Rolanda Dawn Hedgepeth

Rolanda Dawn Hedgepeth is the incumbent Clerk of the Superior Court for Warren County, North Carolina, and is seeking election to retain the office in the 2026 general election as a Democrat. The Clerk of Superior Court in North Carolina is the chief administrative officer of the court, responsible for maintaining official court records, processing filings, collecting fees, managing the clerk’s staff, and providing public assistance on a wide range of matters, from traffic tickets to complex estate and foreclosure cases. In Warren County the clerk’s duties also include oversight of the Criminal District, Child Support, Domestic Violence, and Criminal Superior Court divisions, as well as handling estates, foreclosures, and incompetency hearings, all framed around the mission of "helping people" [7].

Hedgepeth is a lifelong Warren County resident, the daughter of Roland and Connie Hedgepeth of Hollister, and a member of the Haliwa‑Saponi Tribe. Her appointment on September 1, 2023 made her the first member of the tribe and the first minority ever to serve as the county’s Clerk of Courts, a milestone celebrated on social media [5]. She began her career with the clerk’s office on May 1, 1998 as a deputy clerk, accumulating more than 25 years of experience before being promoted to assistant clerk in 2017 [7]. In that role she rotated through multiple departments, including the Criminal District, cashier’s office, Child Support Court, Domestic Violence Court, and Criminal Superior Court, gaining a broad perspective on the court’s operations [7].

In September 2023 the Warren County Brotherhood hosted a Meet‑and‑Greet to introduce Hedgepeth to the community in her new capacity as Clerk of Superior Court, underscoring her commitment to public service and accessibility [6]. Earlier that year she administered oaths of office to newly re‑appointed members of the Warren County Board of Elections, reflecting her responsibilities as assistant clerk prior to her promotion [11].

Since taking office, Hedgepeth has emphasized continuity and compassion. She describes the clerk’s work in two words—"helping people"—and cites her focus on estates, foreclosures, and incompetency hearings as key areas where the office can provide critical support during difficult life events [7]. She also notes that while clerk staff cannot practice law, they can guide citizens through procedural steps, offering comfort and clarity. Hedgepeth’s public statements convey gratitude for the trust placed in her and a dedication to maintaining the office in a state she believes is "good" for the community [7].

As a candidate, Hedgepeth’s platform is built on her extensive institutional knowledge, her historic representation of the Haliwa‑Saponi Tribe, and her stated passion for assisting residents with the legal and administrative challenges they face. Voters can expect her to continue prioritizing efficient record‑keeping, transparent fee collection, and responsive public service, leveraging her decades of experience within the Warren County clerk’s office.

Sources

• [5] My beautiful cousin, @rdh1125 Rolanda Hedgepeth was ...
• [6] Meet and Greet: Honorable Rolanda Hedgepeth - The Warrenist
• [7] Hedgepeth appointed to succeed Blalock as Clerk of Superior Court | News | warrenrecord.com
• [11] Durham, Hundley take oath of office for Warren County Board of Elections | News | lakegastongazette-observer.com