[{"bio_snippet":"","biography":null,"birthdate":null,"firstname":"Jeff","fullname":"Jeff Bush","lastname":"Bush","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"summary":null,"token":"1biF1fOe7R"},{"bio_snippet":"","biography":null,"birthdate":null,"firstname":"Josh","fullname":"Josh A Bush","lastname":"Bush","middlename":"A","suffix":null,"summary":null,"token":"9DaAQOG55o"},{"bio_snippet":"Republican nominee for School Board District 1; retired Hendersonville fire chief and lifelong resident focused on school safety and budget management.","biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\nScotty Bush is the Republican Party nominee for Sumner County School Board District 1, facing Democrat Jill Fernelius on the August 6, 2026 ballot [1]. His stated priorities are school safety and emergency preparedness, supporting and empowering educators, open communication with parents and community, and efficient budget management; he has called for expanding career and technical education (CTE) options to include pathways for first responders [2][3].\n\n## Background and education\nBush is a 59-year lifelong Hendersonville resident who attended Walton Ferry, Lakeside, and Gene Brown elementary schools, Hawkins Junior High, and Hendersonville High School (graduating in 1985), and attended Volunteer State Community College [2].\n\n## Career\nHe spent nearly 40 years with the Hendersonville Fire Department, retiring in 2025 as Fire Chief after 10.5 years in that role; as chief he led 120 employees and oversaw a $15 million budget [2][3].\n\n## Sources\n[1] [Federal and State Primary, State Judicial and Sumner County General Elections Sample Ballot](https://www.votesumnertn.org/uploads/files/884379eec0cf6e5fb6f5678acff70a3783bde79d.pdf) \u2014 accessed 2026-07-22\n[2] [Scotty Bush for School Board District 1 \u2014 campaign site](https://voteforscotty.com/) \u2014 accessed 2026-07-22\n[3] [King, Lancaster and Lacy elected to school board / Sumner school-board coverage \u2014 Main Street Media of Tennessee](https://mainstreetmediatn.com/articles/hendersonvillestandard/campaign-announcement-scotty-bush-for-school-board-district-1/) \u2014 accessed 2026-07-22","birthdate":null,"firstname":"SCOTTY","fullname":"SCOTTY BUSH","lastname":"BUSH","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"summary":"Republican nominee for School Board District 1; retired Hendersonville fire chief and lifelong resident focused on school safety and budget management.","token":"unxm2werLw"},{"bio_snippet":"Sitting Smith County Commissioner for District 8 (Chestnut Mound) running as an Independent for the District 8 school-board seat in 2026.","biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\nTressa D. Bush is running as an Independent candidate for the Smith County Board of Education, District 8, on the August 6, 2026 ballot [1]. She currently serves as a Smith County Commissioner for District 8, in the Chestnut Mound area [2].\n\n## Office history\nBush is a sitting member of the Smith County Commission representing District 8 [2].\n\n## Sources\n[1] [Qualified Candidates for May 5, 2026 Election - Smith County Election Commission](https://smithcountyelection.com/upload_petitions/petitions.pdf) - accessed 2026-07-23\n[2] [County Commissioners - Smith County Government](https://smithcotn.com/county-commissioners/) - accessed 2026-07-23","birthdate":null,"firstname":"TRESSA","fullname":"TRESSA D. BUSH","lastname":"BUSH","middlename":"D.","suffix":null,"summary":"Sitting Smith County Commissioner for District 8 (Chestnut Mound) running as an Independent for the District 8 school-board seat in 2026.","token":"8edJdQsT8p"},{"bio_snippet":"","biography":null,"birthdate":null,"firstname":"Bonnie","fullname":"Bonnie Butler","lastname":"Butler","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"summary":null,"token":"JtQsDKTM2X"},{"bio_snippet":"Deb Butler is the Democratic incumbent for North Carolina House District\u202f18, seeking re\u2011election in 2026 after serving since 2017.","biography":"Deborah Armfield \"Deb\" Butler is the incumbent Democratic member of the North Carolina House of Representatives for District 18, a seat she has held since her appointment on February 6, 2017. Her current term runs until January\u202f1,\u202f2027, and she is on the ballot for re\u2011election in the November\u202f3,\u202f2026 general election [2][8]. As a state representative, Butler is responsible for drafting, debating, and voting on state legislation, serving on standing committees, and representing the interests of her constituents in New Hanover County.\n\nButler was born in Columbia, South Carolina. She earned a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Tennessee, Knoxville in 1983 and a Juris Doctor from Wake Forest University School of Law in 1986 [2][8][12]. She is married to Anni\u202fParra and resides in Wilmington, North Carolina.\n\nProfessionally, Butler works as an attorney. She is the managing partner of The Butler Firm, a law practice based in Wilmington, and has practiced law since graduating from law school [12][2]. Her legal background informs her legislative work, particularly on judiciary and regulatory issues.\n\nButler first entered state politics in 2012 when she ran for the North Carolina Senate\u2019s District\u202f9 seat, losing to incumbent Republican Thom\u202fGoolsby by about eight points [8]. In 2017 Governor Roy\u202fCooper appointed her to the House to fill the vacancy left by Susi\u202fHamilton, who moved to lead the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources. Since then, Butler has been re\u2011elected four times (2018, 2020, 2022, 2024), most recently winning 82.7% of the vote against write\u2011in candidate Wallace\u202fWest in 2024 [2][8].\n\nDuring the 2023\u20112024 session, Butler serves on the Banking, Commerce, House Finance, Judiciary\u202fII, Regulatory Reform, and UNC Board of Governors Nominations committees [2]. In prior sessions she has also sat on Transportation, Redistricting, Aging, State and Local Government, and State Personnel committees, reflecting a broad policy portfolio.\n\nIn the legislature, Butler has championed measures to improve government accountability. In 2025\u20112026 she co\u2011authored a proposal for a constitutional amendment that would require the state to pass a budget on time, with enforcement provisions that could suspend legislators\u2019 pay if deadlines are missed. She has also spoken out against a proposed amendment that would limit local property\u2011tax increases, arguing it could harm essential services such as schools and police [10].\n\nButler\u2019s work has earned her several recognitions, including the Tammy Baldwin Breakout Award from the Victory Institute and the North Carolina League of Conservation Voters\u2019 Legislator of the Year \u201cGreen Tie\u201d award, highlighting her leadership on progressive and environmental issues [20]. She holds leadership roles on numerous community boards, including the New Hanover Commission for Women, Equality\u202fNorth\u202fCarolina, and the Historic Wilmington Commission, and she is a member of the Progressive House Caucus.\n\nHer 2026 campaign emphasizes continued investment in public education, modern infrastructure, and policies that support working families while attracting new businesses to the state. The campaign website states her commitment to \u201cguarantee a stellar public education for every child, build state\u2011of\u2011the\u2011art infrastructure, and cultivate a culture that welcomes new businesses while supporting working families\u201d [11].\n\n## Sources\n- [2] [Deb Butler - Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Deb_Butler)\n- [6] [Representative Deb Butler - Biography - North Carolina General Assembly](https://www.ncleg.gov/Members/Biography/H/730)\n- [8] [Deb Butler - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Deb_Butler)\n- [9] [Deborah Butler's Political Summary](https://justfacts.votesmart.org/candidate/136591/deborah-butler)\n- [10] [News - Deb Butler](https://www.electdebbutler.com/news)\n- [11] [Deb Butler for NC House District 18](https://www.electdebbutler.com/)\n- [12] [Vote Smart | Facts For All](https://justfacts.votesmart.org/candidate/biography/136591/deborah-butler)\n- [14] [Deborah Butler (@deb.butler.nc) - Wilmington](https://www.facebook.com/deb.butler.nc/)\n- [17] [Deb Butler - NC House District 18 | Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/deborah.butler.nc/)\n- [20] [Deborah Butler | Center for Climate Integrity](http://climateintegrity.org/projects/leaders-network/deborah-butler)","birthdate":null,"firstname":"Deborah","fullname":"Deborah Armfield Butler","lastname":"Butler","middlename":"Armfield","suffix":null,"summary":"Deb Butler is the Democratic incumbent for North Carolina House District\u202f18, seeking re\u2011election in 2026 after serving since 2017.","token":"9c1134a4b5e4e9b7"},{"bio_snippet":"","biography":null,"birthdate":null,"firstname":"Donna","fullname":"Donna R. Butler","lastname":"Butler","middlename":"R.","suffix":null,"summary":null,"token":"09cdAJQDdS"},{"bio_snippet":"Ed Butler is a Republican member of the Tennessee House of Representatives for District 41, assuming office in November 2022.","biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\n\nEd Butler is a Republican member of the Tennessee House of Representatives representing District 41, having assumed office on November 8, 2022 [1][3]. His current term concludes on November 3, 2026 [1]. Butler is seeking re-election to the Tennessee House of Representatives for District 41 and appears on the ballot in the Republican primary scheduled for August 6, 2026 [1].\n\nButler describes himself as a U.S. Navy veteran, small business owner, and community volunteer who identifies as a Christian and a patriot [4][8]. He states that his campaign vision focuses on improving economic growth to help families remain in District 41 for generations [5]. The district he represents includes parts of Overton, Morgan, Fentress, Roane, and Anderson counties [5].\n\n## Background and education\n\nEd Butler is a self-employed small businessman and a United States Navy veteran [4]. He states that he has been a small business owner for over twenty years and previously worked as a fire sprinkler contractor [1]. Butler describes himself as a proud Christian, Republican, and Patriot [8].\n\nButler was raised by Christian parents and is the oldest of three boys [4]. His parents married in June 1966 [4]. He resides in Rickman, Tennessee [6]. Specific details regarding his birth year, birthplace, or formal academic degrees are not provided in the available sources.\n\n## Career\n\nEd Butler is a self-employed small business owner who has operated his company for over twenty years [4][13]. He works as a fire sprinkler contractor and states that he understands the value of hard work and fair dealings through his professional experience [1][4]. His business operations have included projects in areas such as Brush Creek, Tennessee [14].\n\nButler is a veteran of the United States Navy [4][8]. He identifies as a patriot and a lifetime member of the National Rifle Association [8]. Outside of his professional life, he has served on the executive board of Adult & Teen Challenge of The Upper Cumberland [1].\n\n## Office history\n\nEd Butler has held only one elected office to date. He was first elected to the Tennessee House of Representatives for District 41 in November 2022 and assumed office on November 8, 2022 [1][3]. As a member of the Republican Party, he serves a two-year term that ends on November 3, 2026 [1][2]. The district covers portions of Overton, Morgan, Fentress, Roane, and Anderson counties [5].\n\nButler is currently running for re-election to the Tennessee House of Representatives in District 41. He is listed as a candidate on the ballot for the Republican primary scheduled for August 6, 2026 [1][12]. As this election date is after May 11, 2026, the outcome of this race is unknown.\n\nThe provided sources do not contain information regarding other elected or appointed offices held by Butler, nor do they document any prior races he has run and lost.\n\n## Legislative record and accomplishments\n\nEd Butler assumed office in the Tennessee House of Representatives for District 41 on November 8, 2022 [1][3]. As a Republican member of the chamber, he serves a two-year term that ends on November 3, 2026 [1][2]. During his tenure, legislative tracking services have recorded his activity in the Tennessee House, though specific bill numbers sponsored or co-sponsored are not detailed in the available records [9].\n\nButler\u2019s policy positions and legislative priorities are characterized by a focus on economic growth and local community values. He states that his vision for District 41 is to improve economic conditions so that families can remain in their communities for generations [5]. As a small business owner and fire sprinkler contractor, he emphasizes the importance of job creation and fair dealings in his legislative approach [1][4].\n\nIn terms of voting records, advocacy groups have assigned him a lifetime score of 82 and a leadership grade of C [11]. He is a lifetime member of the National Rifle Association and identifies as a patriotic American and Christian, positions that inform his public service platform [8]. Butler also serves on the executive board of Adult & Teen Challenge of The Upper Cumberland, reflecting his commitment to community volunteerism alongside his legislative duties [1].\n\n## Business interests and wealth source\n\nEd Butler self-describes as a self-employed small businessman who has owned businesses for over twenty years [4]. His career experience includes working as a fire sprinkler contractor [1]. He identifies himself as a \"proud... small business owner\" and states that he knows how to create jobs based on this background [8].\n\nButler\u2019s campaign materials emphasize his role as a father, husband, and business owner when discussing economic growth in District 41 [5]. He asserts that his personal vision is to improve economic conditions so that families can remain in the district for generations [5]. Specific details regarding his ownership stakes, the names of his businesses, or any sales of those enterprises are not provided in the available sources.\n\nAvailable biographical profiles do not list specific financial disclosure facts, such as income ranges or asset values, beyond noting his status as a small business owner and Navy veteran [7]. There is no information in the provided sources regarding family wealth sources or significant financial disclosures beyond these general professional descriptors [10].\n\n## Family\n\nEd Butler self-describes as a husband and father [4]. He states that he was raised by Christian parents who had been married for fifty-six years as of June 2022 [4]. Butler identifies himself as the oldest of three boys [4]. He emphasizes his role as a parent, stating that a primary motivation for his public service is ensuring that children in District 41 can return to their hometowns and raise families while maintaining family traditions and values [5].\n\n## Sources\n[1] [Ed Butler (Tennessee) - Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Ed_Butler_(Tennessee))\n[2] [Tennessee House of Representatives District 41 - Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Tennessee_House_of_Representatives_District_41)\n[3] [Ed Butler (politician) - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ed_Butler_(politician))\n[4] [About - Vote Ed Butler For TennesseeVote Ed Butler For Tennessee](https://edbutlerfortn.com/about/)\n[5] [Home - Vote Ed Butler For TennesseeVote Ed Butler For Tennessee | Standing Up For Overton, Morgan, Fentress, Roane, and Anderson Counties!](https://edbutlerfortn.com/)\n[6] [Contact - Vote Ed Butler For TennesseeVote Ed Butler For Tennessee](https://edbutlerfortn.com/contact/)\n[7] [Vote-USA | Ed Butler | Currently Elected State Representative District 41, Tennessee](https://vote-usa.org/intro.aspx?state=tn&id=tnbutlered)\n[8] [Ed Butler](https://edbutler.org/)\n[9] [State Representative Ed Butler | BillTrack50](https://www.billtrack50.com/legislatordetail/28509)\n[10] [Tennessee State Rep. Ed Butler - Biography | LegiStorm](https://www.legistorm.com/person/bio/441840/Ed_Butler.html)\n[11] [Tennessee House District 41 - Butler - TLRC](https://tnreportcard.org/representatives/tn-hd41-butler/)\n[12] [Ed Butler | BallotReady](https://www.ballotready.org/people/ed-butler-40f867be-3bd3-428d-b5f2-1cf7d52c3ffc)\n[13] [Representative Ed Butler \u2014 Tennessee House Republican Caucus](https://tnhousegop.org/members/representative-ed-butler/)\n[14] [Ed and Karyn Butler | Tennessee | Read Reviews + Get a Bid | BuildZoom](https://www.buildzoom.com/contractor/ed-and-karyn-butler)","birthdate":"Wed, 29 Sep 1976 00:00:00 GMT","firstname":"Ed","fullname":"Ed Butler","lastname":"Butler","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"summary":"Ed Butler is a Republican member of the Tennessee House of Representatives for District 41, assuming office in November 2022.","token":"Q7ILHtZAX9"},{"bio_snippet":"Current office and 2026 campaign Gary Bernard Butler is a candidate for Cherokee County Board Of Education District Ii in Cherokee County, North Carolina in the 2026 election cycle. The North Carolina primary is scheduled for March 3, 2026, with the general election on November 3","biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\nGary Bernard Butler is a candidate for Cherokee County Board Of Education District Ii in Cherokee County, North Carolina in the 2026 election cycle. The North Carolina primary is scheduled for March 3, 2026, with the general election on November 3, 2026.\n\nNo additional biographical information is currently available for this candidate. Voters seeking more information are encouraged to contact local news sources, the county Board of Elections, or the candidate's campaign directly.\n","birthdate":null,"firstname":"Gary","fullname":"Gary Bernard Butler","lastname":"Butler","middlename":"Bernard","suffix":null,"summary":null,"token":"0c999f7d4e24067d"},{"bio_snippet":"","biography":null,"birthdate":null,"firstname":"James","fullname":"James Butler","lastname":"Butler","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"summary":null,"token":"aTDLNy4Mcn"},{"bio_snippet":"Per the NC voter file: REP voter in Scotland County since 1994.","biography":"According to the North Carolina voter file, Jason Leon Butler is a registered voter in Scotland County, North Carolina, registered since 1994 (32 years), with party affiliation listed as Republican [1].\n\nThe voter file shows Jason Leon Butler's year of birth as 1975; NC publishes only the year of birth in its bulk voter export, so day and month are not part of the public record [1].\n\nThe voter history file shows 14 elections voted in since 2016, most recently the 2026-03-03 primary election [2].\n\nThis summary draws only from the public North Carolina voter registration and history records. No additional published biographical information was located. Voters with personal knowledge of Jason Leon Butler can reach ballotproject.org with corrections or additions.\n\n## Sources\n[1] [North Carolina State Board of Elections \u2014 Voter Search](https://vt.ncsbe.gov/RegLkup/)\n\n[2] North Carolina State Board of Elections voter history file (`ncvhis_Statewide`), published at [dl.ncsbe.gov](https://dl.ncsbe.gov/)","birthdate":null,"firstname":"Jason","fullname":"Jason Leon Butler","lastname":"Butler","middlename":"Leon","suffix":null,"summary":"Per the NC voter file: REP voter in Scotland County since 1994.","token":"12bd1f84fd1e0b17"},{"bio_snippet":"Current office and 2026 campaign Joseph G. Butler is the incumbent Carroll County Mayor, running as the Republican candidate for re election in the August 6, 2026 general election 1 . Career Butler has served as Carroll County Mayor, with his office based at the county courthouse","biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\nJoseph G. Butler is the incumbent Carroll County Mayor, running as the Republican candidate for re-election in the August 6, 2026 general election [1].\n\n## Career\nButler has served as Carroll County Mayor, with his office based at the county courthouse complex in Huntingdon [1]. In 2023, he was selected for a class of Leadership Tennessee, a statewide leadership-development program [2].\n\n## Sources\n[1] Carroll County, Tennessee, official government website, accessed July 2026: https://www.carrollcountytn.gov/\n[2] The McKenzie Banner, \"Leadership Tennessee Names Mayor Joseph Butler to Class,\" July 18, 2023.","birthdate":null,"firstname":"Joseph","fullname":"Joseph G. Butler","lastname":"Butler","middlename":"G.","suffix":null,"summary":null,"token":"0X5vpXpV2X"},{"bio_snippet":"Philip Nolan Butler is a Republican candidate for an at\u2011large seat on the Rockingham County Board of Education in 2026, previously running for the same seat in 2022.","biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\nPhilip Nolan Butler is a Republican candidate for one of three at-large seats on the Rockingham County Board of Education in the 2026 election. He appeared on the county's official Republican primary ballot (March 3, 2026) for the at-large seats alongside Kimberley Thompson-Hairston, Synthya Penaloza, and Kimberly McMichael [1].\n\n## Office history\nButler previously sought the same at-large seat in 2022. He was one of four Republican candidates in the May 17, 2022 primary, along with Jim Fink, Kimberly Walker McMichael, and Paula Harvell Rakestraw, and appeared on the November 8, 2022 general-election ballot as one of three Republican nominees for the three at-large positions, alongside McMichael and Rakestraw [2].\n\n## Sources\n[1] [Sample Ballot \u2013 Republican Party Primary, Rockingham County, North Carolina, March 3, 2026](https://files.municipalone.com/rockinghamcounty-nc/SampleBallot-R-Stoneville1390100834123025AM.pdf)\n[2] [Philip Butler (Rockingham County Board of Education At-Large, North Carolina, candidate 2022) - Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Philip_Butler_(Rockingham_County_Board_of_Education_At-Large,_North_Carolina,_candidate_2022))","birthdate":null,"firstname":"Philip","fullname":"Philip Nolan Butler","lastname":"Butler","middlename":"Nolan","suffix":null,"summary":"Philip Nolan Butler is a Republican candidate for an at\u2011large seat on the Rockingham County Board of Education in 2026, previously running for the same seat in 2022.","token":"52d0bfa106821c4c"},{"bio_snippet":"","biography":null,"birthdate":null,"firstname":"Rev.","fullname":"Rev. Dr. John Butler","lastname":"Butler","middlename":"Dr. John","suffix":null,"summary":null,"token":"5PdSxRURde"},{"bio_snippet":"Per the NC voter file: DEM voter in Buncombe County since 1998.","biography":"According to the North Carolina voter file, Ronald Blake Butler is a registered voter in Buncombe County, North Carolina, registered since 1998 (28 years), with party affiliation listed as Democratic [1].\n\nThe voter file shows Ronald Blake Butler's year of birth as 1968; NC publishes only the year of birth in its bulk voter export, so day and month are not part of the public record [1].\n\nThe voter history file shows 10 elections voted in since 2016, most recently the 2026-03-03 primary election [2].\n\nThis summary draws only from the public North Carolina voter registration and history records. No additional published biographical information was located. Voters with personal knowledge of Ronald Blake Butler can reach ballotproject.org with corrections or additions.\n\n## Sources\n[1] [North Carolina State Board of Elections \u2014 Voter Search](https://vt.ncsbe.gov/RegLkup/)\n\n[2] North Carolina State Board of Elections voter history file (`ncvhis_Statewide`), published at [dl.ncsbe.gov](https://dl.ncsbe.gov/)","birthdate":null,"firstname":"Ronald","fullname":"Ronald Blake Butler","lastname":"Butler","middlename":"Blake","suffix":null,"summary":"Per the NC voter file: DEM voter in Buncombe County since 1998.","token":"84e9459fd3e90aa6"},{"bio_snippet":"Sherry Edmonds Butler, a Republican incumbent commissioner since 2014, is running for re\u2011election to the Catawba County Board of Commissioners in 2026.","biography":"Sherry Edmonds Butler is a Republican incumbent serving on the Catawba County Board of Commissioners and is a candidate for re\u2011election in the November\u202f3,\u202f2026 general election.  Butler has represented the county since 2014 and continues to hold leadership roles on several regional boards while emphasizing education, public health, and emergency services.\n\nA longtime Newton resident, Butler retired as executive director of The Green Room Community Theatre, Inc., and has been active in the Newton\u2011Conover Rotary Club, serving twice as its president.  She also served on the Catawba County Board of Education for many years, later becoming chair of the board of directors for the K\u201164 Education Board and a member of the North Carolina Association of County Commissioners\u2019 Public Education Steering Committee.  Butler holds seats on the Catawba Valley Community College Board of Trustees and the Catawba County Social Services Board, where she serves as chair.\n\nIn her capacity as commissioner, Butler has overseen a range of county initiatives.  In May\u202f2021 she was selected for the inaugural Hunt State Policy Fellows Program, a statewide leadership cohort focused on education governance and policy\u2011making [1].  She has chaired the Catawba County Social Services Board, a role confirmed by the state Department of Health and Human Services staff list [3][5].  Butler also chairs the county\u2019s Social Services Board and serves on the county\u2019s Policy and Public Works Subcommittee.  In December\u202f2021 she participated in a groundbreaking ceremony for a new 5,925\u2011square\u2011foot Emergency Medical Services base in Newton, illustrating her involvement in public\u2011safety infrastructure projects [2].\n\nButler\u2019s public service record includes appointments to the statewide Justus\u2011Warren Heart Disease and Stroke Prevention Task Force and leadership of the Catawba County Social Services Board, which advises on department policies affecting health, child welfare, and economic services.  Her community\u2011service background, combined with her long tenure on the county commission, positions her as a seasoned local official seeking to continue her work on education, health, and emergency\u2011services issues.\n\nButler\u2019s campaign for 2026 is listed as a Republican candidacy for the Catawba County Board of Commissioners, though a formal campaign website has not been identified in the available sources.\n\n## Sources\n- [1] [Catawba County Government - Catawba County North Carolina](https://catawbacountync.gov/news/commissioner-butler-selected-to-inaugural-hunt-state-policy-fellows-program/)\n- [2] [Catawba County - Catawba County Government - Catawba County North Carolina](https://www.catawbacountync.gov/news/commissioners-break-ground-at-site-of-future-new-ems-base-in-newton/)\n- [3] [Catawba County Department of Social Services | NCDHHS](https://www.ncdhhs.gov/divisions/social-services/catawba-county-department-social-services)\n- [5] [Catawba County - Catawba County Government - Catawba County North Carolina](https://www.catawbacountync.gov/news/social-services-celebrates-new-retiring-board-members/)\n- [6] [Upcoming Election | NCSBE](https://www.ncsbe.gov/voting/upcoming-election)\n- [7] [Candidate Lists | NCSBE](https://www.ncsbe.gov/results-data/candidate-lists)\n- [9] [Catawba County Schools - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sherrills_Ford_Elementary_School)\n- [10] [Catawba County Schools - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catawba_County_Schools)\n- [11] [Vote-USA | Sherry Edmonds Butler | Previous Candidate for Catawba County Board of Commissioners, Catawba County, North Carolina](https://vote-usa.org/Intro.aspx?State=NC&Id=NCButlerSherryEdmonds)\n- [12] [Candidate Profiles \u2013 NC Voter Guide](https://ncvoterguide.org/profiles/)","birthdate":null,"firstname":"Sherry","fullname":"Sherry Edmonds Butler","lastname":"Butler","middlename":"Edmonds","suffix":null,"summary":"Sherry Edmonds Butler, a Republican incumbent commissioner since 2014, is running for re\u2011election to the Catawba County Board of Commissioners in 2026.","token":"8d4b3ae01b59e11b"},{"bio_snippet":"","biography":null,"birthdate":null,"firstname":"William","fullname":"William Butler","lastname":"Butler","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"summary":null,"token":"6lArYUSTZn"},{"bio_snippet":"Sheila Butt is the Republican incumbent Maury County mayor and a former Tennessee state representative for District 64, seeking re-election in 2026.","biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\nSheila Butt is the incumbent mayor of Maury County, Tennessee, elected August 4, 2022, and sworn in August 30, 2022, succeeding Andy Ogles [1]. She is running for re-election in 2026, and the Maury County Republican Party endorsed her in the mayor's race [4][5]. She has said her priorities include controlling growth while preserving the county's character and ensuring new development bears its own infrastructure costs [2].\n\n## Background and education\nButt was born November 20, 1951, in Rockford, Illinois [1]. She earned a Bachelor of Science cum laude in English with a history minor from East Tennessee State University and completed a 1980 Women's Certificate Program at Bear Valley School of Biblical Studies [1].\n\n## Career\nButt co-founded and managed S&S Bovine Images and Tennessee Cattle Business, served as a lecturer at Freed-Hardeman University, and was managing partner of MacInk Printers, Inc. [1]. She describes herself as \"a former business owner\" [2].\n\n## Office history\nButt represented District 64 in the Tennessee House of Representatives from January 2011 to January 2019, covering Columbia, Mount Pleasant, and Spring Hill, and served as Republican Majority Floor Leader [1]. She has cited hotel/motel tax legislation for Columbia and her 2015 opposition to the federal \"Waters of the U.S.\" rule among her legislative accomplishments [2].\n\n## Documented disputes and controversies\nIn June 2022, during the mayoral campaign, Butt was sued for defamation in Maury County Circuit Court by David Baker, a minister and former volunteer chaplain at the Maury County Jail, over text messages he alleged she sent to a Republican activist; the suit asserted she \"acted with actual malice with the intent of harming\" him [3]. As a state legislator, Butt drew criticism in 2015 for a social media post referencing the \"National Association for the Advancement of White People,\" which she later said she had intended as \"National Association for the Advancement of Western Peoples\" [1]. She also opposed rape and incest exceptions to abortion waiting periods, saying such cases are \"not verifiable,\" and in 2014 called for a state investigation into the Humane Society of the United States' fundraising practices [1].\n\n## Family\nButt is married to Stan R. Butt and has three sons [1]. One son, Kyle, directs Biblical research at Apologetics Press [1].\n\n## Sources\n[1] [Sheila Butt](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sheila_Butt) \u2014 accessed 2026-07-22\n[2] [Candidate announcement: Sheila Butt for Maury County Mayor](https://mainstreetmediatn.com/articles/mainstreetmaury/candidate-announcement-sheila-butt-for-maury-county-mayor/) \u2014 accessed 2026-07-22\n[3] [Former state lawmaker Sheila Butt sued for defamation (Tennessee Lookout)](https://tennesseelookout.com/briefs/former-state-lawmaker-sheila-butt-sued-for-defamation/) \u2014 accessed 2026-07-22\n[4] [Candidates for office register with Maury County Election Commission](https://mainstreetmediatn.com/articles/mainstreetmaury/candidates-for-office-register-with-maury-county-election-commission/) \u2014 accessed 2026-07-22\n[5] [Maury County GOP endorses Sheila Butt in county mayor's race](https://mainstreetmediatn.com/articles/mainstreetmaury/maury-county-gop-endorses-sheila-butt-in-county-mayors-race/) \u2014 accessed 2026-07-22","birthdate":null,"firstname":"Sheila","fullname":"Sheila Butt","lastname":"Butt","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"summary":"Sheila Butt is the Republican incumbent Maury County mayor and a former Tennessee state representative for District 64, seeking re-election in 2026.","token":"rbqhOUO6Fw"},{"bio_snippet":"Current office and 2026 campaign David Bari Buzzard ran as a Republican in the 2026 primary for North Carolina's 7th Congressional District, challenging incumbent David Rouzer. He lost the March 3, 2026 Republican primary to Rouzer. Background and education Buzzard is from Fayett","biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\n\nDavid Bari Buzzard ran as a Republican in the 2026 primary for North Carolina's 7th Congressional District, challenging incumbent David Rouzer. He lost the March 3, 2026 Republican primary to Rouzer.\n\n## Background and education\n\nBuzzard is from Fayetteville, North Carolina. He is a U.S. Army veteran. He earned a bachelor's degree from the University of North Carolina Wilmington.\n\n## Career\n\nBuzzard has worked as a veterans advocate and has been affiliated with HBOT4Heroes, an organization focused on hyperbaric oxygen therapy for veterans.\n\n## Sources\n- [1] [David Buzzard \u2013 Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/David_Buzzard_(North_Carolina))","birthdate":null,"firstname":"David","fullname":"David Bari Buzzard","lastname":"Buzzard","middlename":"Bari","suffix":null,"summary":null,"token":"a3a33f798728a4d1"},{"bio_snippet":"Per the NC voter file: REP voter in Davidson County since 2018.","biography":"**Shirley Algiere Byerly ran in the March 3, 2026 Republican primary for Davidson County Board of Commissioners (four seats, twelve Republican candidates) but did not finish among the top four vote-getters and will not appear on the November 3, 2026 general-election ballot; Dexter M. Short, Dwight D. Cornelison, Matt Mizell, and Robbie Beasley won the Republican nominations [3].**\n\nAccording to the North Carolina voter file, Shirley Algiere Byerly is a registered voter in Davidson County, North Carolina, registered since 2018 (8 years), with party affiliation listed as Republican [1].\n\nThe voter file shows Shirley Algiere Byerly's year of birth as 1959; NC publishes only the year of birth in its bulk voter export, so day and month are not part of the public record [1].\n\nThe voter history file shows 11 elections voted in since 2016, most recently the 2026-03-03 primary election [2].\n\nThis summary draws only from the public North Carolina voter registration and history records. No additional published biographical information was located. Voters with personal knowledge of Shirley Algiere Byerly can reach ballotproject.org with corrections or additions.\n\n## Sources\n[1] [North Carolina State Board of Elections \u2014 Voter Search](https://vt.ncsbe.gov/RegLkup/)\n\n[2] North Carolina State Board of Elections voter history file (`ncvhis_Statewide`), published at [dl.ncsbe.gov](https://dl.ncsbe.gov/)\n\n[3] North Carolina State Board of Elections \u2014 2026 candidate filing lists: [March 3, 2026 primary candidate list](https://s3.amazonaws.com/dl.ncsbe.gov/Elections/2026/Candidate%20Filing/2026_primary_candidate_detail_list.pdf) and [November 3, 2026 general candidate list](https://s3.amazonaws.com/dl.ncsbe.gov/Elections/2026/Candidate%20Filing/2026_general_candidate_detail_list.pdf) (candidate appears in the primary list but not the general list)","birthdate":null,"firstname":"Shirley","fullname":"Shirley Algiere Byerly","lastname":"Byerly","middlename":"Algiere","suffix":null,"summary":"Per the NC voter file: REP voter in Davidson County since 2018.","token":"f226a2cd3196af6d"}]