[{"bio_snippet":"","biography":null,"birthdate":null,"firstname":"Jimmy","fullname":"Jimmy L. Bass","lastname":"Bass","middlename":"L.","suffix":null,"summary":null,"token":"ZgzHt57R5i"},{"bio_snippet":"Sydney Batch is the Democratic Minority Leader of the North Carolina Senate, representing District\u202f17 and running for re\u2011election in 2026.","biography":"Sydney Jeanene Batch is the incumbent Democratic member of the North Carolina State Senate representing District 17 and serves as the Senate Minority Leader, a role she assumed on January 1, 2025\u30101\u3011. She is on the ballot for re\u2011election in the November 3, 2026 general election for the same seat\u30101\u3011. The North Carolina Senate is the upper chamber of the state\u2019s General Assembly, responsible for crafting state law, confirming executive appointments, and approving the state budget. As Minority Leader, Batch coordinates the Democratic caucus\u2019s legislative strategy and serves as the chief spokesperson for the party in the Senate.\n\nBatch was born on March 1, 1979 and earned three degrees from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill: a B.A. in English, a Juris Doctor, and a Master of Social Work\u30108\u3011. She began her professional career as a social worker before attending law school, and after graduating she co\u2011founded the law firm Batch, Poore & Williams, PC, where she practices family, child\u2011welfare, and appellate law\u30108\u3011\u301010\u3011.\n\nHer elected political career began in the North Carolina House of Representatives, where she represented the 37th district from 2019 to 2021\u30108\u3011. After losing her 2020 House race, Governor Roy Cooper appointed her to the Senate on January 11, 2021 to fill the vacancy left by Sam Searcy\u30101\u3011. She won a full Senate term in 2022 and was re\u2011elected in 2024, earning 71,610 votes (74.38%)\u30108\u3011. In December 2024 she was elected by her colleagues as the Senate\u2019s Minority Leader, succeeding Dan Blue\u30108\u3011.\n\nDuring her Senate tenure Batch has served on a range of committees, including Appropriations on Justice and Public Safety, Appropriations/Base Budget, Commerce and Insurance, Finance, Judiciary, and the Select Committee on Nominations for the 2025\u20112026 session\u30105\u3011. Earlier sessions saw her on Health\u2011related appropriations, Education, and Election Law committees\u30101\u3011. She has sponsored legislation on health\u2011care access, such as a 2025 bill to provide coverage parity for breast\u2011cancer diagnostic imaging, drawing on her personal experience as a breast\u2011cancer survivor\u30108\u3011.\n\nBatch\u2019s legislative priorities emphasize families, affordable health care, public education, mental\u2011health resources, and paid family leave, reflecting her background as a mother, attorney, and social\u2011work advocate\u301016\u3011. She continues to practice law while serving in the Senate and resides in Wake County with her husband and two sons\u301016\u3011.\n\nIn the 2026 race, Batch faces Republican challenger Shirley Johnson and Libertarian candidate Patrick Bowersox. The Democratic primary was canceled, allowing her to advance automatically to the general election\u30101\u3011.\n\n## Sources\n- [1] [Sydney Batch - Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Sydney_Batch)\n- [5] [Senator Sydney Batch (Dem)](https://www.ncleg.gov/Members/Committees/S/434)\n- [6] [Senator Sydney Batch - Biography - North Carolina General Assembly](https://www.ncleg.gov/Members/Biography/s/434)\n- [8] [Sydney Batch - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sydney_Batch)\n- [10] [RFS Endorsed Candidate: Sydney Batch](https://directory.runforsomething.net/candidate/w3458/batch-sydney/)\n- [11] [Sen. Sydney Batch - Run For Something](https://directory.runforsomething.net/candidate/2272/batch-sydney/)\n- [15] [Sydney Batch | BallotReady](https://www.ballotready.org/people/sydney-batch)\n- [16] [Candidate Info - Sydney Batch - Wake County Democratic Party](https://www.wakedems.org/election-central-2024/candidate-info-sydney-batch/)\n- [17] [Sydney Batch | Leader of the North Carolina Senate Democrats](https://www.sydneybatch.com/)\n- [18] [North Carolina State Sen. Sydney Batch - Biography | LegiStorm](https://www.legistorm.com/person/bio/319146/Sydney_Jeanene_Batch.html)","birthdate":null,"firstname":"Sydney","fullname":"Sydney Jeanene Batch","lastname":"Batch","middlename":"Jeanene","suffix":null,"summary":"Sydney Batch is the Democratic Minority Leader of the North Carolina Senate, representing District\u202f17 and running for re\u2011election in 2026.","token":"b4be26b2932c1b99"},{"bio_snippet":"Ervin Bateman is a Dare County Commissioner who switched from Democrat to Republican in 2021 and won re-election in 2022.","biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\n\nErvin Bateman serves as a member of the Dare County Board of Commissioners representing the At-Large district[2]. He is currently running for re-election to this position in 2026 as a Republican candidate[4]. Bateman previously switched his party registration from Democrat to Republican in January 2021[4].\n\nBateman first won the Dare County Commissioner seat in the 2022 general election, defeating opponent Burrus[6][7]. Following his victory, he established a campaign presence for his current bid, including a dedicated Facebook page and YouTube channel[3][5].\n\n## Background and education\n\nErvin Bateman is a resident of Dare County, North Carolina [1]. He previously served as a member of the Dare County Board of Commissioners [2]. In March 2021, Bateman switched his political party registration from Democrat to Republican [4].\n\nAvailable biographical sources do not provide specific details regarding his birthplace, year of birth, upbringing, religious affiliation, or educational history.\n\n## Career\n\nErvin Bateman serves as the treasurer for Outer Banks of North Carolina [8]. The organization is headquartered in Manteo and operates within the events and marketing industries [9].\n\nPrior to his current role, Bateman was elected to the Dare County Board of Commissioners at-large in 2018 [10]. He switched his political party registration from Democrat to Republican in January 2021 [4].\n\n## Office history\n\nErvin Bateman served as a member of the Dare County Board of Commissioners representing the at-large district [2]. He was elected to this seat in 2022, defeating incumbent Richard Burrus in the general election [6][7]. During his tenure, he switched his political party affiliation from Democrat to Republican in January 2021, prior to taking office [4].\n\nPrior to his election to the county commission, Bateman held the position of treasurer for the organization Outer Banks of North Carolina [8].\n\n## Legislative record and accomplishments\n\nErvin Bateman served on the Dare County Board of Commissioners as an at-large representative [2]. In January 2021, he switched his political party registration from Democrat to Republican [4]. During his tenure, he held the position of Treasurer for Outer Banks of North Carolina [8].\n\nSpecific legislative records, including notable bills sponsored, specific votes cast, or detailed committee assignments during his service on the Board of Commissioners are not provided in the available sources.\n\n## Sources\n[1] [Ervin Bateman (Dare County Board of Commissioners At-Large, North Carolina, candidate 2022) - Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Ervin_Bateman_(Dare_County_Board_of_Commissioners_At-Large,_North_Carolina,_candidate_2022))\n[2] [Vote-USA | Ervin Bateman | Currently Elected Dare County Board of Commissioners, Dare County, North Carolina](https://vote-usa.org/Intro.aspx?State=NC&Id=NCBatemanErvin)\n[3] [Ervin Bateman for Dare County Commissioner | Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/BatemanforDareCo/)\n[4] [Ervin Bateman switches political parties, now a Republican - The Coastland Times | The Coastland Times](https://www.thecoastlandtimes.com/2021/03/08/ervin-bateman-switches-political-parties-now-a-republican/)\n[5] [Ervin Bateman for Dare County Commissioner - YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J2zSuTjVoQ4)\n[6] [The Outer Banks Voice - Bateman wins Dare Commissioner seat, Payne and Brauer take Dare Ed Board slots](https://www.outerbanksvoice.com/2022/11/08/bateman-wins-dare-commissioner-seat-payne-and-brauer-take-dare-ed-board-slots/)\n[7] [The Outer Banks Voice - It\u2019s Burrus vs. Bateman for Dare Commissioner\u2019s seat](https://www.outerbanksvoice.com/2022/05/11/its-burrus-vs-bateman-for-dare-commissioners-seat/)\n[8] [Ervin Bateman - Treasurer at Outer Banks of North Carolina | The Org](https://theorg.com/org/outer-banks-of-north-carolina/org-chart/ervin-bateman)\n[9] [Outer Banks of North Carolina | The Org](https://theorg.com/org/outer-banks-of-north-carolina)\n[10] [The Outer Banks Voice - Ervin Bateman wins Board of Commissioner\u2019s at-large seat](https://www.outerbanksvoice.com/2018/11/06/ervin-bateman-wins-board-of-commissioners-at-large-seat/)","birthdate":null,"firstname":"Ervin","fullname":"Ervin Marshall Bateman","lastname":"Bateman","middlename":"Marshall","suffix":null,"summary":"Ervin Bateman is a Dare County Commissioner who switched from Democrat to Republican in 2021 and won re-election in 2022.","token":"9e41839e11fcdc7b"},{"bio_snippet":"Current office and 2026 campaign Update: Bates lost the March 3, 2026 Democratic primary for this seat, finishing third with 112 votes about 12% behind winner Angela Cooper Lyons 494 votes , and will not appear on the November 2026 ballot 3 . Blakely Lee Bates was a Democratic ca","biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\n\n**Update: Bates lost the March 3, 2026 Democratic primary for this seat, finishing third with 112 votes (about 12%) behind winner Angela Cooper Lyons (494 votes), and will not appear on the November 2026 ballot [3].**\n\nBlakely Lee Bates was a Democratic candidate for the Vance County Board of Education District 7 seat in the 2026 election. He was one of three Democrats -- alongside incumbent Ruth M. Hartness and Angela Cooper Lyons -- who filed for the seat by the December 19, 2025 filing deadline; Republican Hailey Breeze Macklin also filed and awaited the Democratic primary winner in the November general election [1].\n\n## Career\n\nAt a February 2026 Vance County Association of Educators candidate forum, Bates was the only District 7 candidate to attend (Hartness, Lyons, and Macklin did not participate). He said the county lacked funds to meet the VCAE's teacher-pay requests because of jail construction costs, and suggested cutting positions at the district office to help fund raises instead [2].\n\n## Sources\n- [1] [Candidate Filings For March 2026 Primary - WIZS](https://wizs.com/candidate-filings-for-march-2026-primary/) -- accessed 2026-07-19\n- [2] [Educators question candidates on pay - Henderson Daily Dispatch](https://www.hendersondispatch.com/archives/educators-question-candidates-on-pay/article_68603642-b1b9-5420-9540-c2714b6acb97.html) -- accessed 2026-07-19 (published 2026-02-18)\n- [3] [March 2026 Vance County Election Results - WIZS](https://wizs.com/march-2026-primary-election-coverage/) -- accessed 2026-07-23","birthdate":null,"firstname":"Blakely","fullname":"Blakely Lee Bates","lastname":"Bates","middlename":"Lee","suffix":null,"summary":null,"token":"e7bcd33a90f08f89"},{"bio_snippet":"","biography":null,"birthdate":null,"firstname":"BRANDON","fullname":"BRANDON BATES","lastname":"BATES","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"summary":null,"token":"9xREgj1U2h"},{"bio_snippet":"","biography":null,"birthdate":null,"firstname":"Cynthia","fullname":"Cynthia Bates","lastname":"Bates","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"summary":null,"token":"yKj3sFchTR"},{"bio_snippet":"Independent candidate for Perry County mayor; serves as vice chairman of the county's 911 (Emergency Communications) District and is listed in the county directory as a chief.","biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\nDon R. Bates is an Independent candidate for Perry County mayor in the August 6, 2026 county general election.\n\n## Career\nBates is recorded as Vice Chairman of the Perry County Emergency Communications District \u2014 the county's 911 board \u2014 in the district's audited financial report for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2023.[1] The Perry County government directory separately lists a Don Bates with the title \"Chief,\" based at 140 West School Street in Linden.[2]\n\n## Sources\n[1] [Perry County Emergency Communications District, FY2023 Audit - Tennessee Comptroller of the Treasury](https://comptroller.tn.gov/content/dam/cot/la/advanced-search/2023/emergency-communication-district/6503-2023-cn-perrye911-rpt-cpa517-9-13-23.pdf) - accessed 2026-07-23\n[2] [County Government Directory - Perry County, Tennessee](https://gov.perrycountytn.com/government-directory) - accessed 2026-07-23","birthdate":null,"firstname":"DON","fullname":"DON R BATES","lastname":"BATES","middlename":"R","suffix":null,"summary":"Independent candidate for Perry County mayor; serves as vice chairman of the county's 911 (Emergency Communications) District and is listed in the county directory as a chief.","token":"QN6GXLjL9s"},{"bio_snippet":"","biography":null,"birthdate":null,"firstname":"JAMES","fullname":"JAMES THOMAS BATES","lastname":"BATES","middlename":"THOMAS","suffix":null,"summary":null,"token":"zaTm1fGEUL"},{"bio_snippet":"","biography":null,"birthdate":null,"firstname":"Justin","fullname":"Justin Bates","lastname":"Bates","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"summary":null,"token":"a0olMgg7nW"},{"bio_snippet":"","biography":null,"birthdate":null,"firstname":"SCOTT","fullname":"SCOTT BATES","lastname":"BATES","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"summary":null,"token":"hnxZIOlLwt"},{"bio_snippet":"","biography":null,"birthdate":null,"firstname":"TEB","fullname":"TEB BATEY","lastname":"BATEY","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"summary":null,"token":"YyXGK34Xjd"},{"bio_snippet":"Brad Batt is a Democratic candidate for Tennessee House District 6, running in the 2026 primary against incumbent Tim Hicks.","biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\n\nBrad Batt is a Democratic candidate running for election to the Tennessee House of Representatives to represent District 6 in the 2026 cycle [1]. The district encompasses parts of upper East Tennessee, including Johnson City, Fall Branch, Gray, Oak Grove, Spurgeon, and Watauga [3]. Batt, who identifies as a small business owner and entrepreneur, is seeking to unseat incumbent Republican Tim Hicks, who is running for a third term in the general election scheduled for November 3, 2026 [1], [5], [7].\n\nBatt first announced his candidacy for District 6 in October 2019 [3]. In the lead-up to the 2026 primary, he held a rally in Johnson City to outline his platform, which includes breaking up Ballad Health, protecting public schools, and ending child poverty [6]. Batt has stated that healthcare is a top concern for voters in the district [2]. He was unopposed in the Democratic primary on August 6, 2026, before facing Hicks in the general election [5].\n\n## Background and education\n\nBrad Batt is a small business owner and entrepreneur who resides in Johnson City [5]. He earned a bachelor's degree from Louisiana Tech University in 1995 and a graduate degree from Regis University in 2003 [1]. Batt describes himself as a local businessman who believes that every Tennessean should have a fair opportunity to a healthy economy and lifestyle [3].\n\n## Career\n\nBatt describes himself as a local businessman and small business owner [3][5]. He states that his professional background includes working as an entrepreneur [1]. His career experience is characterized by his role in the private sector rather than prior political office [1].\n\nBatt earned a bachelor's degree from Louisiana Tech University in 1995 and a graduate degree from Regis University in 2003 [1].\n\n## Office history\n\nBrad Batt has not held any prior elected or appointed office [1]. He announced his candidacy for the Tennessee House of Representatives to represent District 6 in October 2019 [3]. In that cycle, he was unopposed in the Democratic primary and faced incumbent Republican Tim Hicks in the general election, but sources do not specify the outcome of that race [5][7].\n\nBatt is a candidate for Tennessee House District 6 in the 2026 Democratic primary, which is scheduled for August 6, 2026 [1][4]. He is running against incumbent Republican Tim Hicks, who is seeking a third term in the general election on November 3, 2026 [7]. As of May 2026, Batt has not yet been elected to this office [8].\n\n## Business interests and wealth source\n\nBrad Batt self-describes as a small business owner and entrepreneur [5]. He identifies himself as a local businessman who believes that every Tennessean should have a fair opportunity to a healthy economy and lifestyle [3]. Batt states that his key priorities include breaking up Ballad Health, protecting public schools, and ending child poverty in Tennessee [6].\n\nSpecific details regarding his business ownership stakes, sales of businesses, or the specific source of any family wealth are not provided in the available sources. Financial disclosure facts beyond his self-reported occupation are also not included in the provided materials [1][4][8].\n\n## Sources\n[1] [Brad Batt - Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Brad_Batt)\n[2] [District 6: Batt says healthcare is a top concern for voters | News | johnsoncitypress.com](https://www.johnsoncitypress.com/news/district-6-batt-says-healthcare-is-a-top-concern-for-voters/article_5945a0c4-bf28-11ea-aa0a-abe72afdd6fd.html)\n[3] [Brad Batt announces run for Tennessee House District \ufeff](https://demcastusa.com/2019/10/29/brad-batt-announces-run-for-tennessee-house-district-%EF%BB%BF/)\n[4] [Brad Batt | BallotReady](https://www.ballotready.org/tn/tennessee-tennessee-house-of-representatives-district-6/brad-batt)\n[5] [State House District 6 Q and A: Brad Batt | WJHL | Tri-Cities News & Weather](https://www.wjhl.com/news/your-local-election-hq/state-house-district-6-q-and-a-brad-batt/amp/)\n[6] [Democratic Tennessee House candidate Brad Batt holds rally](https://www.yahoo.com/news/democratic-tennessee-house-candidate-brad-031548082.html)\n[7] [Beyond the Podium: Tennessee House 6th district race](https://wcyb.com/news/local/beyond-the-podium-tennessee-house-6th-district-race)\n[8] [Brad Batt | BallotReady](https://www.ballotready.org/people/brad-batt)","birthdate":null,"firstname":"Brad","fullname":"Brad Batt","lastname":"Batt","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"summary":"Brad Batt is a Democratic candidate for Tennessee House District 6, running in the 2026 primary against incumbent Tim Hicks.","token":"RCE3Njpabv"},{"bio_snippet":"Current office and 2026 campaign Deborah Joyner Battle ran as a Democrat for the Nash County Board of Commissioners District 2 seat in the 2026 primary. She competed in the Democratic primary on March 3, 2026, alongside candidates Robert E. Cordell and Quentin T. Sumner. Sources ","biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\n\nDeborah Joyner Battle ran as a Democrat for the Nash County Board of Commissioners District 2 seat in the 2026 primary. She competed in the Democratic primary on March 3, 2026, alongside candidates Robert E. Cordell and Quentin T. Sumner.\n\n## Sources\n- [1] [Deborah Joyner Battle \u2013 Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Deborah_Joyner_Battle_(Nash_County_Board_of_Commissioners_District_2,_North_Carolina,_candidate_2026))","birthdate":null,"firstname":"Deborah","fullname":"Deborah Joyner Battle","lastname":"Battle","middlename":"Joyner","suffix":null,"summary":null,"token":"1f981f56a05def6b"},{"bio_snippet":"","biography":null,"birthdate":null,"firstname":"Jody","fullname":"Jody L. Batton","lastname":"Batton","middlename":"L.","suffix":null,"summary":null,"token":"XnCYHWcaMd"},{"bio_snippet":"David Batts, a 69\u2011year\u2011old Army veteran and retired truck driver, won the 2026 Democratic primary for Edgecombe County Commissioner District\u202f6 on a platform opposing a proposed data\u2011center.","biography":"David Batts is the Democratic candidate for Edgecombe County Board of Commissioners District\u202f6 in the 2026 North Carolina elections. The district covers the western and southwestern portions of Edgecombe County, including the Kingsboro area. Commissioners on the Board set county policy, approve the budget, and oversee services such as public safety, infrastructure, and economic development. The District\u202f6 seat is elected at\u2011large within the district and, in this cycle, the Democratic primary effectively decides the office because no Republican filed for the race [1].\n\nBatts is a 69\u2011year\u2011old U.S. Army veteran and retired long\u2011time truck driver who has been active in his community. Specific details about his formal education are not provided in the available sources, but his public statements emphasize his working\u2011class background and service experience [12].\n\nBefore entering politics, Batts spent decades driving trucks, a career that gave him insight into the region\u2019s transportation and logistics challenges. After retiring, he remained engaged locally, attending community meetings and voicing concerns about development projects that could affect residents\u2019 quality of life. His veteran status is often highlighted, and he has been described as a community leader who leverages his service background to connect with voters [10][12].\n\nBatts entered the 2026 race largely on opposition to a proposed data\u2011center and crypto\u2011mining facility that the county was considering selling 120 acres of land to develop. In December\u202f2025 he addressed the Edgecombe County Board of Commissioners, warning that the Energy Storage Solutions project could bring temporary jobs, noise, air\u2011pollution, and excessive water use, and he pledged to vote \u201cno\u201d on any such development [10]. His campaign signage read \u201cVote no for data centers,\u201d making the issue a central theme of his platform.\n\nIn the March\u202f3 Democratic primary, Batts defeated four\u2011term incumbent Commissioner Donald C. Boswell, receiving 335\u2011337 votes (about 67\u202f% of the total) to Boswell\u2019s 162 votes (approximately 33\u202f%) [10][12]. Because no Republican candidate filed, Batts is poised to become the commissioner for District\u202f6 unless a successful write\u2011in campaign emerges in the November general election. Following his victory, Batts said the win signaled voters\u2019 desire for change and a stronger stance against data\u2011center projects that he believes do not benefit the local tax base or environment [12].\n\nBatts\u2019 stated priorities include protecting the Kingsboro community from unwanted industrial development, ensuring that any future projects provide lasting jobs for residents, and promoting transparency in county decision\u2011making. He has positioned himself as a fresh voice on the Board, promising to hold officials accountable and to prioritize the health and economic well\u2011being of Edgecombe County\u2019s rural constituents.\n\n## Sources\n- [1] [David Batts (Edgecombe County Board of Commissioners District 6, North Carolina, candidate 2026) - Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/David_Batts_(Edgecombe_County_Board_of_Commissioners_District_6,_North_Carolina,_candidate_2026))\n- [10] [Opposition to data centers is 'catching a fire' across North Carolina, spurring political challenges | WUNC News](https://www.wunc.org/environment/2026-04-10/opposition-to-data-centers-is-catching-a-fire-across-north-carolina-spurring-political-challenges)\n- [12] [Batts says primary win signals voters wanted change in Edgecombe County | Local News | rockymounttelegram.com](https://www.rockymounttelegram.com/news/local/batts-says-primary-win-signals-voters-wanted-change-in-edgecombe-county/article_05113e73-6976-4007-b161-ece34c7e6584.html)","birthdate":null,"firstname":"David","fullname":"David Wilbert Batts","lastname":"Batts","middlename":"Wilbert","suffix":null,"summary":"David Batts, a 69\u2011year\u2011old Army veteran and retired truck driver, won the 2026 Democratic primary for Edgecombe County Commissioner District\u202f6 on a platform opposing a proposed data\u2011center.","token":"0b9ee41749f63280"},{"bio_snippet":"Per the NC voter file: DEM voter in Greene County since 1999.","biography":"According to the North Carolina voter file, Leisa Denise Batts is a registered voter in Greene County, North Carolina, registered since 1999 (27 years), with party affiliation listed as Democratic [1].\n\nThe voter file shows Leisa Denise Batts's year of birth as 1971; 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 13 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 Leisa Denise Batts 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":"Leisa","fullname":"Leisa Denise Batts","lastname":"Batts","middlename":"Denise","suffix":null,"summary":"Per the NC voter file: DEM voter in Greene County since 1999.","token":"a48be64ee225bcfe"},{"bio_snippet":"Clancy Baucom, a Union County Commissioner and longtime nursery owner, is the Republican candidate for North Carolina House District\u202f55 in 2026.","biography":"Clancy Cleveland Baucom is a Republican candidate for the North Carolina House of Representatives in District\u202f55, seeking election on November\u202f3,\u202f2026. The office is a seat in the state\u2019s lower legislative chamber, where members introduce, debate, and vote on state laws that affect North Carolina residents [18][20].\n\nBaucom is a lifelong resident of Union County. He graduated from Piedmont High School and earned an associate\u2019s degree from North Carolina State University, as noted on his campaign website [18]. He has been married to his wife Kim for 35\u202fyears and they have three adult daughters.\n\nFor more than three decades Baucom operated a wholesale nursery business in Marshville, giving him deep ties to the agricultural community and a reputation as a farmer and businessman [18]. His professional background informs his emphasis on protecting farmland, limiting foreign ownership of agricultural land, and reducing regulatory burdens on growers.\n\nBaucom entered elected office as a Union County Commissioner. He first appeared on the ballot in a special general election for an at\u2011large seat on the Union County Board of Commissioners on November\u202f5,\u202f2024, running as a Republican [1]. While serving on the board, he has championed tax incentives to attract businesses, supported projects to improve the county\u2019s water supply, and worked to preserve farmland. He also helped limit new residential development, with the board approving only 159 new houses in unincorporated Union County over three years, a record of growth management highlighted in a local news post [20].\n\nIn his campaign for the state House, Baucom outlines priorities that mirror his county\u2011level work: religious freedom, election integrity, pro\u2011life policies, reduced business regulation, and protection of Second Amendment rights. He advocates for voter\u2011ID laws, signature verification, and transparent election processes [18]. He also stresses fiscal responsibility, arguing that tax dollars belong to taxpayers and should be spent wisely to foster economic growth [18].\n\nBaucom\u2019s platform emphasizes protecting North Carolina\u2019s agricultural heritage, opposing foreign ownership of farmland, and resisting over\u2011development that strains infrastructure and schools. He positions himself as a \u201cfamily man, farmer, and Sunday\u2011school teacher\u201d who will bring a limited\u2011government, America\u2011First perspective to the General Assembly [18].\n\n## Sources\n- [1] [Clancy Baucom (Union County Board of Commissioners At-large, North Carolina, candidate 2024) - Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Clancy_Baucom_(Union_County_Board_of_Commissioners_At-large,_North_Carolina,_candidate_2024))\n- [8] [elect clancy baucom [sta-evccm1-c-001]](https://cf.ncsbe.gov/CFOrgLkup/DocumentGeneralResult/?SID=STA-EVCCM1-C-001&OGID=56402)\n- [18] [Clancy Baucom for NC House | Clancy Baucom for NC House](https://electclancybaucom.com/)\n- [19] [Candidate Profiles \u2013 NC Voter Guide](https://ncvoterguide.org/profiles/)\n- [20] [Clancy Baucom, John Powell and Richard Miller face off in ...](https://www.facebook.com/thecharlotteobserver/posts/clancy-baucom-john-powell-and-richard-miller-face-off-in-nc-house-district-55-re/1352163190282980/)","birthdate":null,"firstname":"Clancy","fullname":"Clancy Cleveland Baucom","lastname":"Baucom","middlename":"Cleveland","suffix":null,"summary":"Clancy Baucom, a Union County Commissioner and longtime nursery owner, is the Republican candidate for North Carolina House District\u202f55 in 2026.","token":"f6b0aa459401ca84"},{"bio_snippet":"Republican candidate for Maury County Commission District 7 whose 2026 campaign centers on managing rapid county growth and diversifying the local economy.","biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\nRichard Baud is a Republican candidate for District 7 on the Maury County Commission in the August 6, 2026 county general election [1]. At a June 30, 2026 candidate forum hosted by NAACP Chapter 5584 and the Think Tank Foundation, Baud focused on the county's growth, noting that Maury County has added about 60,000 residents since he arrived in 1998 \u2014 more than the population of 29 Tennessee counties \u2014 and questioning whether the county has planned around that growth [2]. He proposed diversifying the local economy, including opening an air traffic control academy at the county airport and bringing in a slaughterhouse to work with local livestock farmers, and said the county should \"start being creative\" about jobs threatened by automation and AI [2].\n\n## Sources\n[1] [Aug 2026 Petitions and Party Nominations | Maury County, TN](https://www.maurycounty-tn.gov/685/Aug-2026-Petitions-and-Party-Nominations) \u2014 accessed 2026-07-22\n[2] [Southern Middle TN Today News with Tom Price 7-16-26](https://www.frontporchradiotn.com/post/southern-middle-tn-today-news-with-tom-price-7-16-26) \u2014 accessed 2026-07-22","birthdate":null,"firstname":"Richard","fullname":"Richard Baud","lastname":"Baud","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"summary":"Republican candidate for Maury County Commission District 7 whose 2026 campaign centers on managing rapid county growth and diversifying the local economy.","token":"vJoqUKPRcd"},{"bio_snippet":"Charlie Baum is a Republican member of the Tennessee House of Representatives for District 37, serving since 2018.","biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\n\nCharlie Baum is a Republican member of the Tennessee House of Representatives representing District 37, which encompasses parts of Murfreesboro in Rutherford County [1][12]. He assumed office on November 6, 2018, and his current term ends on November 3, 2026 [1][6]. Baum is running for re-election to the Tennessee House of Representatives to represent District 37 as a Republican candidate in the upcoming primary election scheduled for August 6, 2026 [1][13].\n\nIn recent legislative developments, Baum has been appointed by House Speaker Cameron Sexton to serve as chairman of the House Higher Education Subcommittee for the 114th General Assembly [10]. He previously served as vice chair of the Finance, Ways, and Means Committee and is a member of the Education Administration Committee [1][14]. During the current session, Baum introduced House Bill 1447, the Tennessee Retirement Savings Plan Act, which aims to create a voluntary, employee-funded retirement savings program for workers without employer-provided plans [5][16]. He also sponsored House Bill 2408, which was approved by the House to restrict robocalls by capping companies at 10,000 automated calls per month and establishing penalties for violations [17].\n\nBaum self-describes his campaign priorities as promoting efficient government, keeping taxes low, improving public education, and making neighborhoods safer [3]. He states that his economic career informs his approach to encouraging job growth and helping small businesses through limited government size and low taxes [3]. Baum also supports school choice, accountability in schools, and securing economic freedom for all students [11].\n\n## Background and education\n\nCharlie Baum was born on December 13, 1972 [2][12]. He was raised in Knoxville, Tennessee [3][7]. Baum identifies as a Christian Methodist [4].\n\nBaum attended Wake Forest University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics between 1991 and 1995 [4][12]. He subsequently pursued graduate studies at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, earning a Ph.D. in philosophy and economics from 1995 to 1999 [4][12].\n\n## Career\n\nCharlie Baum earned a Bachelor of Arts in economics from Wake Forest University between 1991 and 1995 [4]. He subsequently attended the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he met his wife, Kelly, and completed a Ph.D. in philosophy and economics in 1999 [3][4]. His doctoral research focused on labor economics, employment trends, wages, and the effects of public policy [12].\n\nFollowing his graduation from UNC Chapel Hill in 1999, Baum moved to Murfreesboro with his wife [7]. He began teaching economics for the Department of Economics and Finance at Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) that same year [7]. Baum served as a professor in the Jennings A. Jones College of Business at MTSU for more than 25 years, holding the position of department chair at one point during his tenure [7][10]. He is also listed as Professor Charles Baum II in the university's economics department [15].\n\n## Office history\n\nCharlie Baum was first elected to the Tennessee House of Representatives for District 37 in 2018, succeeding Republican Dawn White [1][2]. He assumed office on November 6, 2018, as a member of the 111th General Assembly [9]. Baum has been re-elected in subsequent cycles, including a victory in the 2024 general election where he defeated Democrat Cheri Brown with 64.3 percent of the vote [14]. His current term is scheduled to end on November 3, 2026 [1][13].\n\nAs a state representative, Baum has held several key committee assignments. During the 2023\u20132024 session, he served as Vice Chair of the Finance, Ways, and Means Committee and was a member of the Education Administration Committee and the Pensions and Insurance Committee [1]. In February 2025, Speaker Cameron Sexton appointed Baum as Chairman of the House Higher Education Subcommittee for the 114th General Assembly, marking his first time chairing that subcommittee [7][10].\n\nBaum has introduced legislation addressing economic and educational issues. In January 2026, he proposed the Tennessee Retirement Savings Plan Act (House Bill 1447), a voluntary, employee-funded retirement savings program for workers without employer-provided plans [5][16]. In April 2026, his House Bill 2408 was approved by the House to restrict robocalls by capping automated calls at 10,000 per month and establishing penalties for violations [17]. He has also advocated for changes to school funding formulas to reduce delays in state payments to growing districts like Rutherford County Schools [18].\n\nBaum is currently a candidate for re-election to the Tennessee House of Representatives in District 37. He appears on the ballot for the Republican primary scheduled for August 6, 2026 [1][13]. The outcome of this upcoming election has not yet been determined.\n\n## Legislative record and accomplishments\n\nBaum has served on several key committees during his tenure, including the Education Administration Committee and the Pensions and Insurance Committee [1]. He also serves as Vice Chair of the Finance, Ways, and Means Committee [1][14]. In 2025, Speaker Cameron Sexton appointed Baum as Chairman of the House Higher Education Subcommittee for the 114th General Assembly, marking his first year in that leadership role [10].\n\nIn January 2026, Baum introduced the Tennessee Retirement Savings Plan Act (House Bill 1447), which aims to create a voluntary, employee-funded retirement savings program for workers who do not have access to employer-sponsored plans [5][16]. The legislation is designed to help self-employed individuals and those working for small businesses build long-term financial security through a state-facilitated system similar to a 401(k) [5][16].\n\nIn April 2026, the Tennessee House approved Baum\u2019s House Bill 2408, which imposes restrictions on automated telemarketing calls [17]. The bill caps companies at 10,000 automated calls per month and requires them to maintain monthly records of their call volume, establishing penalties for violations to protect consumers, particularly seniors, from robocalls [17].\n\nBaum has a history of supporting conservative economic principles and limited government, citing his background in economics as a basis for encouraging job growth through low taxes [3]. He has consistently advocated for school choice, accountability in public education, and reduced regulatory burdens on businesses [11]. Baum also supported the Tennessee Sports Gaming Act (SB 16/HB 1) and the Business Protection Act (SB 364/HB 563) during the 2020 legislative session [8].\n\n## Business interests and wealth source\n\nCharlie Baum\u2019s primary source of income and professional background is derived from his career in higher education economics rather than private business ownership or family wealth. He has served as a professor of economics at Middle Tennessee State University (MTSU) since 1999, following the completion of his Ph.D. in economics from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill [2][4][7][12]. Baum self-describes his career focus as being in economics, stating that his professional experience teaches him how to encourage job growth and help small businesses through limited government and low taxes [3].\n\nPublic financial disclosures and biographical records do not indicate that Baum holds significant ownership stakes in private corporations or derives wealth from the sale of businesses. Instead, his professional profile is defined by his academic tenure at MTSU\u2019s Jennings A. Jones College of Business, where he has served as a department chair and continues to teach courses such as ECON2410 [7][15]. Baum resides in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, with his wife, Kelly, and their three children [2][4].\n\nWhile Baum is not described as a business owner, his legislative work frequently intersects with economic policy affecting private enterprise. He has introduced legislation to regulate automated phone calls by companies, including caps on call volume and record-keeping requirements for businesses [17]. Additionally, he has proposed the Tennessee Retirement Savings Plan Act to assist workers who do not have access to employer-sponsored retirement plans, such as those in small businesses or self-employed individuals [5][16]. Baum\u2019s campaign platform emphasizes conservative economic principles, low taxes, and support for small business growth, aligning with his background as an economics professor [3][14].\n\n## Family\n\nCharlie Baum met his wife, Kelly, while earning his Ph.D. from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill [3][7]. They have three children: Elizabeth, Anna Jane, and Charles [2][4].\n\n## Sources\n[1] [Charlie Baum - Ballotpedia](https://ballotpedia.org/Charlie_Baum)\n[2] [Charlie Baum - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charlie_Baum)\n[3] [Re-Elect Charlie Baum for State House](https://baumforstatehouse.com/)\n[4] [Charlie Baum's Biography](https://justfacts.votesmart.org/candidate/biography/182443/charlie-baum)\n[5] [State Rep. Charlie Baum to introduce Bill to Help Tennesseans Without Employer Retirement Plans - WGNS Radio](https://www.wgnsradio.com/article/97064/state-rep-charlie-baum-to-introduce-bill-to-help-tennesseans-without-employer-retirement-plans)\n[6] [State Representative Charlie Baum | BillTrack50](https://www.billtrack50.com/legislatordetail/22948)\n[7] [Representative Charlie Baum \u2014 Tennessee House Republican Caucus](https://tnhousegop.org/members/representative-charlie-baum/)\n[8] [Rep. Charlie Baum - Family Action Council of Tennessee](https://scorecard.factennessee.org/representatives/charlie-baum)\n[9] [MTSU\u2019s Baum sworn in to General Assembly\u2019s House District 37 seat](https://mtsunews.com/baum-sworn-in-house-district-37/)\n[10] [State Rep. Charlie Baum named chairman of Higher Education Subcommittee \u2014 Tennessee House Republican Caucus](https://tnhousegop.org/member-newsroom/2025/02/state-rep-charlie-baum-named-chairman-of-higher-education-subcommittee/)\n[11] [Charlie Baum \u2013 Tennessee Education Heroes](https://tnedheroes.com/baum/)\n[12] [Charlie Baum \u2014 Grokipedia](https://grokipedia.com/page/Charlie_Baum)\n[13] [Charlie Baum | BallotReady](https://www.ballotready.org/people/charlie-baum)\n[14] [Republican Charlie Baum wins Tennessee House District 37 in Rutherford County \u2013 MTSU Sidelines](https://mtsusidelines.com/2024/11/05/republican-charlie-baum-wins-tennessee-house-district-37-in-rutherford-county/)\n[15] [Charles Baum II at Middle Tennessee State University | Rate My Professors](https://www.ratemyprofessors.com/professor/2010752)\n[16] [Rep. Charlie Baum proposes retirement savings plan for workers without coverage \u2014 Tennessee House Republican Caucus](https://tnhousegop.org/member-newsroom/2026/01/rep-charlie-baum-proposes-retirement-savings-plan-for-workers-without-coverage/)\n[17] [Rep. Charlie Baum passes bill to crack down on robocalls \u2014 Tennessee House Republican Caucus](https://tnhousegop.org/press-releases/2026/04/rep-charlie-baum-passes-bill-to-crack-down-on-robocalls/)\n[18] [Rep. Charlie Baum wants to reduce the \u201clag\u201d growing school districts face receiving state funding \u2014 The Tennessee Firefly](https://www.tnfirefly.com/news/b4a6c65dglrtevazsacescawg0bet2)","birthdate":null,"firstname":"Charlie","fullname":"Charlie Baum","lastname":"Baum","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"summary":"Charlie Baum is a Republican member of the Tennessee House of Representatives for District 37, serving since 2018.","token":"62dEIhRQG8"},{"bio_snippet":"The provided source text lists Tennessee Secretary of State candidate filing deadlines and document links but contains no specific information about Tamara Bavendam.","biography":"## Current office and 2026 campaign\nTamara Bavendam is a Democratic candidate for Tennessee House of Representatives District 66, representing Robertson County, in the August 6, 2026 primary [1]. She is listed as a Springfield resident and met the March 10, 2026 candidate filing deadline [1].\n\n## Sources\n[1] [Candidates for Tennessee House of Representatives as of March 24, 2026](https://sos-prod.tnsosgovfiles.com/s3fs-public/document/TNHouse_2026.pdf) \u2014 accessed 2026-07-20 (District 66 listing)","birthdate":null,"firstname":"Tamara","fullname":"Tamara Bavendam","lastname":"Bavendam","middlename":null,"suffix":null,"summary":"The provided source text lists Tennessee Secretary of State candidate filing deadlines and document links but contains no specific information about Tamara Bavendam.","token":"yWlj9LS3yy"}]