WILMINGTON, N.C. (WECT) – The official candidate filing period opens Monday, December 1 for the 2026 elections in North Carolina. Several incumbents and challengers have submitted paperwork or made declarations that they plan to file their notice of candidacy.
In New Hanover County, incumbent Board of Education member Pat Bradford filed her Statement of Organization and sent out a news release saying she plans to seek another term. She is one of four republicans, along with Josie Barnhart, Melissa Mason and Pete Wildeboer, whose seats will be on the ballot in 2026. Former Board of Education member Nelson Beaulieu has filed paperwork with the county Board of Elections to return his campaign committee to active status. Beaulieu, a democrat, served one term on the board after being elected in 2018, but lost his reelection bid in 2022. Another democrat, Brittnei LaRue, has also submitted paperwork to run for the Board of Education.
Current Board of Education member Judy Justice plans to run for New Hanover County Commissioner in 2026, as does Wilmington City Council member Salette Andrews. Dr. LeShonda Wallace has also filed a Statement of Organization to run for commissioner in 2026. Incumbent commissioners Rob Zapple and LeeAnn Pierce both plan to seek reelection in 2026…