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James Richard Southerland III
Office history
Current office and 2026 campaign
James Richard "Rick" Southerland III entered the 2026 Democratic primary for the New Hanover County Board of Education, initially placing fourth out of six candidates and earning one of four general-election slots. He withdrew from the race on March 5, 2026, the day after the primary, under pressure from Democratic Party leaders.
Career
The controversy that ended his candidacy arose when reporting revealed that his roommate and frequent campaign companion, Jaymes Osborne, is a registered federal sex offender convicted of child pornography offenses in Virginia Beach in 2020. After initially stating he would remain in the race, Southerland withdrew following calls for his exit from party leaders, fellow candidates, state legislators, and county commissioners. He acknowledged he should have been more transparent about the living situation. The New Hanover County Democratic Party subsequently nominated a replacement candidate and implemented new vetting procedures.
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 “Southerland”.
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 “Southerland”.