The second incumbent in this fall’s Hillsborough Board of Commissioners race announced his intentions to run again this week.

Robb English launched his re-election campaign on Monday with a release, saying he will seek a second full term as a town commissioner.

“As Hillsborough grows, we must stay focused on preserving open space, ensuring areas for recreation, and building up climate resilience,” English wrote. “I’m proud of the work we’ve done as a municipal government and as a community, but there’s more to accomplish from extending our greenway network to ensuring our community strengthens its climate resilience.”

Having lived in Hillsborough since 1998, English has served on the elected board since being appointed in 2019 to finish the term of Jenn Weaver after her election to the town’s mayorship. He then campaigned in 2021 for a full, four-year term and earned more than 40% of the vote between the three candidates. In the latest leadership cycle for the board, he’s served as mayor pro tem to Mayor Mark Bell.

A Town of Chapel Hill employee in its Parks and Recreation department, English’s reputation is built on advocating for parks and rec opportunities and conscious environmental approaches. He helped craft the town’s comprehensive Sustainability Plan — adopted in 2023 — and championed efforts to enhance the town’s parks and amenities. For his committee and liaison duties, English serves with the Hillsborough Parks and Recreation Board, the Orange County Climate Council, and the Orange County Intergovernmental Parks Work Group. Previously, he also served as the town board’s liaison to the Water and Sewer Advisory Committee.

In his campaign announcement, English said he remains committed to expanding outdoor options for the Hillsborough community while building off the sustainability plan by setting goals and delivering “measurable results.” The campaign also said he wants to continue strengthening regional partnerships to help both the town and surrounding area.

“Over the past six years,” the commissioner wrote, “it has become clear that the challenges we face, whether in housing, climate resilience, transit, or beyond, are not unique to Hillsborough or any other community. Addressing them effectively requires a regional approach, grounded in thoughtful collaboration and a willingness to learn from others. This is the kind of work I’m eager to continue and expand on in a new term.”

The Hillsborough Board of Commissioners will have two seats on the ballot this fall, with three-term commissioner Kathleen Ferguson announcing her own re-election bid in May. The 2025 municipal election cycle filing period in North Carolina begins the morning of Monday, July 7 and will run through 12 p.m. of Friday, July 18. Election Day will be held Tuesday, Nov. 4.

 

Featured photo via the Town of Hillsborough.

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