During this local election season, 97.9 The Hill and Chapelboro spoke with candidates for races representing Chapel Hill, Carrboro, Hillsborough and Pittsboro. Each answered the same set of questions regarding their decision to run for elected office, their thoughts on pressing community issues and what they wish for residents to think of when voting this fall. Their answers (lightly edited for clarity and brevity) are shared here, as well as links to their respective campaign websites or pages. If a candidate did not respond or chose not to speak with 97.9 The Hill and Chapelboro, it will be designated with no audio. The order of candidates below is in the alphabetical order of their last names.
North Carolina House District 50 covers nearly all of Orange County — just not the Chapel Hill and Carrboro town limits — and all of Caswell County. The representative must answer to several communities that skew toward having a rural character, but a variety of needs and issues that come to mind when serving residents ranging from Hillsborough and White Cross to Yanceyville. This year’s election drew no Republican candidate, meaning a trio of Democrats are vying for the seat in the House. Rep. Renée Price, who is in the midst of her second term, faces challengers Mary Lucas from Orange County and Brandall Redd from Caswell County as they look to make an impact in serving District 50 voters.
97.9 The Hill spoke with each candidate, asking these questions that are reflected in the recorded responses:
Why were you inspired to join this race?
What are the top three issues your campaign is built on?
What sets you apart from the other candidates in this primary?
How are you taking action against threats to democracy seen at both the national and state levels of government? What is your advice to constituents for taking action?
How does your policy platform reflect the district’s values? How do you carry your constituents’ feedback/hopes/wishes with you to the legislature?
When voters see your name on the ballot, what do you want them to think of?
Early voting in Orange County for the 2026 primary election runs from Thursday, Feb. 12 to Saturday, Feb. 28 offering an additional to register to vote for anyone who misses the Feb. 9 deadline. Primary Election Day itself is Tuesday, March 3, while the general election will end on Tuesday, Nov. 3.
More of the 2026 Candidate Introductions for local elections can be found on Chapelboro’s Local Elections page as they are published.
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