Stephanie Blahut Tenery

Stephanie Tenery is a Democratic candidate for the McDowell County Board of Commissioners in the 2026 general election, scheduled for November 3, 2026. She appears on the McDowell County Democratic Party’s roster of candidates alongside Terry English and Matt Suttles, indicating she is one of three Democrats seeking a seat on the county’s governing board ¹¹.

Tenery has lived in McDowell County for 47 years, making her a long‑time resident of the area. She and her husband, Dave, reside in the northeastern part of the county, between the communities of Grays Hollar and Black Bear. Her deep roots in the county are highlighted as part of her connection to local issues and community life ¹¹.

Professionally, Tenery spent 18 years working for Lowe’s Home Improvement, where she held management and sales positions before retiring in 2024. Following her retirement, she has continued to pursue creative work as a regional artist, a role that reflects her ongoing engagement with the cultural life of the region ¹¹.

By running for the Board of Commissioners, Tenery aims to bring the perspective of a longtime resident, a former retail manager, and an active artist to county governance. The Democratic Party’s candidate page presents her as part of a slate of individuals with varied backgrounds—ranging from agriculture to health care—to address the needs of McDowell County’s residents ¹¹.

While specific policy positions are not detailed in the available source, Tenery’s biography emphasizes her commitment to the community, her experience in both the private sector and the arts, and her desire to serve the county that has been her home for nearly five decades.

Sources