Regina Combs Billings

Regina Combs Billings is the incumbent Clerk of Superior Court for Wilkes County, North Carolina, and is seeking re‑election as the Republican candidate in the 2026 race for the office. The Clerk of Superior Court is responsible for maintaining the county’s judicial records, overseeing the general ledger that tracks all court‑related finances, managing evidence custody, and ensuring compliance with state audit standards across areas such as case‑file handling, cash disbursements, and human‑resources functions【10】.

Billings has served as the elected clerk since December 3, 2018, after a long career within the clerk’s office spanning more than three decades. In an interview following a recent state‑mandated audit, she highlighted that the office received an “effective” rating in every evaluated category—the first such perfect result since the audit program began in 2014. The audit, conducted by the North Carolina Judicial Branch, examined the office’s case‑file compliance, cash handling, general ledger accuracy, asset safeguarding, and evidence‑room procedures, all of which were found to meet or exceed standards【10】.

During the audit, Billings emphasized the importance of the general ledger, describing it as “the center of the clerk’s office” and noting its role in tracking a wide range of financial transactions, from trust funds for minors to traffic‑ticket fines and restitution payments. She credited her administrative assistant, Carla Royall, and Assistant Clerk Teresa Stone for their meticulous record‑keeping, which contributed to the clean audit outcome【10】.

Before becoming the elected clerk, Billings worked for 31 years in various capacities within the Wilkes County clerk’s office, gaining extensive experience in court administration and public service. Her long tenure has given her a deep familiarity with the operational challenges of the office, including navigating the COVID‑19 shutdown that coincided with the audit period【10】.

In the 2022 election cycle, Billings ran as the Republican nominee for the same position, appearing on the general‑election ballot on November 8, 2022 after winning the Republican primary on May 17, 2022 against Teresa Byers Stone【2】. Although she did not complete Ballotpedia’s Candidate Connection survey, the ballot‑access information confirms her party affiliation and candidacy history【2】.

Billings’ platform for the upcoming 2026 race is expected to build on her record of achieving an exemplary audit rating, maintaining transparent financial practices, and ensuring the integrity of court records and evidence handling. Her long‑standing service and demonstrated administrative competence are central themes of her campaign.

For constituents wishing to contact her office, Billings can be reached via email at regina.c.billings@nccourts.org【2】.

Sources

• [2] Regina Combs Billings (Wilkes County Clerk of Superior Court, North Carolina, candidate 2022) - Ballotpedia
• [10] Clerk of court’s office receives top marks in required state audit | News | journalpatriot.com