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.
As a county with one of the fastest growing populations in North Carolina — which presents a variety of opportunities and challenges — Chatham County’s Board of Commissioners continues to face several key decisions in how to respond to that growth. After the 2024 races for Districts 1 and 2 went uncontested, the office has drawn interest from several candidates this election cycle who are interested in serving four-year terms to help shape the future of the community through policy.
District 3 Commissioner David Delaney is not seeking re-election, leading two Democratic residents from the northeastern part of the county to file. Outgoing Chatham County Sheriff Mike Roberson and juvenile court counselor Kate O’Brien face off in the primary, with the winner drawing no Republican candidate in the general election. District 5, which covers southwest Chatham County and part of Siler City, sees incumbent Franklin Gomez Flores draw challenger Lynn Gaines in the Democratic primary — with the winner set to face Republican Steven Ganley this fall.
The Board of Commissioners’ District 4 seat is also up for election this year. Incumbent and Democrat Katie Kenlan filed unopposed in the primary, and will face Republican John Crowell — who also filed unopposed — in the November general election. An independent candidate, James “Tim” Fogleman, is also trying to join the ballot as an Independent candidate and was circulating a petition as recently as January.
97.9 The Hill spoke with each contested primary 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 do you believe sets you apart from the other candidate in this primary?
- Chatham County’s population growth is well underway, but even more is on the horizon. What is your philosophy on balancing the needs of both old and new residents in the county?
- During the last few years, what is an example of something you believe the Board of Commissioners has done well? Where do you believe there is still work to be done?
- When voters see your name on the ballot, what do you want them to think of?
Chatham County Commissioners – District 3 Democratic Primary
Kate O’Brien (D)
Photo via Kate O’Brien.
Photo via Mike Roberson
Chatham County Commissioners – District 5 Democratic Primary
Photo via lynngaines.com
Airing on Friday, Feb. 20
Photo via Franklin For Commissioner
Airing on Friday, Feb. 20
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.
Featured photo by Brighton McConnell/Chapel Hill Media Group.
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