Who is running in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina in 2026
- County Commissioner, At-Large
- Leigh Altman, Arthur Griffin, Jr. and Yvette Townsend-Ingram
- County Commissioner, District 2
- Monifa (Mo) Drayton and Angela White Edwards
- U.S. Senator
- Roy Cooper, Michael Whatley, Shannon W. Bray and Michael Dublin
- N.C. Supreme Court Associate Justice, Seat 1
- Anita Earls and Sarah Stevens
- N.C. Court of Appeals Judge, Seat 1
- John S. Arrowood and Michael C. Byrne
- N.C. Court of Appeals Judge, Seat 2
- Tobias (Toby) Hampson and George Cooper Bell
- N.C. Court of Appeals Judge, Seat 3
- Christine Marie Walczyk and Craig Collins
- U.S. Representative, District 8
- Colby Watson, Mark Harris and Bo Whitehead
- U.S. Representative, District 12
- Alma S. Adams and Jack Codiga
- U.S. Representative, District 14
- Lakesha Womack and Tim Moore
- N.C. Senate, District 37
- Raygan J. Angel and Vickie Sawyer
- N.C. Senate, District 40
- Joyce Waddell and Bobbie Shields
- N.C. Senate, District 41
- Caleb Theodros and Kevin Gray
- N.C. Senate, District 42
- Woodson Bradley and Stacie McGinn
- N.C. House, District 88
- Mary Belk and Ray Craig
- N.C. House, District 98
- Beth Helfrich and John Rhodes
- N.C. House, District 104
- Brandon Lofton and Trina Boyd
- N.C. House, District 105
- Ken McCool and Tricia Ann Cotham
Mecklenburg County
County races in North Carolina are partisan. Only one county race is contested this fall: every Democratic nominee except District 2 commissioner Mo Drayton is running without a Republican opponent, and the three at-large commission seats have exactly three candidates. Charlotte, Huntersville, Matthews, Cornelius and the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools board elect in odd years, so there are no town or school board races until 2027. Soil and Water Conservation District supervisor (five candidates for two seats) is also on the ballot and not covered here.
Sheriff
Vote for oneUnopposed. McFadden won a four-way Democratic primary in March.
Garry L. McFadden
Seems like good people (best choice in this race) DemocratEnded the sheriff's office's part in the federal 287(g) immigration program when he took office and doesn't voluntarily honor ICE detainer requests. Endorsed by the Black Political Caucus of Charlotte-Mecklenburg.
Sources: Axios Charlotte, Charlotte Optimist
County Commissioner, At-Large
Vote for threeVote for three. Only three candidates filed, all incumbent Democrats, so all three will win. We pick Altman and Griffin; Townsend-Ingram has an unresolved DWI case.
Leigh Altman
Seems like good people (best choice in this race) DemocratSays her legal work for children and families is her "lodestar," and focuses on school funding, transit and help for vulnerable families. Endorsed by the N.C. AFL-CIO and the Charlotte Observer editorial board.
Sources: Campaign site, WSOC-TV, N.C. AFL-CIO
Arthur Griffin, Jr.
Seems like good people (best choice in this race) DemocratNames widening inequity in housing, economic mobility, job training and health care as the county's most pressing problem. Endorsed by the N.C. AFL-CIO and the Charlotte Observer editorial board.
Sources: The Ballot Brief, WSOC-TV, N.C. AFL-CIO
Yvette Townsend-Ingram
Compromised DemocratPleaded guilty to a misdemeanor DWI in October 2024, and in February 2026 a warrant was issued over whether she had finished her court-ordered community service; she called it a political attack. Endorsed by the Black Political Caucus and Red Wine and Blue.
Sources: WFAE, WSOC-TV, Ballotpedia
County Commissioner, District 2
Vote for oneMonifa (Mo) Drayton
Seems like good people (best choice in this race) DemocratBeat 16-year commissioner Vilma Leake in the March primary. Her plan centers on protecting historic neighborhoods from displacement, steadier property taxes, and health care and schools. Endorsed by the Charlotte Observer editorial board and Gun Sense Voter.
Sources: WFAE, Ballotpedia, R.L. Bryant
Angela White Edwards
Not enough info RepublicanHas run for this seat four times before, three times as a Democrat and in 2024 as a Republican. Lists education, mental health and housing for the lowest-income residents as her priorities.
Sources: Tuesday Forum, WSOC-TV
Unopposed county races
No contestAll Democrats: District Attorney, District 26 (Spencer Merriweather); Clerk of Superior Court (Elisa Chinn Gary); County Commissioner District 1 (Morris "Mac" McAdoo), District 3 (George Dunlap), District 4 (Mark Jerrell), District 5 (Charles DeLoach) and District 6 (Susan Rodriguez-McDowell).
Judges
Not profiledEvery local judgeship is uncontested, all Democrats. Superior Court 26C (George Guise), 26F (Karen Eady-Williams) and 26H (Elizabeth Thornton Trosch). District Court 26, Seats 6 (unexpired term, Kimberly Y. Best), 13 (Roderick G. Davis), 14 (Alyssa M. Levine), 15 (Jennifer L. Fleet), 16 (Matt Newton), 17 (Paige McThenia), 18 (Habekah Cannon), 19 (Samantha C. Mobley), 20 (Karen D. McCallum) and 21 (Rhonda L. Patterson-Wrighten). We haven't profiled judges yet.
State and federal
Mecklenburg is split among three congressional districts, six state Senate districts and 13 state House districts. Look up yours on your sample ballot through the state's voter lookup. Statewide races are listed first.
U.S. Senator
Vote for oneRoy Cooper
Seems like good people (best choice in this race) DemocratAs governor he signed the bipartisan bill that expanded Medicaid and vetoed the 12-week abortion ban. Endorsed by the largest federal employees' union, the Sierra Club and the veterans' group Common Defense.
Sources: Ballotpedia, AFGE, Common Defense
Michael Whatley
Not good people RepublicanTrump put him in charge of the RNC to focus on election litigation and the 2020 election, then endorsed him for this seat. He says he backs Trump's agenda, including deporting unauthorized immigrants, "100%."
Sources: The Guardian, Wikipedia, Campaign site
Shannon W. Bray
Not enough info LibertarianRunning on digital privacy and strict limits on federal surveillance, saying "rights don't disappear as technology advances." No record in office to judge.
Sources: Campaign site
Michael Dublin
Not enough info GreenCo-chairs the state Green Party's Black Caucus and takes no corporate PAC money. Wants a $25 federal minimum wage and a Green New Deal for North Carolina; no record in office to judge.
Sources: Election Hub, Ballotpedia
N.C. Supreme Court Associate Justice, Seat 1
Vote for oneAnita Earls
Seems like good people (best choice in this race) DemocratWrote the 2022 opinion striking down the voter ID law as racially discriminatory, then dissented when the new majority reversed it in 2023. A state ethics inquiry over her comments on bias in the courts was dismissed in 2024.
Sources: Bolts, Carolina Public Press, Ballotpedia
Sarah Stevens
Compromised RepublicanSays judges shouldn't "create laws from the bench," and voted to override the veto of the 12-week abortion ban. Her campaign took two illegal lobbyist contributions; the elections board called it unintentional after she returned them.
Sources: WFAE, Campaign site
N.C. Court of Appeals Judge, Seat 1
Vote for oneJohn S. Arrowood
Seems like good people (best choice in this race) DemocratHas written more than 650 opinions, including a September 2026 dissent against letting the state auditor appoint local election board members. Endorsed by the state AFL-CIO and Equality NC.
Sources: Victory Fund, News From the States, WFAE
Michael C. Byrne
Compromised RepublicanCalls himself a conservative who reads the state constitution as written. Endorsed by the Police Benevolent Association, the Fraternal Order of Police and the NC Values Coalition.
Sources: WFAE
N.C. Court of Appeals Judge, Seat 2
Vote for oneTobias (Toby) Hampson
Seems like good people (best choice in this race) DemocratIn the fight over the 2024 Supreme Court election he dissented against throwing out challenged ballots. Endorsed by the state AFL-CIO and the Sierra Club.
Sources: INDY Week, NC AFL-CIO, Ballotpedia
George Cooper Bell
Not good people RepublicanThe State Bar reprimanded him in 2019 for making a false statement to a court about a client's probation. Names Clarence Thomas as the justice closest to his own views.
Sources: Tennessee Bar Association, WFAE, iVoterGuide
N.C. Court of Appeals Judge, Seat 3
Vote for oneOpen seat.
Christine Marie Walczyk
Seems like good people (best choice in this race) DemocratSays she is running because she is "increasingly concerned about the public's loss of confidence in the court system." Endorsed by the teachers' association and former Chief Justice Cheri Beasley.
Sources: Campaign site, NCAE
Craig Collins
Compromised RepublicanCampaigns on "Conservative judges matter now more than ever." Endorsed by the Fraternal Order of Police and the NC Values Coalition.
Sources: WFAE, Ballotpedia
Constitutional amendments
For or againstWe describe what each amendment does and don't make recommendations.
- Photo ID for voting: The constitution already requires photo ID to vote in person. A vote for extends that to every voter, including people voting absentee by mail. A vote against leaves it as it is.
- Maximum income tax rate of 3.5%: Lowers the highest income tax rate the state can ever charge, on people and corporations, from 7% to 3.5%, starting with the 2027 tax year. Supporters say it keeps taxes low and draws business; opponents, including the League of Women Voters, say it would limit money for schools and disaster relief in hard times.
- Property tax levy limit: Requires limits on how much counties and cities can raise property taxes. The amendment leaves the actual limit and any exceptions for the legislature to set later. Supporters say it stops runaway tax bills; opponents say it takes away local control and could squeeze money for schools, emergency services and parks.
U.S. Representative, District 8
Vote for oneColby Watson
Seems like good people (best choice in this race) DemocratRunning mainly against corruption: he pledges to turn away corporate lobbyist influence and to end the role of super PACs in politics.
Sources: Ballotpedia, Ballotpedia: race
Mark Harris
Compromised RepublicanHis 2018 win in the old 9th District was never certified; state officials threw it out after a contractor working for his campaign ran a criminal absentee ballot scheme. Sits on the Judiciary, Agriculture and Education committees.
Sources: Wikipedia, Ballotpedia
Bo Whitehead
Not enough info GreenWants to abolish ICE and overhaul the immigration system, plus a $25 federal minimum wage, universal health care and legal marijuana.
Sources: Branch, Chamberlight
U.S. Representative, District 12
Vote for oneAlma S. Adams
Seems like good people (best choice in this race) DemocratCo-founded the Black Maternal Health Caucus and sponsored the 2019 FUTURE Act, which made $255 million a year in funding for HBCUs and minority-serving colleges permanent. Calls herself a "staunch and ardent supporter" of the Affordable Care Act.
Sources: House office, WSOC-TV
Jack Codiga
Not enough info RepublicanSays he is running because of "a calling on my heart from God." Calls abortion murder, and wants federal spending cuts and a dollar backed by gold and silver.
Sources: WSOC-TV, iVoterGuide, Medalist Capital
U.S. Representative, District 14
Vote for oneLakesha Womack
Seems like good people (best choice in this race) DemocratWon the Democratic primary with 52 percent. Says her campaign is about meeting people and showing them "we have more in common than we think."
Sources: Ballotpedia, The Davidsonian
Tim Moore
Not good people RepublicanHas Donald Trump's endorsement in both of his congressional runs and publicly backs Trump's tariffs. Sits on the Financial Services and Budget committees.
Sources: The Paper
N.C. Senate, District 37
Vote for oneRaygan J. Angel
Seems like good people (best choice in this race) DemocratWants independent redistricting, saying the district "was drawn to protect politicians, not voters," and cheaper health care. Endorsed by the N.C. AFL-CIO and Equality NC.
Sources: Campaign site, Ballotpedia, Equality NC PAC
Vickie Sawyer
Not enough info RepublicanVoted in 2023 to override Gov. Roy Cooper's veto of the 12-week abortion ban.
Sources: Ballotpedia, Carolina Journal
N.C. Senate, District 40
Vote for oneJoyce Waddell
Seems like good people (best choice in this race) DemocratCalls fully funding public schools her top priority, including teacher pay and pre-K. Endorsed by Planned Parenthood Votes! South Atlantic and the League of Conservation Voters.
Sources: N.C. Senate, N.C. Tribune, Planned Parenthood Votes
Bobbie Shields
Not enough info RepublicanHis fourth run against Waddell. Lists education, infrastructure and economic development as his priorities, and supports school choice.
Sources: Campaign site, Ballotpedia, iVoterGuide
N.C. Senate, District 41
Vote for oneCaleb Theodros
Seems like good people (best choice in this race) DemocratSponsored bills to remove limits on labor organizing and to restore retiree health benefits for teachers and state employees. A 2024 challenge to his residency was rejected unanimously by the county elections board.
Sources: Ballotpedia, Wikipedia
Kevin Gray
Not good people RepublicanHis campaign site says Charlotte has been "taken hostage by evil and Demonic forces that seek to turn this city into a stronghold for Democrat destruction."
Sources: Campaign site
N.C. Senate, District 42
Vote for oneBoth have marks against them: Bradley a real estate career and a past job with a pyramid scheme, McGinn work with Moms for Liberty. The tie goes to the Democrat.
Woodson Bradley
Compromised (best choice in this race) DemocratCampaigns on abortion rights, school funding and closing gun loopholes for domestic abusers, drawing on her own experience as a domestic violence survivor. Was a sales manager for Fortune Hi-Tech Marketing, shut down as a pyramid scheme in 2013; she says she was one of its victims. Endorsed by the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Fraternal Order of Police and the firefighters.
Sources: Wikipedia, Campaign site, WFAE, Campaign endorsements
Stacie McGinn
Compromised RepublicanWorked with Moms for Liberty to lobby for the state's "Parents' Bill of Rights." Runs on backing police, school choice vouchers and spending cuts; endorsed by the NRA and the Charlotte Observer editorial board.
Sources: WFAE, Campaign endorsements, Carolina Journal
N.C. House, District 88
Vote for oneMary Belk
Seems like good people (best choice in this race) DemocratCosponsored a 2023 bill to legalize medical cannabis, and in 2022 was one of two Mecklenburg Democrats whose votes helped defeat sports betting. Endorsed by the N.C. Sierra Club.
Sources: N.C. General Assembly, WFAE, Marijuana Policy Project, Sierra Club
Ray Craig
Compromised RepublicanRuns on "Safe Streets," "Innocent Childhoods," "Free Enterprise" and "Accountable Governance." Endorsed by the N.C. Police Benevolent Association.
Sources: Campaign site
N.C. House, District 98
Vote for oneBeth Helfrich
Seems like good people (best choice in this race) DemocratFlipped the seat in 2024. Wrote bills to protect towns' zoning authority and the legal right to IVF. Endorsed by the N.C. AFL-CIO, Equality NC and Planned Parenthood Votes! South Atlantic.
Sources: DLCC, Campaign site, N.C. AFL-CIO
John Rhodes
Compromised RepublicanWas the first House member to call for Speaker Jim Black's resignation over ethics violations. Endorsed by the N.C. Values Coalition; says tax money should never "support abortion mills."
Sources: WFAE, Wikipedia, iVoterGuide
N.C. House, District 104
Vote for oneOur research turned up nothing we could source on either candidate. The tie goes to the Democrat.
Brandon Lofton
Not enough info (best choice in this race) DemocratWe couldn't find sourced information about this race.
Trina Boyd
Not enough info RepublicanWe couldn't find sourced information about this race.
N.C. House, District 105
Vote for oneKen McCool
Compromised (best choice in this race) DemocratSays he is running because state decisions hurt people locally, pointing to school funding cuts and utility rates. Endorsed by the N.C. AFL-CIO, Equality NC, the Sierra Club and the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Fraternal Order of Police.
Sources: Campaign site, The Ballot Brief, N.C. AFL-CIO, Watauga Watch
Tricia Ann Cotham
Not good people RepublicanWas elected as a Democrat in 2022, then switched parties in April 2023 and handed Republicans a veto-proof supermajority. Weeks later she cast a deciding vote to override the veto of the 12-week abortion ban after campaigning on protecting abortion rights.
Sources: Carolina Journal, WFAE, Qnotes
Unopposed state legislative seats
No contestAll Democrats: N.C. Senate District 38 (Mujtaba A. Mohammed) and 39 (DeAndrea Salvador); N.C. House District 92 (Terry Brown), 99 (Veleria M. Levy), 100 (Julia Greenfield), 101 (Carolyn G. Logan), 102 (Becky Carney), 103 (Laura Budd), 106 (Rodney Sadler), 107 (Aisha O. Dew) and 112 (Jordan Lopez).
Bond referendums
We describe what each bond does and don't make recommendations. Tax figures are the ballot's own estimates for a home valued at $100,000.
Charlotte bonds
PropositionsCity of Charlotte voters only.
- Transportation bonds: $280 million for streets, sidewalks, bike and pedestrian paths, bridges, storm drainage and traffic signals. The city estimates no tax increase.
- Housing bonds: $125 million for housing projects for low and moderate income residents. The city estimates no tax increase.
- Neighborhood improvement bonds: $20 million for sidewalks, curbs, drainage, street work and open space in neighborhoods. The city estimates no tax increase.