Candidate filing is underway for the 2026 election, when Columbus County voters will cast ballots in national, state, and local elections.
The filing period began December 1 and ends at noon on December 19. The Border Belt Independent will update this list as more candidates file.
The primary is March 3, and the general election is November 3.
Here are some takeways so far:
- Three people are challenging incumbent Bill Rogers in the sheriff’s race. The Columbus Board of Commissioners appointed Rogers sheriff in early 2023 following the resignation of Jody Greene, who became the subject of state and federal investigations.
- Jon David is not seeking reelection as district attorney for Bladen, Brunswick, and Columbus counties.
- Incumbents want to keep their seats on the Columbus County school board and the Board of Commissioners.
*denotes incumbent candidates.
U.S. Senate
- Roy Cooper (Democrat)
- Daryl Farrow (Democrat)
- Marcus W. Williams (Democrat)
- Elizabeth A. Temple (Republican)
- Donald M. “Don” Brown (Republican)
- Michael Whatley (Republican)
- Margot Dupre (Republican)
U.S. House (District 7)
- Kimberly Hardy (Democrat)
N.C. Supreme Court (Seat 1)
- Anita Earls (Democrat)*
- Sarah Stevens (Republican)
N.C. Court of Appeals (Seat 1)
- John S. Arrowood (Democrat)*
- Matt Smith (Republican)
- Michael C. Byrne (Republican)
N.C. Court of Appeals (Seat 2)
- Tobias (Toby) Hampson (Democrat)*
- George Cooper Bell (Republican)
N.C. Court of Appeals (Seat 3)
- James Weldon Whalen (Democrat)
- Christine Marie Walczyk (Democrat)
- Craig Collins (Republican)
N.C. Senate (District 8)
- Richard (Rick) Combes (Democrat)
- Bill Rabon (Republican)*
N.C. House (District 46)
- Brenden H. Jones (Republican)*
N.C. District Court (District 15, Seat 2)
- Bryan D. Wilson (Republican)
N.C. District Court (District 15, Seat 5)
- Will M. Callihan, Jr. (Republican)*
N.C. District Court (District 15, Seat 7)
- Sarah McPherson (Republican)
District Attorney (District 15)
- Jenna Earley (Republican)
- J.K. Somers
Board of Commissioners (District 1)
- Barbara Roseboro Featherson (Democrat)*
Board of Commissioners (District 6)
- Ricky Bullard (Republican)*
- Jeanne McPherson
Board of Commissioners (District 7)
- Alonzo McArthur (Democrat)
- Scott Floyd (Republican)*
Clerk of Superior Court
- Jess Hill (Republican)*
Sheriff
- Ken Elliott (Republican)
- W. A. (Bill) Rogers (Republican)*
- Joshua McPherson
- Kevin S. Norris
Columbus County Schools Board of Education (District 2)
- Ronnie D. Strickland (Republican)*
Columbus County Schools Board of Education (District 3)
- Irvin Enzor (Republican)*
Columbus County Schools Board of Education (District 4)
- Chris Worley (Republican)*