As 2025 begins to wind down, many are already looking ahead to the 2026 midterm elections across the country — and the filing period for races in North Carolina began on Monday.

As of 12 p.m. on Dec. 1, candidates for federal, state and local offices can file to formally begin their campaigns for the 2026 primary elections as a precursor to general elections later in November. In Chatham County, three county commissioner seats are available, as well as the role of sheriff after Mike Roberson announced he would be abdicating the latter position to run for the former. Three seats are available on Chatham County’s Board of Education, and there is a Clerk of Superior Court role open in the county as well.

There will also be a race for the U.S. House of Representatives playing out in Chatham County, as Democrat challenger Nigel Bristow will run against Republican incumbent Richard Hudson for District 9’s seat.

Which Candidates Are On The Ballot?

Below is a list of all the candidates who have filed to run for local office or have declared their intentions to file. Candidates are separated by party affiliation (when relevant) and listed alphabetically by last name. Candidates who have verbally committed to the election cycle are listed as such.

U.S. House – District 4

  • Valerie Foushee (D) – Incumbent

U.S. House – District 9

  • Nigel Bristow (D)
  • Richard Hudson (R) – Incumbent

North Carolina Senate – District 20

  • Natalie S. Murdock (D) – Incumbent

North Carolina House – District 54

  • Robert T. Reives II (D) – Incumbent

Chatham County Board of Commissioners – District 3

  • Michael R. (Mike) Roberson (D) 

Chatham County Board of Commissioners – District 4

  • Katie Kenlan (D) – Incumbent

Chatham County Board of Commissioners – District 5

  • Franklin Gomez Flores (D) – Incumbent

Chatham County Sheriff

  • Steve Maynor (D) 

Chatham County Board of Education – District 3

 

Chatham County Board of Education – District 4

 

Chatham County Board of Education – District 5

 

Chatham County Clerk of Superior Court

  • Dana M. Hackney (D)

What Are Upcoming Dates to Know?

The filing period will remain open to potential candidates until Friday, Dec. 19 at 12 p.m. Those interested in filing can visit the North Carolina Board of Elections website for more details on filing requirements and frequently-asked questions.

Chatham County will also hold an election for the Soil and Water Conservation Board in 2026. The filing period for that election opens June 8 at 12:00 p.m. and runs through July 6 at 12:00 p.m. More information on the county’s specific elections can be found on Chatham County’s website.

Voter registration for the local primary election cycle will close at 5 p.m. on Friday, February 9. Early voting then runs from February 15 to March 2, which is another opportunity to initially register to vote. Primary Election Day itself is Tuesday, March 3, while the general election will end on Tuesday, Nov. 3.

 

Featured image via Brighton McConnell/Chapel Hill Media Group

Chapelboro.com does not charge subscription fees, and you can directly support our efforts in local journalism here. Want more of what you see on Chapelboro? Let us bring free local news and community information to you by signing up for our newsletter.

Related Stories
‹
Chatham County Sheriff's Office Busts 2 Smoke Shops for Items Over THC Limits
After testing THC-A products purchased at two businesses, the Chatham County Sheriff's Office announced charges against the operators.
On the Porch: Rebecca Dickenson - Leading the Chatham Chamber of Commerce
This Week: Rebecca Dickenson is President & CEO of The Chatham Chamber, where she is leading a bold new chapter focused on business growth, regional collaboration, and strategic advocacy. With a strong background in chamber leadership and a track record of building high-impact partnerships, Rebecca works to connect local businesses with the opportunities, resources, and relationships they need to succeed. A UNC-Chapel Hill graduate and lifelong North Carolinian, she brings a values-driven, results-oriented approach to advancing Chatham County’s role in the Triangle’s dynamic economic landscape.
CORA Set To Take Over Siler City Food Pantry Despite Federal Funding Cuts
As Chatham County continues to grow, CORA is looking to increase its food services. But threats to federal funding may hinder those goals.
Chatham County Awarded $350,000 Energy Efficiency Grant
Chatham County has been awarded a $350,000 grant through the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant program, the county government announced Wednesday. The grant was administered by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s State Energy Office using federal funding. Chatham County’s project was one of nine across the state selected for funding. “The funding […]
In One North Carolina County, It’s ‘Growth, Growth, Growth.’ But Will Biden Reap the Benefit?
Places like Chatham County show how this year’s presidential campaign offers two conflicting visions for America’s economic future.
Chatham County Sheriff Charges 9 Businesses for Selling Tobacco Products to Underage Buyers
The Chatham County Sheriff’s Office revealed Friday its efforts to run a sting operation to limit the sales of nicotine vape and tobacco-related products to underage buyers, sharing several businesses that were found to have violated the law. A release from the office said throughout August, Chatham County investigators visited 29 stores to observe any […]
2 New Electric Vehicle Charging Stations Coming to Chatham County
Chatham County is installing two new electric vehicle charging stations in Siler City and Pittsboro, the county government announced Monday afternoon. The installation of the stations comes with the aid of two 2021 grants from the State of North Carolina and the Volkswagen Settlement Fund. One of the stations — which will use a faster, […]
Pittsboro Commissioners Talk Bike Paths, Tax Revenue and Time Capsule at Meeting
By Adrianne Cleven, Chatham News + Record Correspondent Issues of accessibility and flexibility embodied the Pittsboro Town Board of Commissioners meeting Monday, as the group discussed proposed bike paths across town, received an update on Pittsboro’s better-than-expected municipal sales tax revenue and reviewed updates to rules that would allow more flexibility in planning board meetings. The town’s […]
COVID-19 Presenting a Major Challenge for Chatham Restaurants
By Zachary Horner, Chatham News + Record Staff Greg Lewis was rather blunt about what the spread of COVID-19, the novel coronavirus, and government orders to close dine-in options at restaurants across North Carolina has mean for his business. “It’s an unprecedented situation for the world,” said Lewis, the owner of Pittsboro Roadhouse. “This is something […]
Pittsboro’s Town Hall Project Moves Forward
By Casey Mann, Chatham News + Record Staff   Pittsboro’s proposed $18 million town hall project received the green light to move into the “construction document” phase Monday night from the Pittsboro Board of Commissioners. The board approved the initial designs, budget and proposed timeline presented by Hobbs Architects of Pittsboro, the firm hired to design […]
›