Nina Basnight Griswell

Nina Basnight Griswell is the vice‑chair of the Tyrrell County Board of Commissioners and is running as the Democratic candidate for a seat on that board in the November 3, 2026 election. The board governs a rural county of roughly 4,000 residents, overseeing local services such as road maintenance, land‑use planning, public safety, and economic development, and it sets policy on issues ranging from broadband infrastructure to historic preservation.

Griswell has served on the board for several years, rising to the vice‑chair position. In her role she has spoken publicly about the county’s most pressing needs. At the National Association of Counties (NACo) annual conference in July 2023, she highlighted broadband access as a top priority, noting that the COVID‑19 pandemic exposed a “gap” in technology for families who often must travel to libraries or churches to get online. She said the county received a $500,000 grant for broadband and is pursuing a partnership with a private firm to improve both internet service and cell‑phone reception for residents [7].

Griswell has also been involved in local cultural and land‑use debates. In March 2019 she commented on the state‑mandated protection of a Confederate monument on the courthouse lawn, urging fellow commissioners to discuss the issue calmly after reviewing the monument’s original dedication records [10]. Later that year she asked questions about a proposed Voluntary Agricultural District ordinance, seeking to understand whether the measure would protect farmers from nuisance lawsuits while balancing homeowner concerns [12].

Board minutes from early 2022 show Griswell participating in discussions about a potential property transfer of the “Free and Easy Farm” house from the North Carolina Wildlife Resources Commission, as well as reviewing county tax‑collection rates and infrastructure projects such as a harbor‑town ferry study [11]. These activities illustrate her engagement with both economic development and fiscal oversight.

Through these actions, Griswell has positioned broadband expansion, responsible land‑use planning, and preservation of local heritage as central themes of her public service. Her experience on the board and her advocacy at state‑level forums suggest a focus on improving connectivity and quality of life for Tyrrell County’s residents while navigating the county’s limited resources.

Sources

• [7] Broadband Access, Infrastructure Improvements Seen as Key to Post COVID-19 Recovery - The Washington Informer
• [8] Candidate Profiles – NC Voter Guide
• [10] Tyrrell commissioners prohibited from removing Confederate monument - The Coastland Times | The Coastland Times
• [11] Tyrrell board waiting response from state agencies; Employee of the Year announced - The Coastland Times | The Coastland Times
• [12] Commissioners refer Agricultural District Ordinance to Tyrrell planning board - The Coastland Times | The Coastland Times