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Shelly Willingham
Office history
Current office and 2026 campaign
Shelly Willingham is the outgoing Democratic member of the North Carolina House of Representatives for District 23, covering Bertie, Edgecombe, and Martin counties, a seat he has held since 2015 1. Willingham lost the March 3, 2026 Democratic primary to Patricia Smith and will not appear on the November 3, 2026 general-election ballot; his current term runs through January 1, 2027 1.
Office history
Willingham was first elected to House District 23 in November 2014 and won re-election in 2016, 2018, 2020, 2022, and 2024, most recently defeating Republican Brent Roberson in the November 2024 general election 1.
Legislative record and accomplishments
During the 2023–2024 session, Willingham chaired the Alcoholic Beverage Control Committee and served as vice chair of the Insurance Committee, along with seats on Appropriations, Appropriations on Transportation, Election Law and Campaign Finance Reform, Federal Relations and American Indian Affairs, Rules Calendar and Operations of the House, and State Personnel 1.
Sources
Public filings
Candidates and officeholders are required by law to file campaign finance reports and statements of economic interest. The sites below don't support direct links to an individual record — search by last name on each.
North Carolina — campaign finance
- State, county, and municipal candidates — all in one system — NC State Board of Elections — Committee Search. Search by last name “Willingham”.
North Carolina — statement of economic interest
- Required for state-elected and many local officials — NC State Ethics Commission — Statement of Economic Interest Search. Search by last name “Willingham”.