Andre Knecht

Andre Knecht is the incumbent Vice Chair of the Lee County Board of Commissioners and is running as the Republican candidate for the District 3 seat in the 2026 election on November 3, 2026. The Lee County Board of Commissioners governs the county by setting policy, approving the annual budget, and overseeing county services such as public safety initiatives; commissioners meet twice a month to conduct this work, as noted in the board’s December meeting schedule and the discussion of the Lee County Safety Action Plan [4].

Knecht’s public service record includes his election to the board’s leadership team in December 2023, when he and Chair Kirk Smith were re‑elected to serve another year [4]. In that role he helped present the Lee County Safety Action Plan, a guideline aimed at reducing traffic‑related fatalities and serious injuries with a target of a 50 % reduction by 2040 [4]. The plan addresses high‑injury road corridors, pedestrian safety, and driver behavior, reflecting the board’s oversight of transportation and public safety matters.

Knecht previously sought a seat on the Board of Commissioners in the 2022 general election, appearing on the ballot for District 3 alongside Democrat Kate Woods [1]. Although the outcome of that race is not detailed in the available sources, his continued presence on the board indicates he either won a seat or was appointed thereafter.

Controversy has also marked Knecht’s tenure. In early 2022 he shared a Facebook meme that depicted a Muslim man in a toilet and criticized refugees, prompting public outcry and calls for his resignation from Lee County residents and former officials [10]. Knecht did not comment publicly on the incident, and later declined to explain the post when approached by local media [12]. The episode illustrates the scrutiny elected officials may face for their social‑media activity.

Knecht is identified in news reports as “Commissioner Dr. Andre Knecht,” suggesting he holds a doctoral degree, though the field of study is not specified in the sources [10]. His ongoing role as Vice Chair and his candidacy for District 3 demonstrate his continued involvement in Lee County governance and local political affairs.

Sources

• [1] Andre Knecht (Lee County Board of Commissioners District 3, North Carolina, candidate 2022) - Ballotpedia
• [4] No change in officers, public safety plan presented | News | sanfordherald.com
• [9] andre knecht – THE RANT
• [10] Lee County residents call for commissioner to resign over anti-Muslim meme - ABC11 Raleigh-Durham
• [12] Knecht won’t explain anti-Muslim meme; remains active on social media