Welcome to your comprehensive guide to the 2024 General Election in Haywood County. There are big local races happening this year in Haywood County.
Below, find information on local, state and federal races as well as candidate responses to our questions.
BPR reached out to all candidates on the state candidate list to fill out a short survey about priorities. If you are a candidate and would like to fill out the survey now, please reach out to news@bpr.org.
Haywood County School Board Beaverdam District
Ronnie Clark
Republican Party
Where are you from?
Canton, NC
What three words would you use to describe your political values?
Somewhat Conservative American
What do you wish the community knew about this office?
That we care about the future of the US and education is the key.
Where do you currently live?
Canton, NC
Nathan Roberto
Unaffiliated
Where are you from?
Greensboro, NC
What three words would you use to describe your political values?
Cooperation, Solidarity, Progress.
What do you wish the community knew about this office?
Public education is the backbone of our democracy and the policies of our state legislature threaten this cherished institution. To combat the privatization of education in NC, we must encourage community members to run for boards. A highly diverse board with a range of skills sets is a great asset to communities.
Where do you currently live?
Canton, NC
Candidate David Burnette did not return requests from BPR to fill out a questionnaire.
Haywood County School Board Chairman
Chuck Francis
Republican Party
Where are you from?
Haywood County, NC
What three words would you use to describe your political values?
Conservative, Advocate, Bipartisan
What do you wish the community knew about this office?
How great our school system is because of the people involved….administration, teachers, employees, students and parents!
Where do you currently live?
Waynesville, NC
Haywood Board of Education Waynesville District
Candidates James Harley (Jim) Francis III and Logan Nesbitt did not return requests from BPR to fill out a questionnaire.
Haywood County Commission
Candidates L. Kevin Ensley, Tausha Forney and Brandon C. Rogers did not return requests from BPR to fill out a questionnaire.
Haywood Junaluska Sanitary District
Candidates James King, Jan Nesbitt, Bill Barker and Randy Cunningham did not return requests from BPR to fill out a questionnaire.
Haywood Maggie Valley Sanitary District
Candidates Carroll Mehaffey and Neil Carpenter did not return requests from BPR to fill out a questionnaire.
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With Roy Cooper term-limited, North Carolina will get a new governor in 2024. After easy victories in the primaries, Democrat Josh Stein and Republican Mark Robinson are the major party candidates seeking to become the state’s 76th Governor.
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Elaine Marshall has been the Secretary of State for North Carolina since 1997, serving under five different governors. Challenging the longtime incumbent Democrat for a seat of the Council of State is Chad Brown, a Republican, a former small-town mayor, and a former baseball player.
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The N.C. Supreme Court is the highest court in North Carolina where Republicans currently hold a 5-to-2 majority. This year, incumbent Justice Allison Riggs, a Democrat, will face Republican Court of Appeals Judge Jefferson Griffin.
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With long-time state auditor Beth Wood resigning after misusing state vehicles and crashing one of them, her appointed replacement is vying for a full term in a race full of issues ranging from the DMV to DEI. Incumbent Democrat Jessica Holmes faces Republican Dave Boliek.
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One of the down ballot races in North Carolina gaining national attention this year is the contest for state superintendent. Democrat Mo Green and Republican Michele Morrow are both political newcomers, and their politics couldn't be further apart.
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Mike Causey is seeking a third term but faces a challenge from Natasha Marcus. Both candidates agree that in the wake of the flooding in western North Carolina, more homeowners need to have access to flood insurance – and often the mapping and data used to make coverage decisions are outdated or inaccurate.
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Longtime incumbent Steve Troxler is again seeking reelection to an office he’s held for two decades. Democrat Sarah Taber is challenging him. Agriculture is North Carolina’s largest industry, and while the Agriculture Commissioner doesn’t generate frequent headlines, the job is crucial to the state’s economy.
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With long-time state auditor Beth Wood resigning after misusing state vehicles and crashing one of them, her appointed replacement is vying for a full term in a race full of issues ranging from the DMV to DEI. Incumbent Democrat Jessica Holmes faces Republican Dave Boliek.
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While you might assume incorrectly that the Office of State Treasurer is where tax revenue gets processed, it’s actually a key position that oversees pension fund investments for state retirees and manages the state employees’ healthcare plan.
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North Carolina’s attorney general is a key – and powerful – position in the state. In addition to being the state’s top lawyer, it’s also been a launch pad to the governor’s office. Two congressmen, Republican Dan Bishop and Democrat Jeff Jackson, are vying for the seat.
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It is already illegal for noncitizens to vote in federal or state elections. The current entry in the North Carolina constitution says that voting is limited to “every person born in the United States and every other person who has been naturalized, 18 years of age.”
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Three seats are open on the state's second highest court.
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The office of lieutenant governor in North Carolina doesn't come with much power, but it's often a stepping stone for leaders who eventually run for governor.