David Wilbert Batts

David Batts is the Democratic candidate for Edgecombe County Board of Commissioners District 6 in the 2026 North Carolina elections. The district covers the western and southwestern portions of Edgecombe County, including the Kingsboro area. Commissioners on the Board set county policy, approve the budget, and oversee services such as public safety, infrastructure, and economic development. The District 6 seat is elected at‑large within the district and, in this cycle, the Democratic primary effectively decides the office because no Republican filed for the race [1].

Batts is a 69‑year‑old U.S. Army veteran and retired long‑time truck driver who has been active in his community. Specific details about his formal education are not provided in the available sources, but his public statements emphasize his working‑class background and service experience [12].

Before entering politics, Batts spent decades driving trucks, a career that gave him insight into the region’s transportation and logistics challenges. After retiring, he remained engaged locally, attending community meetings and voicing concerns about development projects that could affect residents’ quality of life. His veteran status is often highlighted, and he has been described as a community leader who leverages his service background to connect with voters [10][12].

Batts entered the 2026 race largely on opposition to a proposed data‑center and crypto‑mining facility that the county was considering selling 120 acres of land to develop. In December 2025 he addressed the Edgecombe County Board of Commissioners, warning that the Energy Storage Solutions project could bring temporary jobs, noise, air‑pollution, and excessive water use, and he pledged to vote “no” on any such development [10]. His campaign signage read “Vote no for data centers,” making the issue a central theme of his platform.

In the March 3 Democratic primary, Batts defeated four‑term incumbent Commissioner Donald C. Boswell, receiving 335‑337 votes (about 67 % of the total) to Boswell’s 162 votes (approximately 33 %) [10][12]. Because no Republican candidate filed, Batts is poised to become the commissioner for District 6 unless a successful write‑in campaign emerges in the November general election. Following his victory, Batts said the win signaled voters’ desire for change and a stronger stance against data‑center projects that he believes do not benefit the local tax base or environment [12].

Batts’ stated priorities include protecting the Kingsboro community from unwanted industrial development, ensuring that any future projects provide lasting jobs for residents, and promoting transparency in county decision‑making. He has positioned himself as a fresh voice on the Board, promising to hold officials accountable and to prioritize the health and economic well‑being of Edgecombe County’s rural constituents.

Sources

• [1] David Batts (Edgecombe County Board of Commissioners District 6, North Carolina, candidate 2026) - Ballotpedia
• [10] Opposition to data centers is 'catching a fire' across North Carolina, spurring political challenges | WUNC News
• [12] Batts says primary win signals voters wanted change in Edgecombe County | Local News | rockymounttelegram.com