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John Hughes Bender III
Office history
Current office and 2026 campaign
John Bender III is a Republican candidate seeking election to the Jones County Commission for District 03 in the 2026 cycle 1. He has filed for this office as part of the 2026 candidate filing results 5. As of May 2026, Bender remains on the ballot for the upcoming general election, with the outcome of the race yet to be determined 4.
In addition to his political campaign, Bender serves as an Economic Developer and Planner for Jones County, a role he has held since 2019 6. He is also listed as a Realtor with Trent River Realty, Inc., starting in 2021 6. Bender has been associated with the Committee of 100, a local quality-of-life group, and the Jones County Economic Development Commission 2 3.
Background and education
John Bender was born in 1987 1. He is a resident of Pollocksville, North Carolina 6. Bender identifies as Republican 1.
Bender is currently a student at the University of North Carolina Wilmington 6. Prior to his current studies, he worked as an inside sales representative for Inno from 2016 to 2019 6.
Career
John Bender works as an Economic Developer and Planner for Jones County, a position he has held since 2019 6. He is also employed as a Realtor at TRENT RIVER REALTY, INC., a role he began in 2021 6. Bender is currently a student at the University of North Carolina Wilmington 6.
Prior to his current roles, Bender worked in inside sales at Inno from 2016 to 2019 6. He has been associated with the Committee of 100 for Jones County, which focuses on economic development within the region 2.
Office history
John Bender has served as the Economic Developer and Planner for Jones County since 2019 6. He also works as a Realtor with Trent River Realty, Inc., a position he has held since 2021 6. Additionally, Bender is a member of the Committee of 100 for Jones County 2.
Bender self-describes as a Republican candidate running for County Commission District 03 in the upcoming 2026 election 14. He filed to run in this race during the 2026 candidate filing period 5.
Business interests and wealth source
John Bender has worked as an Economic Developer and Planner for Jones County since 2019 6. He also serves as a realtor with Trent River Realty, Inc., a position he has held since 2021 6. Additionally, Bender is listed as a student at the University of North Carolina Wilmington 6.
Bender is associated with local economic development efforts in Jones County, including the Committee of 100 and the Economic Development Commission 23. Specific details regarding his personal wealth sources, ownership stakes in private businesses, or significant financial disclosures are not provided in the available records.
Sources
Public filings
Candidates and officeholders are required by law to file campaign finance reports and statements of economic interest. The sites below don't support direct links to an individual record — search by last name on each.
North Carolina — campaign finance
- State, county, and municipal candidates — all in one system — NC State Board of Elections — Committee Search. Search by last name “Bender”.
North Carolina — statement of economic interest
- Required for state-elected and many local officials — NC State Ethics Commission — Statement of Economic Interest Search. Search by last name “Bender”.