Jackson County’s local races are contested with both Democrats and Republicans on the ballot - making it unique in the region. 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.
Local Candidates
Jackson County Commission District 3
Cody Lewis
Democratic Party
Where are you from?
Little Savannah Community (Sylva, NC)
What is your top priority if elected?
My top priorities include addressing deferred maintenance, classroom funding, and capital needs in Jackson County Public Schools, using local, state, and federal funding. Also at the top of the list is addressing rising housing costs and working to find resources to rebuild our Highway 107 commercial district.
What do you wish the community knew about this office?
The job of a county commissioner is to ensure the efficient use of local public tax dollars for the local good. National political agendas should have no impact on these decisions. Doing what’s best for the residents of our county should always be the top priority.
What is one thing that you want to say to voters?
With two children in Jackson County Public Schools and nine generations of family history in Jackson County, I’m here for the long haul. I will make decisions with the long-term success of our citizens in mind. I have a proven track record of successful leadership, experience, and education to do the job on day one.
Where do you currently live?
Little Savannah Community (Sylva, NC)
Jenny Lynn Hooper
Republican
Hooper does not have a campaign website but is active on Facebook and Instagram. Hooper did not respond to inquiries to fill out BPR’s survey.
Jackson County Commission District 4
Sally Jennings Hudson
Democratic Party
Hudson is the current C.E.O at Sunburst Trout Farms. Her campaign website also highlights her work at Sunburst. She is also campaigning on Instagram and Facebook. Hudson did not respond to inquiries to fill out BPR’s survey.
Michael Jennings
Republican Party
Jennings does not have a campaign website and does not have public social media. Jennings did not respond to inquiries to fill out BPR’s survey.
Soil and Water Conservation
Randy Cabe
Nonpartisan office
Cabe is running uncontested. He does not have a campaign website or public social media. Cabe did not respond to inquiries to fill out BPR’s survey.
Whittier Sanitary District (vote for two) (In Swain and Jackson districts)
Bridgit Parris Nations
Nonpartisan race
Nations does not have a campaign website or public social media. She did not respond to inquiries to fill out BPR’s survey.
Bo Hollifield
Nonpartisan race
Hollifield does not have a campaign website or public social media. He did not respond to inquiries to fill out BPR’s survey.
Randy Nations
Nonpartisan race
Nations does not have a campaign website or public social media. He did not respond to inquiries to fill out BPR’s survey.
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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.