Marsie Karis West

Marsie Karis West is the Democratic candidate for Forsyth County’s Board of Commissioners, District B, on the November 3, 2026 general election ballot. County Commissioners in Forsyth set policy, approve the annual budget, oversee strategic vision, and coordinate with the County Manager, city leaders, and school officials on issues such as budgeting, school funding, housing, and public safety [12][9].

West was born in Buffalo, New York, earned her high‑school diploma from Hamden High School, and graduated with a bachelor’s degree from the University of Pennsylvania in 1983 [1]. After college she began her career in finance, working for large insurance companies and institutional banks where she led operational teams across multiple cities and managed strategic transformation programs focused on process improvement and internal consulting [9][1]. Her professional experience also includes living abroad in Hong Kong and Macau and traveling the country with Cirque du Soleil before returning to Forsyth County to be near family [9].

Her public‑service résumé includes more than a decade of elected experience in Reading, Massachusetts. She served on the Reading Select Board (2013‑2015), including a term as Vice Chair (2014‑2015), was Commissioner of Trust Funds, chaired the Zoning Bylaw Advisory Committee, and acted as Municipal Light Commissioner (2012‑2013). West also chaired the town’s Finance Committee (2010‑2012) and served on the Town Audit Committee and Town Meeting for several years [1]. These roles gave her direct experience with municipal budgeting, zoning, and community outreach [9].

West first sought a Forsyth County commission seat in 2024, finishing third in the general election behind three Republican incumbents [1]. She ran again in 2026, defeating fellow Democrat Adam Hill in the March 3 primary with 62.2 % of the vote (13,429 votes) [1]. In the November 3 general election she will face Republican Chris Parker [1]. In a 2026 forum West emphasized that the District B race could shift the partisan balance of the seven‑member board, which is currently four Republicans to three Democrats, and highlighted the need for Democratic leadership on budget management, school funding, and housing [12].

West’s campaign platform stresses transparency, collaborative leadership, and a strategic vision for Forsyth County. She argues that her combined public‑sector finance expertise and hands‑on municipal experience equip her to oversee the county’s budget, balance fiscal constraints with community service needs, and engage diverse constituents through outreach sessions and brainstorming meetings [9][5]. Key policy priorities she cites include strengthening public education funding, expanding affordable housing, and enhancing public safety while minimizing tax burdens [9].

Residing across the street from the historic home built by her husband’s grandparents, West lives in Forsyth County with her family and remains active in local civic affairs [9]. Her campaign website provides additional details and a portal for supporters to receive text updates [5].

Sources

• [1] Marsie West - Ballotpedia
• [5] Marsie West for Forsyth County Commission B
• [6] Endorsements for Marsie West - North Carolina Democratic Party Candidate
• [9] West 4 Forsyth
• [11] Marsie West platform & website | Forsyth County Commissioner, Ward B, Democratic Primary
• [12] High-stakes race in Forsyth could reshape county commission | 88.5 WFDD