Kevin George Thurman

Kevin G. Thurman is the Democratic candidate for the North Carolina House of Representatives, District 53, in the 2026 general election scheduled for November 3, 2026. The seat is currently held by Republican incumbent Howard Penny Jr. ¹

A proud native of Eastern Harnett County, Thurman is the son of a public educator and a Vietnam‑era veteran. He attended Harnett County public schools from Harnett Primary through Triton High School, earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Duke University in 2012, and completed a Master of Public Administration at North Carolina Central University in 2016. ¹⁰¹

Professionally, Thurman has worked for the Research Triangle Institute and for Blue Cross NC, experience he says equips him to navigate governmental policy and devise solutions for improving the state’s healthcare system. He is active in his community as Vice President of the Mighty Men’s Prayer Ministry and a member of the Audit & Budget Ministry at Mt. Pisgah Harnett OFWB Church, where he also plays saxophone in the music ministry. ¹⁰

Thurman previously ran for the same House seat in 2022 and 2024, losing both times to Howard Penny Jr. (2022: 32.9% of the vote; 2024: 37.1%). The Democratic primary for the 2026 race was canceled, allowing him to advance automatically to the November ballot. ¹

His campaign platform emphasizes economic recovery, quality public education for all, equal access to healthcare, and a broader vision to "move North Carolina forward." As of now, no endorsements from Democratic or progressive organizations have been recorded. ¹⁰¹¹

Thurman’s campaign can be reached at the Committee to Elect Kevin G. Thurman, 1505 Old Stage Rd. S., Erwin, NC 28339, or via email at [email protected]. No public phone number is listed. The campaign website is https://www.kevinthurmanfornchouse.com/ ¹⁰

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