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Local elections are when the future of our community is decided, and 97.9 The Hill and Chapelboro.com provides you with the information you need about races in Chapel Hill, Carrboro, Hillsborough and beyond. Check back on this page for the latest information about local races, election-related news and more!
2026 Candidate Introductions: Democratic Primary for U.S. House – NC-09
NC-09 has long been a Republican stronghold. This spring, four Democrats are running for the chance to face longtime U.S. Rep. Richard Hudson on the November ballot.
2026 Candidate Introductions: Democratic Primary for U.S. House – NC-04
Arguably the highest-profile primary on the ballot this year in our community is the race for North Carolina’s fourth congressional district.
Former Town Councilor, Pastor María Palmer Details Orange County Commissioner Campaign
María Palmer’s campaign for a District 1 Orange County Commissioner seat is built around championing equity and improving affordability.
Sarah Smylie Details Bid for Reelection to Orange County Schools Board of Education
Incumbent board member and vice-chair Sarah Smylie is one of six candidates vying for four seats on the county school system’s Board of Education this spring, with early voting beginning on February 12 and Primary Election Day on Tuesday, March 3.
Saru Salvi Points to Her Career of Public Service Amid Run for OCS Board of Education
Saru Salvi is one of six candidates vying for four seats on the county school system’s Board of Education this spring, with early voting beginning on February 12 and Primary Election Day on Tuesday, March 3.
Lawyer Lori Russell Details Run For Orange County Schools Board Of Education
Russell, an Orange County-based lawyer working in biotechnology, is one of six candidates vying for a seat on the board of education.
Lawyer, Counselor Kate O’Brien Shares Campaign Details in Chatham County Commissioner Race
Mental health and court counselor Kate O’Brien is running for the District 3 seat, which covers the northern most area of Chatham County.
Orange County School Board Chair Will Atherton Will Seek Re-Election In 2026
Will Atherton, the current chair of the Orange County Board of Education, is one of six candidates vying for four seats.
The Filing Period For 2026 Elections Is Over. Who’s Running in Orange County?
As 2025 begins to wind down, many are already looking ahead to the 2026 midterm elections across the country — with the filing period for races in North Carolina ending on Friday. As of Dec. 19, candidates for federal, state and local offices can no longer file to...
Orange County Sheriff Primary Heats Up as Blackwood Seeks Fourth Term, LaBarre Joins Race
After an unopposed election for Orange County Sheriff in 2022, the 2026 Democratic primary will see a race for the position.
Rep. Allen Buansi Seeks Third Term in N.C. House to Represent Chapel Hill, Carrboro
North Carolina District 56 Rep. Allen Buansi is seeking a third full term in the state house, announcing he will run for re-election in 2026.
Orange County Commissioners Bedford and McKee File for Re-election; Beeman Launches At-Large Bid
The 2026 race for the Orange County Board of Commissioners gained three members in recent days: two incumbents and one second-time challenger.
