2024 Nonpartisan Voter Guide New Hanover County North Carolina

The Governor manages the state’s operations, appoints agency heads, recruits new jobs, and can veto legislation.

REPUBLICAN

Current occupation: Lieutenant Governor

• Supports lower taxes and also tax subsidies for private K-12 schools.
• Opposes gun control.
• Would block right to abortion in most cases.
• Opposes action on climate change as “junk science” & calls the civil rights movement “crap.”
• Would “crack down on illegal immigration and make our country safer.”
• As Lt. Gov., fought “indoctrination” in schools.

Website: markrobinsonfornc.com

DEMOCRAT

Current occupation: Attorney General

• Supports more funds for teachers, public schools and child care centers.
• Would invest in “a clean energy economy” to create jobs and address global warming.
• Supports access to abortion & contraceptives.
• Supports an independent redistricting commission to protect voting rights.
• As Attorney General, sued scammers and makers of addictive drugs.

Website: joshstein.org

Due to space limits, this guide does not profile other candidates for Governor with under 5% of support, based on nonpartisan polling at the time of publication.  However, you can read about all the candidates at ncvoter.org/guide.

Candidates in each contest are listed in the order that they appear on your ballot.

Think Your 1 Vote Doesn’t Matter? In 2020, a top state official won by less than 1 vote per city in N.C. What you do matters! 

The N.C. Supreme Court is not well known, but citizens elect its 7 Justices and its rulings affect everything: voting rights, fair prices, parental rights, racial bias, water quality, your privacy, and more. You can choose 1 Justice this year.

REPUBLICAN

Current occupation: NC Court of Appeals Judge

• Former Wake Co. prosecutor and judge advocate general (JAG) officer in the Army National Guard.
• Says he is “an originalist and a textualist.” He “believes the words of the Constitution mean what they say,” and he values “the rule of law.”
• Says in his experience “the law is applied the same to all citizens.”

Endorsed by: More than three dozen sheriffs; N.C. Republican Party

Website: jeffersongriffin.com

DEMOCRAT

Current occupation: NC Supreme Court Judge

• Former civil rights and voting rights attorney.
• Says courts should protect the “right to privacy [and] access to medical care.”  
• Says she’s committed to “equal justice under   the law” because she has seen the justice system hold people back rather than give them “access to equity and fairness.”

Endorsed by: Sierra Club; N.C. Young Democrats 

Website: riggsforourcourts.com

In addition to President, you can choose legislators to represent your concerns in Congress and the N.C. General Assembly. Vote for 1 candidate for U.S. House of Representatives, 1 for N.C. Senate, and 1 for N.C. House based on your Districts. District lines are new this year; find yours at ncvoter.org/distr. 

DEMOCRAT

• Says: “Building up the middle class will be a defining goal of my presidency.”
• Supports affordable child care and health care, paid family leave, and the right to an abortion.
• Wants new gun control and voting rights laws.
• Would fight price gouging by corporations.
• Supported the bipartisan immigration reform bill opposed by Trump.

Website: kamalaharris.com

REPUBLICAN

• Says: “My first acts as your next President will be to Close the Border, DRILL, BABY, DRILL, and Free the January 6 Hostages being wrongfully imprisoned!”
• Plans to replace Obamacare with insurance markets.
• Will combat fraud with new limits on access to voting.
• Wants to “certify teachers who embrace patriotic values,” end teaching about racism, and let parents elect principals.

Website: donaldjtrump.com

Several other presidential candidates from other political parties are on the ballot; they are profiled at ncvoter.org/guide.

Members of Congress adopt legislation affecting international, national, and local affairs. New Hanover County is in the 7th Congressional District, represented by Republican David Rouzer. Vote for him or his opponent, Democrat Marlando Pridgen. 

The N.C. General Assembly has 50 Senators and 120 Representatives serving 2 year terms. They adopt the state budget and laws affecting a wide range of topics. As in Congress, candidates have different views on how to represent the public interest on everything from abortion to tax fairness. See ncvoter.org/guide for more about the candidates in your District.

LIBERTARIAN

This candidate did not provide a website

DEMOCRAT

• Doctor serving at area health centers.
• Will “lower prices by cracking down on price gouging,” support small businesses, and create good jobs.
• Prioritizes affordable healthcare and “access to reproductive care, contraception, and IVF.”

Website: hillforncsenate.com

REPUBLICAN

• Now in N.C. Senate; attorney.
• Believes in reducing taxes and government regulation to promote economic growth and job creation.
• Supports state funding for beach re-nourishment and mental health personnel in public schools.

Website: leefornc.com

REPUBLICAN

• Now in N.C. Senate; veterinarian.
• Supports reducing regulations on businesses and farms and lowering taxes to stimulate growth.
• Supports substantial restrictions on allowing legal abortions after 12 weeks of pregnancy.
• Would legalize the use of marijuana for medical care and allow casino operations in the state.

Website: none

DEMOCRAT

• Works at refugee resettlement agency.
• Says: “Every child should have access to highquality and well-funded public education, with highquality and well-paid teachers.”
• Says: “Reproductive choice should be protected.”
• Would hold companies accountable for pollution.

Website: randallfornc.com

DEMOCRAT

This candidate is unopposed

REPUBLICAN

• Now in the N.C. House; business owner, formerly in law enforcement for 33 years.
• Promotes “conservative principles.” Defends gunownership rights; opposes abortion rights.
• Prioritizes public safety, education, and veterans.

Website: charliemillernc.com

DEMOCRAT

• Small business owner.
• Would “stand up to lobbyists and big corporations” and prioritize environmental protection.
• Believes “a woman’s right to choose what happens to her body is fundamental to equality.”
• Wants educators valued and quality schools for kids.

Website: jillbrownnc.com

REPUBLICAN

• Now in the N.C. House; retired attorney.
• Would cut by more than half the number of days that Early Voting sites are open; and would give interest groups access to ballot records to investigate possible voter fraud.
• Supports development of new nuclear power plants in N.C. to produce electricity.
• Against gun control; wants comprehensive legislation to address gun violence, mental health services, and criminal justice system reforms.

Website: teddavisfornchouse.com

DEMOCRAT

• Retired from foreign service with U.S. Department of State.
• Says: “North Carolina can be a leader in fighting climate change by investing in renewable energy.”
• Says: “I will fight to protect all women’s right to choose [and] affordable health-care services.”
• Supports higher pay for teachers; opposes “diverting” tax support of public schools to pay for “unaccountable private-school vouchers.”

Website: jonbergerfornc.com

Choose your Local Officials

The County Commission adopts the budget for schools & other agencies, and it oversees land use, affordable housing, conservation programs, the health department, and many other vital services. This year, the 3 candidates with the most votes will fill 3 seats on the Commission. In 2026, 2 other members will be elected. Vote for up to 3 of the 6 candidates profiled below and on the next page.

REPUBLICAN

• Realtor; past pres. of Wilmington Downtown Inc.
• Wants to address overcrowded schools and be “a solid partner” for county school board.
• Believes Sheriff’s Dept. and Fire Fighters are understaffed & need resources, but is against tax increase.
• Would “build a resilient local economy through dynamic economic development” with emphasis on small businesses.

Website: electjohnhinnant.com

REPUBLICAN

• Now serves on the County Board of Commissioners; retired entrepreneur in restaurant and materials management business. He previously served on the New Hanover Board of Education.
• Plans to secure funding and support for building new schools to address overcrowding.
• Seeks to improve infrastructure and economic development.

Web: Facebook.com/billrivenbark4countycommision

DEMOCRAT

• Software product manager; previous jobs include engineering director and public school teacher.
• Says: “Needs of children and families” will influence all her decisions. Will work with the school board so “every child receives a quality education.”
• Wants to be “strategic and pragmatic” in preparing for growth, workforce training, climate risks and safety needs.

Website: cassidyfornhc.com

REPUBLICAN

• Now serves on the County Board of Commissioners; attorney and insurance broker.
• Will “provide law enforcement and first responders with all the resources they need to keep you safe.”
• Promises to “prevent tax hikes and advance only the most vital spending priorities. . . . and defund inefficient government programs like Port City United.”

Website: electdane.com

DEMOCRAT

• NHC school board member; The English Gardener.
• Says: “Encourage community and stakeholder collaboration in development decisions, ensuring that public interests and rights . . . are upheld.”
• Will advocate for affordable housing, racial equity in schools, and protecting the coastal environment.

Website: www.electstephaniewalker.com

DEMOCRAT

• Now serves on the County Board of Commissioners.
• Supports investing in excellent teachers, “quality public education [and] inquiry-based curricula.”
• Says: “Bringing new jobs and corporate investment to NHC will rank among my highest priorities.” Will seek federal/state funds to enhance workforce training.

Website: barfieldforcommish.com

Superior Court judges handle cases involving felony crimes, civil disputes in excess of $25,000, and appeals from District Courts. District Courts hear lesser crimes and civil cases, including family and property disputes. This year, only voters living in Districts 6A or 6C will elect a Superior Court judge. All county voters will elect several District Court judges.

REPUBLICAN

This candidate is unopposed

DEMOCRAT 

• Current Superior Court Judge; former assistant public defender in NHC Public Defender’s Office.
• Says his diverse cultural and legal background makes him most qualified for the position.
• Believes showing compassion when handling day-to-day matters of the court is essential for a judge.

Website: jensenforjudge.com

REPUBLICAN

• Public defender in the NHC Public Defender’s Office; previously attorney in private practice.
• Says he’s been on front lines of addiction, poverty and crime since 2015; believes in the power of restorative justice and using mental health resources.
• Wants to address the backlog of court cases.

Website: electmaxashworth.com

DEMOCRAT

• Current District Court judge, served since 2005.
• Says he has “experience making impartial judicial decisions, deciding cases based on the law and the facts, and providing every party with an opportunity to have their voice heard.”

Website: none

REPUBLICAN

• Attorney in private practice.
• Says he “believes in a conservative judicial philosophy that protects individual freedoms, the right to self-defense, private property, and the separation of powers.”

Website: kernforjudge.com

4 other District Court judges on your ballot are unopposed this year:

• J.H. CORPENING II – District Court District 6, Seat 5
• JEFFREY EVAN NOECKER – District Court District 6, Seat 7
• SANDRA ALICE RAY – District Court District 6, Seat 8
• ROBIN WICKS ROBINSON – District Court District 6, Seat 9

The 7-member Board of Education hires the School Superintendent and oversees finances, pupil placement, school policies, and curriculum choices. Voters will elect 3 members of the School Board this year and 4 members in 2026. You may vote for up to 3 of the candidates profiled below. The 3 candidates with the most votes will win.

DEMOCRAT

• Co-founder of The Roasted Bookery and former middle school science teacher.
• Puts emphasis on “inclusion and sustainability.” Would listen to community, teachers, and students to gain ideas and solve problems.
• Believes county is “woefully behind” on investing in educational infrastructure.

Website: electjerryjones.com

DEMOCRAT

• Now serves on Board of Education; former teacher and principal.
• Believes the school district is in a financial crisis  due to state budget cuts, increased living costs, pandemic impacts, and overcrowded facilities.
• Says: “Our staff morale has hit rock bottom as a result of the ineffective leadership coming from the top of our district.”

Website: justicefornhcschools.com

DEMOCRAT

• Retired chiropractor and served as doctor on humanitarian missions.
• Supports safe, welcoming, and fully-funded schools that “promote trust and respect professionalism.”
• Believes the School Board’s focus on “culture war” policies is a distraction from addressing educational disparities and the state’s poor funding of schools.

Website: merrick4schools.com

REPUBLICAN

• Former software engineer and teaching assistant.
• Says: “I am a staunch Constitutional Conservative.” And says education is “the great equalizer.”
• Wants salary increases based on staff performance and student achievement of individual goals.
• Opposes diversity/equity programs and says, “We need individualized education without political indoctrination.”

Website: perryforeducation.com

REPUBLICAN

• Chair of New Hanover Co. Moms for Liberty; former emergency management coordinator.
• Supports “parental rights and transparency” and “removing Left Socialist elements from curriculum.”
• Would eliminate diversity & equity initiatives and add more school resource officers for greater safety.

Website: natoshaforschools.com

REPUBLICAN

• Owner and operator of childcare facility; has two children in NHC schools.
• Says: “I will prioritize staff working directly with ALL of our children while keeping educational standards top priority.”
• Says past leaders’ “bad decisions” hurt school funding; wants input from board, staff, families & students for decisions.

Website: nikki4schools.com

DISTRICT ATTORNEY:  Rebecca Zimmer Donaldson (Democrat) vs. Jason W. Smith (Republican)

REGISTER OF DEEDS:  April Farr (Democrat) vs. Morghan Getty Collins (Republican)

SOIL & WATER CONSERVATION DISTRICT SUPERVISOR:  Jeremy Tominack vs. Matt Collogan (Nonpartisan)

The Governor appoints leaders of some agencies (e.g., health and commerce), but voters elect 8 officials to lead other departments, plus the Lt. Governor. Here are the major-party candidates for those positions.

Candidates are in order as they appear on the ballot 

*A third party candidate for this office is profiled at ncvoter.org/guide

The Lt. Governor presides over the N.C. Senate and sits on the N.C. Board of Education and other boards.

DEMOCRAT

• Supports investing in public school teachers rather than giving tax money to private academies.
• Emphasizes “standing with rural NC” for economic opportunity, broadband, and affordable housing.
• Supports access to abortion and healthcare.
• Promotes job training and housing for veterans.

Website: rachelhunt.com

REPUBLICAN

• Supports placing “armed school resource officers in each and every K-12 school.” Opposes gun control.
• Give companies tax breaks for apprenticeship jobs.
• For “Heartbeat” law to ban abortion after 6 weeks.
• Wants to integrate community college with universities to promote trades and practical skills.

Website: halweathermanfornc.com

The AG leads the Dept. of Justice, which protects consumers, defends state agencies, and advises local law enforcement.

DEMOCRAT

• Supports criminal justice reform: stop racial bias in sentencing, reduce incarceration for non-violent offenses, and improve reentry programs. Also supports public access to police camera videos.
• Supports gun control: require universal back-ground checks and enact “red flag” protective laws.
• Supports expanding voting rights, independent redistricting, and ending secret money in politics.

Website: jeffjacksonnc.com

REPUBLICAN

• Says: “Crime and lawlessness is out of control in our state and I believe restoring a culture of law and order is the most important job of the next AG.”
• Says he’s now “one of the toughest and most outspoken conservatives in Congress.” 
• Supports stronger measures to stop voter fraud and “ballot-box stuffing.” Opposes independent redistricting commission to draw impartial political districts. 

Website: votedanbishop.com

The Superintendent heads the Dept. of Public Instruction, which implements Board of Education policies and state law.

DEMOCRAT

• Experience: Led Guilford County School System.
• Top goals: “Prepare each student for their next phase in life.” “Enhance parent and community support” and a “safe, secure learning environment.”
• Supports more funds for pre-K schools, rural youth apprenticeships, and an 8.5% raise for teachers.
• Opposes “taxpayer-funded private school vouchers for the very wealthy.”

Website: mogreenfornc.com

REPUBLICAN

• Experience: Homeschool teacher and nurse.
• Supports an “independent audit of the public school system” and will challenge “indoctrination centers.”
• Believes school funding must be “fueled by a fiscally conservative, free-market, competitive environment.”
• Opposes teaching students about race and racism.
• Opposes COVID mandates; says “teachers unions forced school closures.”

Website: morrow4nc.com

The Secretary of State manages the registration of businesses, charities, and lobbyists and maintains N.C.’s official records.

DEMOCRAT

• Has served as N.C. Secretary of State since 1997.
• Says: “I’ve worked to cut red tape for entrepreneurs starting companies, prosecute criminals who masquerade as charities, and crack down on financial fraud.”
• Supports modernizing notary and other services.

Website: elainemarshall.com

REPUBLICAN

• Serves on the Gaston Co. Board of Commission- ers; was previously Town of Stanley mayor.
• Would “promote innovation and small business growth” and “protect consumers from fraud and identity theft.”

Website: electchadbrown.com

The Treasurer oversees state investments, local government borrowing, and the state employee health & retirement plans.

DEMOCRAT

• Plans to “protect our strong bond rating” and “expand our investment capacity” by moving more funds “sitting in cash” into higher-yield investments.
• Says: “The Treasurer’s office shouldn’t be a play-ground for partisan games.”

Website: harrisfornc.com

REPUBLICAN

• Top priority: ”Remedy the chronic underperformance of the Retirement System” caused by “an irrational love of risk-free fixed income investments.”
• Would give a “fiduciary board of professionals,” not just the Treasurer, authority for investment decisions.

Website: bradbriner.com

The State Auditor reviews the financial management of agencies and programs that receive public funds.

DEMOCRAT

• Current Auditor; former Wake Co. Commissioner.
• Says she is “committed to safeguarding taxpayer dollars as the NC Auditor, leveraging her expertise, integrity, and unwavering dedication to equitable policies for the betterment of N.C.”

Website: jessicafornc.com

REPUBLICAN

• Former prosecutor and UNC-CH Trustees Board chair.
• Says: “Led fight at UNC to eliminate woke diversity” and has “expertise to root out government corruption.”
• Would expose waste in government, “scrub voter rolls,” and examine efficiencies at DMV and schools.

Website: auditordave.com

The Commissioner leads the Labor Department, which inspects workplaces and enforces laws about worker health & safety.

REPUBLICAN

• Says: “Will fight for free enterprise, fair competition, and cutting government red tape.”
• Will protect workers who refuse orders to receive a COVID vaccine; opposes new heat stress regulations.
• Supports “accountability by keeping the commissioner’s picture on elevator certificates.”

Website: lukefarleync.com

DEMOCRAT

• Says: “CNBC ranked NC as #1 state to do business [but] Oxfam ranked NC as worst state to be a worker. This is unacceptable. Our workers deserve better.”
• Will ensure workers “work in a safe environment.”
• Will be a “whole worker” advocate for fair pay, job rights, training, and affordable health care & housing.

Website: votebraxton.com

The Commissioner leads the Dept. of Agriculture, which has the double role of promoting farm products and food safety.

DEMOCRAT

• Current farm and food systems manager.
• Says Ag Dept. should promote high-value crops, like berries, fruits, hemp, etc.; canneries; farms in Appalachia; processing facilities for nuts.
• Supports innovating financing for farmers, co-ops, and profit-sharing models to boost rural jobs.

Website: taberfornc.com

REPUBLICAN

• Served as Commissioner of Agriculture since 2005.
• Has focused on “developing new markets for N.C. farm products, preserving working farms and protecting the state’s food supply.”
• Promotes meat production and the “Got To Be NC” ag marketing programs, which he says are successful.

Website: stevetroxler.com

The Commissioner regulates insurance rates & practices, licenses building inspectors, and trains firefighters & rescue squads.

DEMOCRAT

• Current state Senator and attorney.
• Says: “My mission has always been to stand up against corruption, corporate greed, and bad government.”
• Would “force insurance companies to justify their rates at public hearings,” which doesn’t happen now.

Website: natashamarcus.com

REPUBLICAN

• Served as Insurance Commissioner since 2017.
• Would abolish Rate Bureau role in setting insurance rates because it “kills free enterprise.”
• Has added fraud inspectors, added consumer services, and cleared backlog of fire dept. inspections.

Website: mikecauseync.com

Court of Appeals judges hear appeals of criminal and civil cases from local courts; 3 of the Court’s 15 seats are open in 2024.

REPUBLICAN

Attorney and former state legislator, prosecutor, and judge advocate in the Army National Guard.

Website: jointom.com

DEMOCRAT

Current Court of Appeals judge; former Superior Court judge and attorney in private practice.

Website: judgecarolynthompson.com

DEMOCRAT

Attorney with over a decade of experience in trial and appellate  court litigation.

Website: eldredforjudge.com

REPUBLICAN

Current Court of Appeals judge; previously practiced law for 26 years in family firm.

Website: reelectjudgezachary.com

REPUBLICAN

Current District Court judge in Rockingham and Caswell counties and former district attorney.

Website: chrisfreemanforjudge.com

DEMOCRAT

Buncombe Co. Commissioner with mediation and appellate law practice; former public defender.

Website: martinforjudge.com