Jimmy Teriell Tate

Jimmy Tate is the Republican nominee appointed to fill the unexpired District 4 seat on the Pender County Board of Commissioners, a term that runs through 2028. The Board serves as the county’s governing body, responsible for setting policy, adopting the budget and overseeing local services such as public safety, infrastructure, and economic development. Tate was sworn in again on April 7, 2025 after the Pender County GOP Executive Committee nominated him to replace Commissioner Ken Smith, who resigned to relocate with his congregation [3][9][12].

Tate holds a doctorate, as indicated by the "Dr." title used in local news coverage [3][9]. He earned his undergraduate education in North Carolina and later pursued graduate work, though the specific field is not detailed in the available sources. He is an African‑American gay man, a fact he has highlighted as part of his personal narrative and public service identity [5].

His public‑service career spans more than two decades. Tate first joined the Pender County Board of Commissioners in 2008 and served continuously until 2015, when he resigned to become vice‑president of college advancement and human resources at James Sprunt Community College in Duplin County [6]. He returned to the board after being elected in December 2022, but stepped down just 30 days later, citing discriminatory remarks about his race and the hostile environment created by fellow commissioners [6][11]. In January 2023 he publicly announced his resignation, describing the situation as “unmanageable” due to hate directed at him [11].

After a two‑year hiatus, Tate was reappointed in April 2025 to complete the remainder of Smith’s term. The appointment was endorsed by State Senator Brent Jackson, who praised Tate as a “dedicated” public servant who understands the needs of educators, schools, colleges and the county’s vital farming sector [6][9]. Tate also serves as a political‑science instructor at the University of North Carolina, lecturing on rural leadership development, and he is board president and CEO of the Mt. Calvary Center for Leadership Development, an organization that trains community advocates [9]. Additionally, he sits on the University of North Carolina Wilmington Board of Trustees [11].

Since returning to the commission, Tate has emphasized a focus on “good, tough decisions” for Pender County, citing challenges such as infrastructure, economic growth, and education [5][12]. He has expressed a commitment to remain on the board and to work beyond the “narrative” of past controversies, aiming to build relationships across the political spectrum and to support the county’s farmers, schools and colleges [5][6]. Tate’s platform, as reflected in his public statements and endorsements, centers on community cohesion, economic development, and addressing the concerns of a diverse constituency while confronting discrimination and misinformation that have marked his earlier tenure.

Sources

• [3] Pender County GOP Executive Committee nominates Dr. Jimmy Tate for county commissioner
• [5] After a swift departure, Pender County Commissioner Jimmy Tate explains challenges from two years ago - WWAYTV3
• [6] Former Pender County commissioner rejoins the board | WHQR
• [9] Former commissioner returns to Pender County board following member resignation | Port City Daily
• [11] Republican Pender County commissioner resigns seat
• [12] Jimmy Tate returns to his role as County Commissioner