Margaret Ann Renn Gewirtzman

Current office and 2026 campaign

Margie Gewirtzman is the Democratic candidate for one of four open seats on the New Hanover County Board of Education in the November 3, 2026 general election ¹³. She was one of several Democratic candidates already in the race when Port City Daily surveyed the field in December 2025 ¹. In April 2026, New Hanover County Democratic Party leaders held what they called a "mini-primary" -- a nominating meeting attended by more than 75 people -- at which Kristina Mercier and Gewirtzman competed for a ballot slot left open by candidate Rick Southerland; party leaders selected Gewirtzman to replace Southerland in the school board race ³.

Background and education

Per her candidate questionnaire response to WHQR, Gewirtzman holds a master's degree in Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine and a bachelor's degree in Human Physiology ². Port City Daily describes her as new to the New Hanover County area, with a background in nonprofit work ¹. She is the mother of three children, including a child with a disability affecting his ability to process written material in a traditional classroom, and says her family's experience working with teachers and behavioral specialists to create and meet her children's individualized education programs (IEPs) over eighteen years motivated her campaign ¹².

Career

Gewirtzman describes her career, in her own words to WHQR, as "Acupuncturist (mainly advocating for my children)" ².

Legislative record and accomplishments

Gewirtzman has not previously held elected office ¹. Per her WHQR candidate questionnaire, her stated priorities include changing North Carolina's school-funding formula to properly staff for special-education and other student needs, pushing for more aggressive advocacy on EC (exceptional children) funding and support, and supporting the district's $320 million school bond ².

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