanover-county-board-of-education/1226806559631585/)","firstname":"Jerry","lastname":"Jones","middlename":"Lee","suffix":"JR","token":"30f76ec18fc30b09"},"token":"tp4MJj1SCc825BeI"},{"candidatename":"Pat Bradford","chatgptsummary":null,"notes":null,"party":"REP","person":{"biography":"Patricia Alice \"Pat\" Bradford is the Republican candidate for an at\u2011large seat on the New Hanover County Board of Education in the 2026 general election. The Board of Education is the elected governing body that sets policy, approves budgets, and oversees the operation of public schools in New Hanover County [8].\n\nBradford earned both a Bachelor of Arts (1980) and a Bachelor of Science (1983) from Appalachian State University in Boone, North Carolina [8]. She has spent 38 years working with the North Carolina Real Estate Commission, first as a licensed broker and instructor and later in a corporate capacity, indicating extensive experience in regulatory and business environments [8].\n\nHer community involvement includes membership in Global River Church (Prayer Ministry Team, Kingdom Women, Intercessory Prayer Team), First Fruit Ministries, Pine Valley Church of God, and participation in local outreach through Boots on the Ground. She is also active in political and professional groups such as Cape Fear Republican Women, New Hanover County Republican Women, and the Cape Fear Realtors Association [8].\n\nBradford previously sought elected office on the Wrightsville Beach Board of Aldermen in 2018, and now seeks a seat on the school board. In her candidate questionnaire she expressed strong pro\u2011life positions, stating that abortion providers should not be resources in schools and that human life is protected from conception [8]. She supports religious liberty in schools, opposes discrimination based on belief about marriage, and believes students should be free to discuss matters of conscience, including Christianity. She disagrees with school\u2011based prayer bans and opposes mandatory experimental mRNA vaccinations for schools or employers [8].\n\nBradford has not held prior elected office, and her campaign disclosures list contributions to Republican candidates and organizations, as well as donations to her church and faith\u2011based political groups [8].\n\n## Sources\n- [8] [iVoterGuide - Pat Bradford iVoterGuide Profile](https://ivoterguide.com/candidate/65148/race/17489/election/869)","firstname":"Patricia","lastname":"Bradford","middlename":"Alice","suffix":null,"token":"30d05f18946688c2"},"token":"nhsWGZDGhU4QQFpe"},{"candidatename":"Amy Dunning","chatgptsummary":null,"notes":null,"party":"REP","person":{"biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\nAmy Lynn Dunning is a Republican candidate for the New Hanover County Board of Education, one of five Republicans who ran for four open seats in 2026 [1]. She advanced from the March 3, 2026 Republican primary, placing third with 19.34% of the vote \u2014 behind incumbents Pat Bradford (22.61%) and Josie Barnhart (20.66%), and ahead of Chris Sutton (19.18%) \u2014 and is on the ballot for the November 3, 2026 general election [1][2].\n\n## Background\nAccording to the North Carolina voter file, Dunning is a registered Republican in New Hanover County, registered since 2025 (1 year) [3]. The voter file lists her year of birth as 1987; North Carolina's bulk voter export publishes only birth year, not a full date [3]. Her voting history shows participation in 4 elections since 2016, most recently the March 3, 2026 primary [4].\n\n## Sources\n[1] [A look at who filed in the 2026 tri-county elections \u2013 Port City Daily](https://portcitydaily.com/local-news/2025/12/19/look-at-who-filed-in-2026-elections/)\n[2] [2026 Primary Results: New Hanover County \u2013 Port City Daily](https://portcitydaily.com/latest-news/2026/03/03/2026-primary-results-new-hanover-county/)\n[3] [North Carolina State Board of Elections \u2014 Voter Search](https://vt.ncsbe.gov/RegLkup/)\n[4] North Carolina State Board of Elections voter history file (`ncvhis_Statewide`), published at [dl.ncsbe.gov](https://dl.ncsbe.gov/)","firstname":"Amy","lastname":"Dunning","middlename":"Lynn","suffix":null,"token":"a6c025a5fd931f31"},"token":"S2aMRoGRFRrSKVSU"}],"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":4,"referendum":null,"source":null,"title":"New Hanover County Board Of Education"}