Lisa Michele Mcmillan

Lisa Michele McMillan is the Democratic candidate for the Guilford County Board of Commissioners, District 7, on the November 3, 2026 general election ballot. The Board of Commissioners serves as the governing body for Guilford County, North Carolina, setting policy, adopting the county budget, and overseeing county services such as public safety, health, and infrastructure [1].

McMillan grew up in Greensboro, attending Southern Guilford High School before leaving school at 17 while homeless. She later earned a GED and returned to higher education in her thirties, graduating from North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University (North Carolina A&T) with a degree in sociology at age 39 [8]. She also holds a bachelor’s degree earned in 2011, according to Ballotpedia [1].

Professionally, McMillan founded and serves as executive director of Turning Everything Around, a nonprofit that provides mentorship, meals, trauma therapy, and resources to teen girls and other community members. The organization runs a mentoring program that connects young women with professionals ranging from lawyers to artists, and it operates a community‑advocacy arm that supports broader local initiatives [8][10]. In addition to her nonprofit work, she chairs the Greensboro Transit Advisory Commission and the Guilford County Juvenile Crime Prevention Council, demonstrating a focus on transportation equity and youth safety [10].

McMillan’s political experience includes two recent campaigns for the District 7 commissioner seat. In the 2022 Democratic primary she placed third behind incumbent Frankie T. Jones Jr., receiving 25.3% of the vote [1]. She ran again in 2026, narrowly defeating public‑school educator Walter Johnson III in the Democratic primary with 50.2% of the vote (3,655 votes) to Johnson’s 49.8% (3,628 votes) – a margin of 34 votes that prompted a recount, which the Guilford County Board of Elections scheduled for March 2026 [1][9][12]. The recount confirmed McMillan’s lead, positioning her as the likely commissioner‑elect to replace Jones, who is not seeking reelection.

McMillan’s campaign platform emphasizes “Access, Opportunity & Community.” Her stated priorities are: • Individuals, Families & Children • Economic Opportunity & Affordability • Public Health & Community Well‑Being • Support for Small Businesses • Accountability, Transparency & Inclusion These priorities are outlined on her campaign website and reflect her background in community advocacy and nonprofit leadership [4].

If elected, McMillan would bring experience in grassroots organizing, nonprofit management, and youth mentorship to the county board, aiming to translate her personal journey of overcoming adversity into policies that expand resources and equity for Guilford County residents.

Sources

• [1] Lisa McMillan - Ballotpedia
• [4] Elect Lisa McMillan | District 7 | Guilford County, NC, USA
• [8] Guilford County woman shows girls bright future
• [9] Guilford County to hold recount for District 7 commissioner seat | WUNC News
• [10] Woman working to keep pregnancy prevention program open for teen girls
• [12] Guilford County to hold recount for District 7 commissioner seat