[{"bio_snippet":"Incumbent Clerk Michelle Ball seeks re\u2011election, emphasizing funding for deputy clerks and continued professional development.","biography":"Michelle Lynn Ball is the incumbent Clerk of Superior Court for Johnston County, North Carolina, and is seeking re\u2011election in the November\u202f3,\u202f2026 race for Johnston County Clerk of Superior Court as a Republican candidate. The Clerk of Superior Court is the chief judicial administrator for the county, responsible for maintaining all civil and criminal court records, processing filings, issuing orders, and ensuring that a clerk is present for every court session. In criminal matters, the clerk\u2019s office prepares release orders and other documents that judges must sign before a defendant can be released from jail, a function Ball has highlighted in recent testimony before county commissioners [2].\n\nBall was first elected to the office in 2014, succeeding long\u2011time Clerk Will\u202fCrocker, and has since overseen a staff of 43 employees [11]. She was sworn in again on December\u202f2,\u202f2024, where she helped administer the oath of office to newly elected county commissioners, underscoring her role as a senior elected official in Johnston County [5]. Ball lives in Smithfield with her husband, Jerry, a local land surveyor, and their four children. She is an active member of First Baptist Church, where she teaches Sunday school to fifth\u2011 and sixth\u2011grade students [11].\n\nDuring her tenure, Ball has emphasized professional development, regularly attending training offered by the UNC School of Government and the Administrative Office of the Courts. She serves as Chairman of the Resource Committee and as a member of the Legislative and Technology Committees of the Conference of Clerks of Superior Court, and she participates in the North Carolina Guardianship Association and the National College of Probate Judges [11]. These roles reflect the broader responsibilities of a clerk to stay current on legal technology, policy, and best practices that affect court operations.\n\nIn recent months, Ball has confronted rapid growth in the county\u2019s caseload. She told Johnston County Commissioners that filings\u2014including evictions and criminal traffic cases\u2014have \u201cgone up exponentially,\u201d creating staffing shortfalls that threaten timely justice and public safety [2]. To address this, she formally requested $1\u202fmillion from the county to hire 11 deputy clerks, arguing that while the state funds the clerk\u2019s office, the General Assembly\u2019s budget impasse has left local resources stagnant at the 2024\u201125 level. Ball stressed that deputy clerks are essential for maintaining service standards and for ensuring that individuals are not held in jail longer than necessary while paperwork is processed [2].\n\nBall\u2019s platform for the 2026 election builds on these themes: securing adequate funding for deputy clerks, continuing professional training, and leveraging her committee work to advocate for state resources that support Johnston County\u2019s growing judicial needs. Her record of community involvement, long\u2011standing public service, and active participation in statewide clerk organizations positions her as a candidate with both administrative experience and a clear agenda for the county\u2019s courts.\n\n## Sources\n- [2] [Johnston County, North Carolina Official Home Page](https://www.johnstonnc.gov/content.cfm?id=1935)\n- [5] [Johnston County, North Carolina | Oath of Office Ceremony Welcomes New and Returning Leaders](https://www.johnstonnc.gov/content.cfm?id=1820)\n- [9] [Clerk of Superior Court | Government](https://business.triangleeastchamber.com/list/member/clerk-of-superior-court-smithfield-6922)\n- [11] [Clerk Of Court Michelle Ball Files For Second Term \u2013 JoCo Report](https://jocoreport.com/clerk-of-court-michelle-ball-files-for-second-term/)","birthdate":null,"firstname":"Michelle","fullname":"Michelle Lynn Ball","lastname":"Ball","middlename":"Lynn","suffix":null,"summary":"Incumbent Clerk Michelle Ball seeks re\u2011election, emphasizing funding for deputy clerks and continued professional development.","token":"6a320afcd0581c47"},{"bio_snippet":"","biography":null,"birthdate":null,"firstname":"WILMA","fullname":"WILMA BALL","lastname":"BALL","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"summary":null,"token":"TW3xDyo32V"},{"bio_snippet":"Corey Earl Ballance Sr., a Democratic Bertie County Commissioner first elected in 2022, is running for re\u2011election to District\u202f03 in 2026.","biography":"Corey Earl Ballance Sr. is a Democratic incumbent serving as a Bertie County Commissioner for District\u202fIII, a seat whose term runs until 2026, and he is a candidate for re\u2011election to the Bertie County Board of Commissioners District\u202f03 in the November\u202f3,\u202f2026 general election [5][1].\n\nBallance earned his bachelor\u2019s degree from Shaw University, as noted on the county\u2019s official website [5]. He later founded and operates Corey B. Handy, LLC, a local business that provides handyman services throughout the county [5].\n\nHis public\u2011service r\u00e9sum\u00e9 includes service as a member of the Aulander Town Council, senior pastor of First Baptist Church in Colerain, and vice\u2011president of the MAP Community Development Corporation, a nonprofit focused on local economic development [5]. He is also a member of the Omega\u202fPsi\u202fPhi fraternity, Rho\u202fRho Chapter [5].\n\nBallance was first elected to the Bertie County Board of Commissioners in the November\u202f8,\u202f2022 general election, defeating unaffiliated challenger Tammy Lee for the District\u202f3 seat [1]. He is currently completing his first term and seeks a second term in the 2026 race. While he did not complete Ballotpedia\u2019s Candidate Connection survey, the site lists a contact email (coreyballance@gmail.com) for voter outreach [1].\n\nAs a commissioner, Ballance\u2019s responsibilities include representing the interests of the Colerain\u202f1\u202f&\u202f2 and Mitchells\u202f1\u202f&\u202f2 precincts, participating in county budget decisions, and overseeing local services and development initiatives. His ongoing work focuses on community development, infrastructure improvements, and supporting local businesses, reflecting his background as a small\u2011business owner and community leader.\n\n## Sources\n- [1] [Corey Ballance Sr. (Bertie County Board of Commissioners District 3, North Carolina, candidate 2022) - Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Corey_Ballance_Sr._(Bertie_County_Board_of_Commissioners_District_3,_North_Carolina,_candidate_2022))\n- [5] [Corey Ballance, Sr. - Bertie County](http://www.co.bertie.nc.us/commissioners/ballance.html)","birthdate":null,"firstname":"Corey","fullname":"Corey Earl Ballance SR","lastname":"Ballance","middlename":"Earl","suffix":"SR","summary":"Corey Earl Ballance Sr., a Democratic Bertie County Commissioner first elected in 2022, is running for re\u2011election to District\u202f03 in 2026.","token":"8df12546fb85cf99"},{"bio_snippet":"Sitting Lauderdale County commissioner for District 1 (term 2022-2026), seeking re-election in the August 2026 county general election.","biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\nMark Ballard is a candidate for the Lauderdale County Commission in District 1 in the August 6, 2026 county general election [1]. Mark currently serves as one of three commissioners representing District 1 [2][3].\n\n## Office history\nMark Ballard has served on the Lauderdale County Commission representing District 1 in a term running from September 1, 2022 to September 1, 2026 [2][3].\n\n## Sources\n[1] [Early Voting Notice: State Primary, County General, City of Ripley | Lauderdale Tennessee Elections](https://www.lauderdaletnelections.com/2026/07/06/early-voting-notice-state-primary-county-general-city-of-ripley/) \u2014 accessed 2026-07-23\n[2] [Government | Lauderdale County, TN](https://lauderdalecountytn.org/our-county/government/) \u2014 accessed 2026-07-23\n[3] [Mark Ballard, County Commissioner | UT County Technical Assistance Service](https://www.ctas.tennessee.edu/official/mark-ballard) \u2014 accessed 2026-07-23","birthdate":null,"firstname":"MARK","fullname":"MARK BALLARD","lastname":"BALLARD","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"summary":"Sitting Lauderdale County commissioner for District 1 (term 2022-2026), seeking re-election in the August 2026 county general election.","token":"nFepyOCRUQ"},{"bio_snippet":"Current office Phil Ballard serves as Knox County Assessor of Property, having been reelected in the August 2024 Republican primary for a term running through August 2028 1 2 . He previously held the same office from 2008 to 2016 1 2 . Background and education Ballard is a lifelo","biography":"## Current office\n\nPhil Ballard serves as Knox County Assessor of Property, having been reelected in the August 2024 Republican primary for a term running through August 2028 [1][2]. He previously held the same office from 2008 to 2016 [1][2].\n\n## Background and education\n\nBallard is a lifelong resident of East Knox County's Carter community, where he attended Carter High School and continues to reside with his wife, Cindy [2].\n\n## Career\n\nBallard worked for approximately 30 years in the insurance industry before entering public service [2]. He was first elected Knox County Property Assessor in 2008 and served two terms through 2016, implementing technology improvements and staff training programs [1][2]. He holds a Tennessee Real Estate License and the AAS designation from the International Association of Assessing Officers, and was voted East Tennessee Assessor of the Year by his peers [1]. He returned to the office following his August 2024 election [1][2].\n\nIn August 2025, a Knox County grand jury indicted Ballard on a felony count of official misconduct, alleging that between September 2024 and January 2025, he simultaneously drew a county vehicle and a travel allowance in violation of county policy [3][4]. A separate report indicated that Ballard and another individual acquired two parcels at a county tax sale in July 2024 for approximately $500 and subsequently sold them for more than $60,000 each [3]. Ballard posted a $5,000 bond and continued to serve as Property Assessor as the case proceeded [3][4].\n\n## Sources\n\n- [1] [Re-Elect Phil Ballard for Knox County Property Assessor \u2013 Campaign Website](https://www.ballardonballot.com/)\n- [2] [Election 2024: Property Assessor \u2013 Compass Knoxville](https://compassknox.com/2024/07/02/election-2024-property-assessor/)\n- [3] [Knox Co. Property Assessor Phil Ballard charged with official misconduct \u2013 WBIR](https://www.wbir.com/article/news/local/knox-co-property-assessor-phil-ballard-charged-with-official-misconduct-amid-ongoing-state-probe/51-a022271f-593a-4800-a894-e25fe8b11a42)\n- [4] [Knox County, TN property assessor indicted for official misconduct \u2013 WATE](https://www.wate.com/news/knox-county-news/knox-county-property-assessor-indicted-for-official-misconduct/)","birthdate":null,"firstname":"Phil","fullname":"Phil Ballard","lastname":"Ballard","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"summary":null,"token":"OBqD9U4z2k"},{"bio_snippet":"","biography":null,"birthdate":null,"firstname":"LANNY","fullname":"LANNY K. BANE","lastname":"BANE","middlename":"K.","suffix":null,"summary":null,"token":"EjEdVVJaxh"},{"bio_snippet":"Sitting Smith County Commissioner for District 7, seeking re-election as a Republican in an uncontested three-seat district race.","biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\nTommy Bane is a sitting Smith County Commissioner for District 7 and is seeking re-election as a Republican on the August 6, 2026 county general ballot [1][2]. He, Junior Fields and Connor D. McDonald were the only three candidates to qualify for the district's three seats [1].\n\n## Office history\nBane currently serves on the Smith County Commission representing District 7 [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":"TOMMY","fullname":"TOMMY BANE","lastname":"BANE","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"summary":"Sitting Smith County Commissioner for District 7, seeking re-election as a Republican in an uncontested three-seat district race.","token":"QiwTuGG91u"},{"bio_snippet":"David Paul Bankert is the Republican candidate for North Carolina State Senate District\u202f15 in the 2026 election.","biography":"David Paul Bankert is the Republican candidate for the North Carolina State Senate, District 15, on the November 3, 2026 general\u2011election ballot. The Republican primary for the seat was cancelled, placing him directly on the November ballot opposite incumbent Democrat Jay Chaudhuri [1].\n\nBorn in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, Bankert earned a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering from Carnegie Mellon University in 1978 and an MBA from the University of Pittsburgh in 1982 [1][15]. He resides in Raleigh, North Carolina, and lists a son among his family details [15].\n\nBankert\u2019s professional background spans engineering, manufacturing, construction, computer programming, and data work. He has described his career as involving \u201cjobs in the engineering, manufacturing, and construction industries\u201d [15][1]. No elected office has been held; his political experience consists of multiple runs for the state Senate. He was the Republican nominee for District\u202f13 in 2022, losing to Democrat Lisa\u202fGrafstein, and again ran for District\u202f15 in 2024, where he was defeated by incumbent Jay\u202fChaudhuri [1].\n\nIn his 2026 campaign, Bankert emphasizes reviving manufacturing in North Carolina and adopting \u201csensible crisis policies.\u201d He opposes legalizing sports betting, rejects state tax incentives aimed at attracting businesses, and stands against abortion access and state funding for abortion providers. His platform also supports mental\u2011health initiatives, \u201csolid, academic fundamentals\u201d in education, and policies that keep transgender women from competing on female sports teams. He advocates for election integrity, transparency, and protecting constitutional rights, and he opposes allowing schools to teach sexual orientation or gender identity to young children [15].\n\nBankert\u2019s campaign contact information includes a mailing address (PO Box\u202f58443, Raleigh, NC\u202f27658) and a phone number listed as 919\u2011215\u20115670 on VoteSmart\u2019s biography page [8]. A campaign website is provided at\u202fbank4ncsen.com [6].\n\n## Sources\n- [1] [David Bankert - Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/David_Bankert)\n- [5] [iVoterGuide - David Bankert iVoterGuide Profile](https://ivoterguide.com/candidate/65217/race/17556/election/1206)\n- [6] [Vote-USA | David Bankert | Previous Candidate for State Senator District 15, North Carolina](https://vote-usa.org/Intro.aspx?State=NC&Id=NCBankertDavid)\n- [8] [David Bankert's Biography](https://justfacts.votesmart.org/candidate/biography/207123/david-bankert)\n- [9] [David Bankert's Issue Positions (Political Courage Test)](https://justfacts.votesmart.org/candidate/political-courage-test/207123/david-bankert)\n- [13] [David Bankert For NC Senate](https://www.facebook.com/DavidBankertForNCSenate)\n- [14] [We are proud to endorse David Bankert for NC Senate!](https://www.facebook.com/WakeGOP/posts/we-are-proud-to-endorse-david-bankert-for-nc-senate/924367779724525/)\n- [15] [David Bankert platform & website | North Carolina State Senator, District 15](https://www.branch.vote/races/2024-nc-general-election-nc-state-state-senator-nc-state-senate-15/candidates/david-bankert)\n- [18] [David Bankert | BallotReady](https://www.ballotready.org/people/david-bankert)","birthdate":null,"firstname":"David","fullname":"David Paul Bankert","lastname":"Bankert","middlename":"Paul","suffix":null,"summary":"David Paul Bankert is the Republican candidate for North Carolina State Senate District\u202f15 in the 2026 election.","token":"0ee9c14e03f3767f"},{"bio_snippet":"Per the NC voter file: REP voter in Yancey County since 2000.","biography":"According to the North Carolina voter file, Gretchen England Banks is a registered voter in Yancey County, North Carolina, registered since 2000 (26 years), with party affiliation listed as Republican [1].\n\nThe voter file shows Gretchen England Banks's year of birth as 1980; 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 9 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 Gretchen England Banks 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":"Gretchen","fullname":"Gretchen England Banks","lastname":"Banks","middlename":"England","suffix":null,"summary":"Per the NC voter file: REP voter in Yancey County since 2000.","token":"9124d537adb2057a"},{"bio_snippet":"Jason Earl Banks, a former sheriff lieutenant and current school board member, is running for Currituck County Board of Education at\u2011large in 2026.","biography":"Jason Earl Banks is a candidate for the at\u2011large seat on the Currituck County Board of Education in the 2026 nonpartisan election. The board oversees K\u201112 public schools in the county, setting policy, approving budgets, and ensuring compliance with state education standards. Members are elected county\u2011wide and must reside in Currituck County, be registered voters, and meet any age or residency requirements set by North Carolina law.\n\nBanks lives in Currituck County with his wife, Melody, and their two children. He is an active member of Fellowship Baptist Church in Moyock, serving as chairman of the deacons and teaching Sunday school classes. His community involvement extends to public safety and education through his long career in law enforcement and his recent service on the school board.\n\nProfessionally, Banks owns and operates the Banks Real Estate Group, LLC, where he works as a licensed broker. Prior to his real\u2011estate work, he spent three decades in law\u2011enforcement roles. He served as a lieutenant for the Currituck County Sheriff\u2019s Office, a position that followed earlier assignments as a deputy sheriff from 2015 to 2017, during which he earned an annual salary of $63,602 according to county payroll records [7]. Earlier in his career he was a detective sergeant with the Elizabeth City Police Department and an agent for Long and Foster, a real\u2011estate firm.\n\nBanks entered the Board of Education in 2022 when the board appointed him to fill the unexpired term of the late Will Crodick, who had won an at\u2011large seat but died before taking office. Banks had placed second in the November 2022 election, and the board selected him based on that result and his experience in law enforcement and community service [10]. In his interview after the appointment, he emphasized a commitment to \u201cservice\u201d and expressed a desire to bridge the gap between the Board of Education and the Currituck Board of Commissioners, noting that both entities share the goal of supporting the county\u2019s children. He also highlighted his appreciation for the role a strong school system plays in the local business community and his ability to contribute to school safety, drawing on his background supervising school resource officers [10].\n\nDuring his tenure, Banks has advocated for collaborative governance, school safety, and resource allocation that benefits both students and the broader community. While he does not maintain a personal campaign website, his public statements and board activities are documented through local news outlets and the Branch.vote candidate profile, which lists his nonpartisan affiliation and outlines his personal and professional background [8]. Banks\u2019 candidacy for the 2026 at\u2011large seat reflects his continued commitment to education policy, community safety, and fiscal responsibility for Currituck County schools.\n\n## Sources\n- [7] [Jason Banks E | GovSalaries](https://govsalaries.com/banks-jason-e-31360586)\n- [8] [Jason Banks platform & website | Currituck County Board of Education Member](https://www.branch.vote/races/2024-nc-general-election-nc-state-county-board-of-education-member-nc-county-currituck/candidates/jason-banks)\n- [10] [Currituck board names Banks to serve out Crodick's term | | dailyadvance.com](https://www.dailyadvance.com/currituck-board-names-banks-to-serve-out-crodicks-term/article_d19af832-4f02-5977-9a0a-2a51d98b97d6.html)","birthdate":null,"firstname":"Jason","fullname":"Jason Earl Banks","lastname":"Banks","middlename":"Earl","suffix":null,"summary":"Jason Earl Banks, a former sheriff lieutenant and current school board member, is running for Currituck County Board of Education at\u2011large in 2026.","token":"7f80842023e539b5"},{"bio_snippet":"","biography":null,"birthdate":null,"firstname":"Minnie","fullname":"Minnie Blankenship Banks","lastname":"Banks","middlename":"Blankenship","suffix":null,"summary":null,"token":"6JV8bHlUtb"},{"bio_snippet":"Robert Seth Banks is the District Attorney for North Carolina's 35th Prosecutorial District, as indicated by Ballotpedia.","biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\nRobert Seth Banks, known as Seth Banks, is the District Attorney for Prosecutorial District 35, encompassing Avery, Madison, Mitchell, Watauga, and Yancey counties in North Carolina. He took the oath of office for his third full term on January 3, 2023. He filed as a Republican candidate for re-election on December 2, 2025.\n\n## Background and education\nBanks grew up in Yancey County, North Carolina, on a family farm that has been in his family for five generations. He graduated from Mountain Heritage High School, attended North Carolina State University for his undergraduate degree, and earned his Juris Doctor from Wake Forest University School of Law.\n\n## Career\nAfter law school, Banks worked as an Assistant District Attorney in North Carolina's Triad area for approximately six years. He was appointed to lead the 24th Prosecutorial District (later renumbered District 35) in June 2014 and was elected to a full term in November 2014, then re-elected in 2018 and 2022. He has prosecuted cases including first-degree murder, drug trafficking, crimes against children, and serious felony assaults. The North Carolina State Bar has certified him as a Specialist in State Criminal Law.\n\n## Family\nBanks is married to his high school sweetheart, Gretchen.\n\n## Sources\n- [1] [Prosecutorial District 35 \u2013 NC Conference of District Attorneys](https://www.ncdistrictattorney.org/district-attorney/prosecutorial-district-35/)\n- [2] [Banks sworn in for third term as District Attorney \u2013 Watauga Democrat](https://www.wataugademocrat.com/news/local/banks-sworn-in-for-third-term-as-district-attorney/article_1caf7220-9388-11ed-8e2b-338ed01457df.html)","birthdate":null,"firstname":"Robert","fullname":"Robert Seth Banks","lastname":"Banks","middlename":"Seth","suffix":null,"summary":"Robert Seth Banks is the District Attorney for North Carolina's 35th Prosecutorial District, as indicated by Ballotpedia.","token":"a8a144fd2f96d550"},{"bio_snippet":"Per the NC voter file: DEM voter in Rowan County since 2015.","biography":"According to the North Carolina voter file, Jonathan Stuart Barbee is a registered voter in Rowan County, North Carolina, registered since 2015 (11 years), with party affiliation listed as Democratic [1].\n\nThe voter file shows Jonathan Stuart Barbee's year of birth as 1998; 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 15 elections voted in since 2016, most recently the 2026-03-03 primary election [2].\n\nIn the March 3, 2026 Republican primary for the three at-large seats on the Rowan County Board of Commissioners, Jonathan Stuart Barbee received 1,983 votes, finishing 8th among 11 candidates. The top three finishers who advanced to the November 3, 2026 general election were Karla Foster Leonard (6,457 votes), Jason Scott Hinson (5,770), and Daniel R. Lancaster (5,118) [3]. Jonathan Stuart Barbee will not appear on the November ballot for this office [3].\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 Jonathan Stuart Barbee 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 certified March 3, 2026 primary precinct-level results (`results_pct_20260303`)](https://dl.ncsbe.gov/index.html?prefix=ENRS/2026_03_03/)","birthdate":null,"firstname":"Jonathan","fullname":"Jonathan Stuart Barbee","lastname":"Barbee","middlename":"Stuart","suffix":null,"summary":"Per the NC voter file: DEM voter in Rowan County since 2015.","token":"09071a5d7b5ba008"},{"bio_snippet":"Per the NC voter file: REP voter in Stanly County since 1970.","biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\n\n**Paul Michael Barbee lost the March 3, 2026 Republican primary and will not appear on the November 3, 2026 general-election ballot for this race.** Paul Michael Barbee ran as the Republican candidate for Stanly County Board of Commissioners District 01, receiving 1,486 votes to Lane Furr's 3,187, per North Carolina State Board of Elections certified primary results [1].\n\nAccording to the North Carolina voter file, Paul Michael Barbee is a registered voter in Stanly County, North Carolina, registered since 1970 (56 years), with party affiliation listed as Republican [2].\n\nThe voter file shows Paul Michael Barbee's year of birth as 1949; NC publishes only the year of birth in its bulk voter export, so day and month are not part of the public record [2].\n\nThe voter history file shows 12 elections voted in since 2016, most recently the 2026-03-03 primary election [3].\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 Paul Michael Barbee can reach ballotproject.org with corrections or additions.\n\n## Sources\n[1] North Carolina State Board of Elections, certified March 3, 2026 primary results, STANLY County precinct-level results (`STANLY_PRECINCT_SORT.txt`), https://s3.amazonaws.com/dl.ncsbe.gov/ENRS/2026_03_03/results_precinct_sort/STANLY_PRECINCT_SORT.txt -- accessed 2026-07-23\n\n[2] [North Carolina State Board of Elections -- Voter Search](https://vt.ncsbe.gov/RegLkup/)\n\n[3] North Carolina State Board of Elections voter history file (`ncvhis_Statewide`), published at [dl.ncsbe.gov](https://dl.ncsbe.gov/)","birthdate":null,"firstname":"Paul","fullname":"Paul Michael Barbee","lastname":"Barbee","middlename":"Michael","suffix":null,"summary":"Per the NC voter file: REP voter in Stanly County since 1970.","token":"73e4afef468e23fb"},{"bio_snippet":"William L. Barbee is a Republican candidate for the Cabarrus County Schools Board of Education in North Carolina, running in the 2026 election.","biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\n\nWilliam L. Barbee is a Republican candidate running for an at-large seat on the Cabarrus County Schools Board of Education in North Carolina [2]. He is seeking one of three available seats in the 2026 election cycle [3]. As of May 2026, Barbee has not held previous elected office and works as a realtor [3].\n\nBarbee describes himself as a small business owner and grandfather to four Cabarrus County Schools (CCS) students [4]. He holds a degree in Business Administration along with project management credentials [4]. His campaign platform focuses on supporting teachers and staff, promoting strong core academics, and ensuring schools remain safe, orderly, and respectful [3].\n\nIn the Republican primary for the Cabarrus County Schools Board of Education, Barbee is one of five Republicans competing for the three open seats [4]. He advanced in the primary alongside other candidates, including Dr. Robert Kirk and Hartsell [5]. The general election is scheduled for November 3, 2026 [3].\n\n## Background and education\n\nWilliam L. Barbee is a 76-year-old candidate for the Cabarrus County Schools Board of Education [3]. He identifies as a Republican and works as a realtor [2][3]. Barbee self-describes as a local small business owner and a grandfather of four students within the Cabarrus County Schools system [4].\n\nBarbee holds a degree in Business Administration, along with project management credentials [4]. He states that his top issues include supporting teachers and staff, promoting strong core academics, and enabling safe, orderly, and respectful schools [3][4].\n\n## Career\n\nWilliam Barbee holds a degree in Business Administration and has professional experience in project management [4]. He is a licensed real estate agent operating in Concord, North Carolina, where he runs his business, Realtor Bill Barbee NC, which focuses on connecting buyers and sellers in the state's real estate market [6][7]. Additionally, Barbee previously held an unlimited license as a general building contractor in Wilson, North Carolina, though that license has since expired [8].\n\nBarbee is a small business owner who states that his professional background positions him to focus on student readiness, teacher support, and fiscal accountability [9]. He is also a grandfather of four students enrolled in Cabarrus County Schools [4].\n\n## Office history\n\nWilliam Barbee has no prior history of holding elected or appointed office [3]. He is a candidate for the Cabarrus County Schools Board of Education, At-Large Seats in the 2026 election cycle [2][4]. As of May 2026, he is running in the Republican primary for this position and has not yet won an elected office [3].\n\n## Legislative record and accomplishments\n\nWilliam Barbee has not held prior elected office, and his legislative record is therefore limited to his current campaign for the Cabarrus County Schools Board of Education [1][3]. As a candidate rather than an incumbent legislator, he has not sponsored bills or served on committee assignments within a governing body. His policy positions are defined by his campaign platform, which emphasizes supporting teachers and staff, promoting strong core academics, and enabling \"safe, orderly, and respectful\" schools [3][4]. Barbee self-describes his top issues as ensuring students receive a high-quality education in a safe, supportive learning environment [4].\n\n## Business interests and wealth source\n\nWilliam Barbee is a self-described small business owner and real estate professional who holds a degree in Business Administration [4]. He operates under the brand Realtor Bill Barbee NC, describing his mission as helping buyers, sellers, and investors navigate the North Carolina real estate market [6]. His professional profile lists him as a licensed real estate agent based in Concord, North Carolina [7].\n\nBarbee\u2019s business background includes prior experience as a licensed general building contractor. Records indicate he held an unlimited license for general building in Wilson, North Carolina, though that specific license status is listed as expired [8]. He also holds project management credentials, which he cites as part of his professional qualifications [4].\n\nRegarding family wealth and historical business interests, sources reference \"Barbee Farms\" in Cabarrus County, but do not explicitly identify William L. Barbee as the current owner or operator of that specific entity [10]. Other records link the Barbee name to various other business ventures, including a firm associated with valuation services in Charlotte and a contractor license in Wilson under the name William C. Barbee, Jr., but these are not directly confirmed as his current primary sources of wealth [8][11].\n\nFinancial disclosure documents for the 2026 election are available through voter guide profiles, though specific asset values or detailed income breakdowns are not provided in the available source text [2]. Barbee has stated that his business experience positions him to focus on fiscal accountability and student readiness [9].\n\n## Family\n\nWilliam Barbee is a grandfather of four students enrolled in Cabarrus County Schools [4]. He holds a degree in Business Administration and has experience in project management [4].\n\n## Sources\n[1] [William Barbee - Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/William_Barbee)\n[2] [William L. Barbee - iVoterGuide](https://ivoterguide.com/candidate/89942/race/24776/election/1371)\n[3] [William L. Barbee | The Election Hub](https://www.theelectionhub.org/mecklenburg-county/william-l.-barbee/2026-primary/cabarrus)\n[4] [The Cabarrus Compass | William Barbee is one of five Republicans ...](https://www.instagram.com/p/DUTJw5EjVWp/)\n[5] [Cabarrus County Board of Education election story is updated with ...](https://www.facebook.com/61578162131770/posts/cabarrus-county-board-of-education-election-story-is-updated-with-comments-from-/122163722636938737/)\n[6] [About Us - realtorbillbarbeenc.com - Bill Barbee Real Estate](https://realtorbillbarbeenc.com/about-us)\n[7] [Bill Barbee - Real Estate Agent in Concord, NC - Reviews - Zillow](https://www.zillow.com/profile/wbarbee9)\n[8] [William C. Barbee, Jr. - Find Licensed Contractors in North Carolina](https://nccontractorcheck.com/wilson/building/william-c-barbee-jr-wilson-nc/)\n[9] [Get to know Cabarrus County Board of Education Republican ...](https://cabarruscompass.com/p/get-to-know-cabarrus-county-board-76e)\n[10] [Barbee Farms | Explore Cabarrus](https://www.explorecabarrus.com/businesses/barbee-farms/)\n[11] [William A. (Andy) Barbee - Charlotte](https://greerwalker.com/team-member/william-a-andy-barbee/)","birthdate":null,"firstname":"William","fullname":"William Lee Barbee","lastname":"Barbee","middlename":"Lee","suffix":null,"summary":"William L. Barbee is a Republican candidate for the Cabarrus County Schools Board of Education in North Carolina, running in the 2026 election.","token":"f65c3835380a2045"},{"bio_snippet":"","biography":null,"birthdate":null,"firstname":"RODGER","fullname":"RODGER BARBER","lastname":"BARBER","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"summary":null,"token":"AtbEft5xVz"},{"bio_snippet":"Incumbent Loudon County school board member (elected 2022), sole candidate for District 2 Seat A in 2026; longtime Lenoir City executive assistant.","biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\nLaVonne Myers Barbour is an incumbent member of the Loudon County Board of Education and the sole candidate for District 2, Seat A in the August 6, 2026 county general election [1][2]. Her stated priorities are managing rapid growth and rising school enrollment, maintaining quality facilities and academic programs, competitive compensation and benefits for educators, and expanding student mental health resources and support systems [1].\n\n## Background and education\nBarbour is 55 and attended both Loudon County and Lenoir City schools [1].\n\n## Career\nBarbour has more than 14 years of experience in banking and finance and more than 20 years with the City of Lenoir City, including 16 years as executive assistant to the mayor and benefits coordinator; she currently works as an executive assistant [1]. She graduated from Leadership Loudon County in 2017 and serves on the Loudon County Education Foundation [1].\n\n## Office history\nBarbour was first elected to the Loudon County Board of Education in 2022 and is running for District 2, Seat A in 2026 [1][2].\n\n## Family\nBarbour has been married to her husband, Jason, for 33 years; they have two children, Jordan and Connor, and a grandson, Jayce [1].\n\n## Sources\n[1] [Election Questionnaire: LaVonne Barbour - Loudon County Board of Education District 2, Seat A - News-Herald](https://www.news-herald.net/news/election-questionnaire-lavonne-barbour-loudon-county-board-of-education-district-2-seat-a/article_6e016d51-97dc-4c37-9639-7b0b2ca8f6ad.html) - accessed 2026-07-23\n[2] [Crowded field continues to grow ahead of primary - News-Herald](https://www.news-herald.net/news/crowded-field-continues-to-grow-ahead-of-primary/article_d677c3f8-bf34-4948-84a0-c97d8286d3f2.html) - accessed 2026-07-23","birthdate":null,"firstname":"LaVonne","fullname":"LaVonne Myers Barbour","lastname":"Barbour","middlename":"Myers","suffix":null,"summary":"Incumbent Loudon County school board member (elected 2022), sole candidate for District 2 Seat A in 2026; longtime Lenoir City executive assistant.","token":"xZ0ScAAGl4"},{"bio_snippet":"Current office and 2026 campaign Marcella Bragio Barbour ran as a Republican candidate for the North Carolina House of Representatives in District 4, covering Duplin and Wayne counties 1 2 . In the March 3, 2026 Republican primary she received 18.3% of the vote against incumbent ","biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\nMarcella Bragio Barbour ran as a Republican candidate for the North Carolina House of Representatives in District 4, covering Duplin and Wayne counties [1][2]. In the March 3, 2026 Republican primary she received 18.3% of the vote against incumbent Rep. James Dixon, who won with 81.7% [2][3].\n\nBarbour's campaign focused on school safety and strong educational opportunities, addressing healthcare challenges in rural areas, and highlighting the importance of agriculture and small business in Duplin and Wayne counties, per her campaign website [1].\n\n## Background and education\nBarbour was born in Brazil and grew up on her grandparents' farm; her campaign biography credits that upbringing with teaching her that hard work matters and that farms and small businesses are the backbone of strong communities [1]. She later became a naturalized U.S. citizen. Per her campaign biography, she earned both a bachelor's and a master's degree in business administration from the Federal University of Vi\u00e7osa in Brazil, along with additional certifications from Harvard University [1].\n\n## Career\nAfter becoming a U.S. citizen, Barbour enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served as a Hospital Corpsman, gaining medical training in high-pressure environments, per her campaign biography [1]. Her professional background also includes leadership roles in human resources, public relations, and supply-chain operations across three countries, plus work in education and healthcare; she has taught at a Christian school and served as a substitute teacher [1].\n\n## Sources\n- [1] [Meet Marcella \u2013 Marcella Barbour for NC House 4](https://web.archive.org/web/20260224220358/https://www.votemarcellanc.com/meet_marcella) (campaign site archived via the Wayback Machine \u2014 the live votemarcellanc.com domain has since lapsed to a parked-domain page; archived snapshot accessed 2026-07-20)\n- [2] [2026 Primary Candidate Detail List \u2013 NC State Board of Elections](https://s3.amazonaws.com/dl.ncsbe.gov/Elections/2026/Candidate%20Filing/2026_primary_candidate_detail_list_federal_and_state.pdf)\n- [3] [Seven North Carolina State Representatives Lose Against Primary Challengers \u2013 Critical Report](https://criticalreport.substack.com/p/2026-nc-state-house-primaries)","birthdate":null,"firstname":"Marcella","fullname":"Marcella Bragio Barbour","lastname":"Barbour","middlename":"Bragio","suffix":null,"summary":null,"token":"196c5026eadeb0c3"},{"bio_snippet":"","biography":null,"birthdate":null,"firstname":"W.","fullname":"W. THORNE BARBOUR","lastname":"BARBOUR","middlename":"THORNE","suffix":null,"summary":null,"token":"P0BEDuF1OL"},{"bio_snippet":"Current office and 2026 campaign William Wilson Barbour ran as a Republican candidate for the North Carolina State Senate in District 9, which encompasses Bladen, Duplin, Jones, Pender, and Sampson counties 1 2 . He was defeated by longtime incumbent Sen. Brent Jackson in the Rep","biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\nWilliam Wilson Barbour ran as a Republican candidate for the North Carolina State Senate in District 9, which encompasses Bladen, Duplin, Jones, Pender, and Sampson counties [1][2]. He was defeated by longtime incumbent Sen. Brent Jackson in the Republican primary on March 3, 2026 [1].\n\nBarbour's campaign emphasized parental rights and educational freedom, arguing that families should be able to choose the educational environment that aligns with their values [2]. On public safety, he called for stronger enforcement of existing firearms laws and more vigorous prosecution of violent offenders [2].\n\n## Background and education\nBarbour was born on July 28, 1961, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin [2]. His father, the Reverend James F. Barbour, was a Lutheran minister, and his mother, Barbara, was a registered nurse [2]. The family later moved to Los Angeles and then to Albuquerque, New Mexico, where Barbour attended Albuquerque Academy [2]. He enrolled at the University of Colorado at Boulder, earning degrees in Political Science and Psychology in 1983, and while there played NCAA Division I football as a linebacker [2]. He subsequently earned graduate degrees from the Air War College in 2010 and Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in 2015 [1][2].\n\n## Career\nBarbour served in the United States Air Force from 1985 to 2013, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel after approximately 28 years [1]. During his service, he flew C-130 Hercules transport aircraft based in North Carolina and directed global airlift operations [2]. After retirement, he settled in NC Senate District 9 and launched his 2026 senate campaign [2].\n\n## Family\nBarbour is a devoted husband and father [2].\n\n## Sources\n- [1] [William W Barbour for NC Senate 9 \u2013 votebarbour.com](https://votebarbour.com/)\n","birthdate":null,"firstname":"William","fullname":"William Wilson Barbour","lastname":"Barbour","middlename":"Wilson","suffix":null,"summary":null,"token":"82c3e157a53b2df6"}]