Charles Thomas Dudley

Charles Thomas Dudley is the Democratic nominee for North Carolina State Senate District 3 in the 2026 general election, scheduled for November 3, 2026. The district’s primary was canceled, so Dudley advanced to the ballot without a contested Democratic primary ¹.

Born in Louisville, Kentucky, Dudley now resides in Havelock, North Carolina. He earned a bachelor’s degree in theology from Sacramento Theological Seminary in 1978 and has served as a Gunnery Sergeant in the United States Marine Corps before retiring ¹³. After his military service he became a pastor, founding the New Beginnings Ministry of Faith Church in 2001, and has held leadership roles in several community organizations, including vice‑president of the Craven County Democratic Party, tax commissioner for the Harlowe Fire Department, and board memberships with Area 93 Toastmasters International, GoldWing Road Riders Association, Coastal Community Action, Craven Community College Foundation, the Craven County Sheriff’s Advisory Council, Habitat for Humanity, and Lord’s Church ¹³.

Dudley first ran for public office in 2018, seeking the North Carolina House of Representatives District 3 seat, and again in 2024 for the State Senate District 3, losing to incumbent Republican Bob Brinson 60 % to 40 % in the general election ¹. He is again contesting the Senate seat in 2026, facing Brinson once more.

His campaign platform emphasizes expanding funding for public education and health care (including mental health services), restoring voting rights, addressing climate‑change vulnerability, raising living wages, protecting reproductive health decisions, and improving health care for veterans ²⁰.

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