Early Voting Locations
Board of Elections Office
406 Craven Street, New Bern
Government Center East
1208 E. Main Street, Havelock
Cove City Fire Department
425 S. Main Street, Cove City
Vanceboro Fire Department
375 NC Hwy 43, Vanceboro
Early Voting Hours
Thursday, October 15 – Friday, October 16
8:00 AM – 7:30 PM
Saturday, October 17 – Sunday, October 18
CLOSED
Monday, October 19 – Friday, October 23
8:00 AM – 7:30 PM
Saturday, October 24
8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Sunday, October 25
CLOSED
Monday, October 26 – Friday, October 30
8:00 AM – 7:30 PM
Saturday, October 31
8:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Election Day
Tuesday, November 3
6:30 AM – 7:30 PM
Vote at your assigned Election Day precinct.
Sample Ballot & Voter Information
Want to see exactly what will appear on your ballot?
Look up your voter registration, polling place, and sample ballot here:
N.C. State Board of Elections Voter Search
2026 Republican Candidates
Federal Offices
Michael Whatley
I was raised in Blowing Rock and am the son of an accountant and a librarian.
I graduated from Watauga High School and went on to earn a History degree from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, a Master’s in Religion from Wake Forest University, and a Juris Doctorate (JD) from the University of Notre Dame.
I began my career in public service as a federal law clerk in Charlotte and later served as Senator Elizabeth Dole’s Chief of Staff.
Following President Trump’s historic 2016 victory, I was tapped to lead the Presidential Transition’s Energy, Environment, and Agriculture teams, overseeing development of the Administration’s Farm Plan and Energy Plan. These efforts helped deliver lower energy prices for families and businesses and contributed to a booming agricultural and rural economy.
I previously had the honor of serving as Chairman of the North Carolina Republican Party and, at President Trump’s request, as Chairman of the Republican National Committee during the 2024 cycle.
My wife, Suzanne, and I live in Gaston County. Our twin sons, Michael and George, attend Clemson and NC State. Our daughter, Mary Kate, attends UNC–Chapel Hill.
I am proud to be President Trump’s endorsed candidate to represent the great state of North Carolina in the United States Senate.
Laurie Buckhout
Laurie Buckhout is a retired Army Colonel, combat commander, and business leader who has spent her life serving our country and delivering results.
A veteran of the Iraq War, Laurie led troops in combat and built a career focused on national security, leadership, and mission-driven execution.
After her military service, Laurie founded and grew a successful cyber and defense business, creating jobs and hiring primarily veterans while supporting America’s national security. She also served in the Trump administration in a senior role, shaping U.S. cyber policy as Acting Assistant Secretary of War for Cyber Policy and taking on threats from America’s adversaries.
Laurie is running for Congress to bring that same decisive leadership to Washington. She is focused on implementing the America First Agenda, lowering costs for families, securing the border, strengthening our national defense, restoring accountability in government, and putting the people of eastern North Carolina first.
Eastern North Carolina needs a fighter, not another career politician, and Laurie will be ready to deliver on day one.
Laurie lives in Edenton with her husband of 30 years, a fellow Army veteran. They have two sons and are active in their community.
https://www.lauriebuckhoutforcongress.com/
North Carolina General Assembly
Bob Brinson - Incumbent
Candidate for North Carolina Senate - District 3
Brief biography and campaign priorities will be added soon.
Representative Celeste Cairns - Incumbent
North Carolina General Assembly
District 13 (Carteret and Craven Counties)
Celeste lives in Emerald Isle, NC with her husband, Rob. She graduated from the University of Georgia with honors, earning a degree in business administration. Celeste began her career as a CPA with Deloitte, a multinational consulting and accounting firm, and then worked in the audit and consulting departments of Willis Corroon Corporation and HCA Healthcare Corporation. After many successful years in the private sector, Celeste and her family moved where the U.S. Army sent them. Celeste’s husband, coming from a family with a long history of military service, graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point and spent the majority of his 20+ years of service as a U.S. Army Special Forces Officer (Green Beret). Rob now works for the U.S. Marine Corps at Camp Lejeune. Both of their children, Nathaniel and Kathryn, are graduates of East Carolina University. Nathaniel earned a degree in GIS and has chosen a career in law enforcement. Kathryn (Katye) earned a degree in Exercise Physiology from ECU and a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Hardin-Simmons University. She accepted a commission into the US Army to serve our nation’s wounded warriors. Katye and her husband, Jake, gave Celeste and Rob their first grandchild in February 2025. Celeste is currently serving in her second term as the Representative for District 13 (Carteret and Craven counties) in the North Carolina House of Representatives. She is a Deputy Majority Whip. She is Chair of the Alcohol Beverage Control Committee, Vice-Chair of Appropriations (AgNER) Committee, Vice-Chair of the Commerce and Economic Development Committee, and a Member of the Energy and Public Utilities Committee, the Homeland Security, Military and Veteran Affairs Committee, and the House Select Committee on Blockchain and Digital Assets.
Steve Tyson - Incumbent
Steve Tyson is a proud native of Craven County, and except for his time on active duty in the Army, he has lived here his entire life.
Steve currently serves as the N.C. Representative for District 3 and is the Deputy Majority Leader.
Steve serves as Chairman of the Appropriations, Transportation Committee and the Transportation Committee, Vice Chairman of the Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) Committee and the Appropriations Committee, and he serves as Member of the Energy and Public Utilities Committee, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House, and the House Select Committee on Helene Recovery.
Steve was elected and served 12 years as a Craven County Commissioner with two terms as Chairman. During his tenure, the County built a new jail, Creekside Elementary School, a new water treatment plant, and converted the old jail into a modern Emergency Center. Despite these much-needed capital expenditures (over $100 million), when he left office, Craven County had the 17th lowest property tax rate among the 100 Counties in N.C.
Steve is a proud veteran, the father of a veteran, and the son of a WWII POW. He understands the importance of our military , and the challenges of our military families. He will be a strong advocate for our active duty service men and women, our Veterans, Cherry Point Marine Air Station as well as the Fleet Readiness Center.
Steve has been a licensed General Contractor, a licensed Real Estate Broker, and a small business owner for over 35 years. He understands the challenges of not only our active small business community but also our larger industries. While on the County Board of Commission he helped oversee the complete restructure of the Craven County Economic Development Department.
Steve has been active in the community for a long time and is a past Board member of the following organizations:
Military Order of the Purple Heart Wounded Warrior Leave Program
C-100 Economic Development Committee
Travel and Tourism Development Authority
Coastal Regional Solid Waste Authority
Metropolitan Planning Organization
Swiss Bear Downtown Development Board
Tryon Palace Commission
New Bern Public Library
Eastern Region Council of Government
Kellenberger Foundation
HWY 70 Commission
Criminal Justice Advisory Board
Craven County Smart Start
Eastern NC Workforce Development Board
Craven County Homebuilders Association
Uptown Business Professionals
New Bern Chamber of Commerce Military Affairs Committee
Steve is married to Jana Tyson and lives in the greater New Bern area. When he is not working, he enjoys playing golf, researching the area’s history, and traveling.
Judicial Offices
George Bell
My judicial philosophy is simple: I follow the rule of law and administer justice impartially, without prejudice or bias. I believe people must be held accountable for their actions.
As a judge, I have worked to keep our communities safe and have sentenced numerous violent criminals to life in prison without parole. Our cities face serious challenges from violent crime, including dangerous takeover events that threaten the safety of our communities.
I have held criminals accountable, and I will continue to administer justice fairly and faithfully while working to ensure our local communities are safe from violent crime.
I am proud to help keep North Carolina families safe, and I remain committed to the rule of law, accountability, and justice.
Vote George Bell for Judge and “Ring the Bell for Justice.”
For more information, visit JudgeGeorgeBell.com.
Michael Byrne
Administrative Law Judge Michael C. Byrne is running for the North Carolina Court of Appeals. He grew up in Wake County and earned his B.A. in English with university and departmental honors from North Carolina State University. He earned his law degree from Campbell University, where he served as editor of the Campbell Law Observer.
After several years of trial and appellate practice in North Carolina’s state and federal courts, Michael focused his law practice on representing law enforcement officers and public employees. He represented clients before the North Carolina Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH), Superior Court, Court of Appeals, and Supreme Court.
Between 2005 and 2020, Michael appeared in more than 270 cases before OAH and served as a referral attorney for multiple law enforcement organizations.
Michael litigated more than 20 cases before the North Carolina Court of Appeals as an attorney, including cases involving law enforcement and correctional officers who were wrongfully terminated or otherwise disciplined. Cases Michael won on behalf of North Carolina law enforcement are regularly cited in similar cases by OAH and the Court of Appeals. He also submitted amicus, or friend of the court, briefs in Court of Appeals and Supreme Court cases on behalf of public employee and law enforcement groups.
In June 2020, Michael was sworn in as an Administrative Law Judge. In just over six years on the bench, he has issued more than 400 decisions. Michael writes his decisions himself rather than delegating this important responsibility to others. His top priority is providing a fair hearing to every party who comes before him.
Ten of Michael’s decisions have been appealed to the North Carolina Court of Appeals. All ten were unanimously affirmed by the Court of Appeals, most recently in June 2026.
Michael’s judicial philosophy can be summarized by the one-sentence directive the Chief Judge at OAH gave him when he began serving there: “Get it right.”
He believes passionately in due process, fairness, giving all sides an opportunity to be heard, and deciding cases strictly according to the law, without fear or favor.
Michael lives in Cary with his wife, Brigette, and their dog, Tilda.
Craig Collins
"Conservative judges matter now more than ever." Craig Collins
Education and Legal Background
B.A., University of Pittsburgh, 1994
J.D., Villanova University School of Law, 1997
Assistant District Attorney, 1997–2006
Owner, Law Office of Craig Collins, 2007–2016
District Court Judge, 2016–2024
Currently serving as a Superior Court Judge
Professional Background
Judge Craig Collins brings decades of legal and judicial experience to the bench.
As an Assistant District Attorney, he prosecuted thousands of criminal cases on behalf of the State of North Carolina.
In private practice, he represented thousands of clients through the Law Office of Craig Collins.
During his judicial career, Judge Collins has presided over countless trials involving criminal, traffic, juvenile, and civil matters.
His career includes experience as a prosecutor, private attorney, District Court Judge, and Superior Court Judge, giving him a broad understanding of North Carolina’s justice system.
Sarah Stevens
A Leader. A Fighter. A Conservative Voice for Justice.
Sarah Stevens believes the law should be applied as written and that judges should not create laws from the bench. On the North Carolina Supreme Court, Sarah will respect our state’s Constitution and apply the principles of conserving liberty to every case.
A Practiced Lawyer
After graduating from Mount Airy High School, Sarah attended the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and Campbell University School of Law.
Sarah maintained a private law practice for more than 30 years and served as President of the Surry County Bar Association.
Sarah and her husband, Edwin, live in Mount Airy. Together, they share five children.
An Experienced Conservative Leader
Sarah knows what it means to lead and what it takes to be a voice for North Carolina families.
Her leadership experience includes:
Republican Leader in the North Carolina House of Representatives
Chair of the House Elections Law Committee
Chair of a House Judiciary Committee
Chair of the Joint Legislative Administrative Procedure Oversight Committee
Former Speaker Pro Tempore of the North Carolina House of Representatives
Former Chair of the North Carolina Courts Commission
A Record of Prioritizing Our Families
Sarah has worked to reform North Carolina’s child welfare system and advocate for those who cannot advocate for themselves.
Her record includes:
Passing Jessica’s Law to limit sex offenders from accessing locations primarily intended for minors
Supporting Marsy’s Law to strengthen victims’ rights in North Carolina
Chairing the Children, Youth and Families Committee
Partnering with the Social Services Working Group and the Child Well-Being Transformation Council
Craven County Offices
Lexanne Huffman - Incumbent
Candidate for Clerk of Superior Court
Brief biography and campaign priorities will be added soon.
Sheriff Chip Hughes - Incumbent
Chip Hughes has served as the Sheriff of Craven County, North Carolina since 2018. His promise of serving the community he lives in with enthusiasm, integrity, professionalism, and transparency continues to drive him every single day.
Chip Hughes started his public service career with the United States Air Force. He then joined the North Carolina State Highway Patrol where he became a Sergeant and served for 14 years. His work in law enforcement continued as an executive for a public safety technology company. With over 36 years experience in law enforcement, Sheriff Chip Hughes has every intention of continuing to serve this wonderful county with the skills and wisdom he has acquired over the years.
Chip Hughes has served the state of North Carolina and Craven County in many ways. A few of the ways he has served have been as Chairman of the Governor’s Crime Commission. He is currently the Chairman of the North Carolina Sheriff’s Association Legislative Committee as well as the North Carolina Sheriff’s Association Representative on the State DWI Task Force. He is a member of the North Carolina Sheriff’s Association, the National Sheriff’s Association, and the Constitutional Sheriff’s Association.
Boards, Commissions, Memberships, & Associations:
• United States Air Force, 3 years 9 months
• NC State Highway Patrol, 14 years
• Board of Trustees, Craven County Community College (current)
• Chairman, Gov. Pat McRory’s Task Force on Safer Schools (2013-2017)
• Gov. Pat McRory’s Crime Commission (2013-2017)
• Twin Rivers YMCA Board of Directors (2012-2016)
• Board of Directors, Craven Community College Foundation (2011-2017)
• Vice Chairman, Craven County ABC Board of Directors (2013-2013)
• Board Member, Highway 17 Association (2009-2013)
• Commissioner, Town of Trent Woods (2009-2013)
• Board of Directors, Coastal Carolina Regional Airport Authority (2010-2012)
• Elected Sheriff in 2018
• Member, National Sheriff’s Association
• Member, Constitutional Sheriff’s Association
• Member, North Carolina Sheriff’s Association
• Member, National Criminal Interdiction Association
• Member, North Carolina Sheriff’s Association Education & Training Standards Commission
• Chairman, North Carolina Sheriff’s Association Legislative Committee
• Representative, North Carolina Sheriff’s Association State DWI Task Force
• Sheriff’s Fellow, Claremont Institute
• Over 36 years of law enforcement experience
Matt Wareham - Incumbent
Candidate for District Attorney
Brief biography and campaign priorities will be added soon.
Craven County Board of Commissioners
Denny Bucher - Incumbent
Commissioner Bucher enjoyed a 37-year career with Bridgestone Firestone before retiring in 2001 and relocating to New Bern.
Following his retirement, he and his children founded three Family Tire and Auto Service locations in eastern North Carolina.
Commissioner Bucher has a long record of public and community service. He served for five years as a City of New Bern Alderman and has served as a director on several boards and organizations, including Allies for Cherry Point Tomorrow.
He is a member of Tabernacle Baptist Church, where he teaches an adult Sunday School class and serves as Director of Men’s Ministry.
Commissioner Bucher and his wife, Diann, live in New Bern.
Board Service
Commissioner Bucher currently serves as a member of the following boards and organizations:
Craven County Board of Health
ABC Board
Swiss Bear
C1A
Kellenberger Foundation
Tryon Palace Commission
Chadwick Howard - Incumbent
Chadwick Howard is a North Carolina native and a graduate of Western Illinois University and the University of Illinois.
Chadwick spent 11 years teaching at Tucker Creek Middle School, where he also coached golf, wrestling, and track and field. He now serves at Newport Middle School as a Curriculum Specialist and Instructional Technology Facilitator.
Chadwick earned his master’s degree in Education from the University of Illinois with an emphasis in history. With a passion for education and technology, he enjoys working with teachers and helping students prepare for successful futures.
As a college student, Chadwick was actively involved in leadership and service. He served as Student Body President, Student Senator, student member of the Board of Trustees, and a guest reporter for the student newspaper.
Commissioner Howard was elected to the Craven County Board of Commissioners in November 2022.
Board and Community Service
Commissioner Howard serves on the following boards and organizations:
Down East RPO
Eastern Carolina Council of Governments
Havelock City Library Board
Realize U 252
Sherry Hunt - Incumbent
Commissioner Hunt came to eastern North Carolina from Indiana through her service in the United States Marine Corps. Following her military service, she enjoyed a successful career in healthcare.
Commissioner Hunt and her husband have two adult daughters.
Elected to the Craven County Board of Commissioners in November 2022, Commissioner Hunt has continued her commitment to public service through her work with numerous local, regional, state, and national organizations.
Board and Committee Service
Commissioner Hunt currently serves or has recently served on the following boards and committees:
Havelock/Craven County Library Board
Craven/Pamlico Regional Library Board
Hope Mission of Coastal Carolina Board of Directors
Military Civilian Community Council
Local Emergency Planning Committee
Craven County Hospice Advisory Board
National Association of Counties Veterans & Military Service Committee
Trillium Health Resources South Central Regional Advisory Board
North Carolina Association of County Commissioners Environmental Steering Committee, 2024–2025
Jason Jones - Incumbent
Commissioner Jones is a native and lifelong resident of Craven County. He was first elected to the Craven County Board of Commissioners in 2006, serving one term, and was elected again in 2014.
Commissioner Jones is the owner of S & J Farm in the Asbury community, where he produces soybeans, cattle, cotton, and corn.
He is active in his church, where he serves as a Deacon, and a member of the choir. He also serves on the Craven County Farm Bureau Board.
Commissioner Jones is married to Jennifer Jones, a counselor at James W. Smith Elementary School in western Craven County. They have one daughter, Emily.
Board and Community Service
Commissioner Jones serves on the following boards and organizations:
CRSWMA
Cove City Library Board
Coastal Carolina Regional Airport Board
Craven-Pamlico-Carteret Regional Library
Craven County Farm Bureau Board
Guy Smith
Candidate for County Commissioner
Brief biography and campaign priorities will be added soon.
Joshua Whitford
I am a fourth-generation Craven County native and have lived in Ernul my entire life. I graduated from West Craven High School and earned an associate degree in Fire Protection Technology from Coastal Carolina.
I have been married to my wife, Lindsay, for 13 years, and together we have two daughters.
I have served with the City of New Bern Fire-Rescue for 18 years and currently serve as a Fire Specialist III. I have also been a member of the Little Swift Creek Volunteer Fire Department for 25 years. During my service, I have held several leadership positions, including Captain, Assistant Chief, and Chief, and I currently serve as the department’s President.
Why are you running for office?
I chose to run for office because the citizens of District 1 need a positive leader who will listen to their concerns, give them a strong voice, and work to find solutions.
Having lived in this area my entire life, I know many of the people and communities that make District 1 special. I have heard their needs and concerns firsthand. My goal is to work hard, bring people together, and find practical solutions to the issues and challenges facing our communities.
What are important issues facing people in Craven County?
Some of the most important issues facing the people of District 1 and Craven County include road conditions, public safety, supporting our firefighters, law enforcement officers, and EMS personnel, supporting our farmers, stormwater management, education, the property tax revaluation process, and transparency in local government.
What is your favorite quote?
“No one can do everything, but everyone can do something.”
You can learn more about Joshua Whitford on his Facebook page.
Craven County Board of Education
Jennifer Dacey - Incumbent
Mrs. Jennifer Dacey, a native North Carolinian, represents District 4. Jennifer and her husband Scott have been married for 29 years. They chose to move to New Bern 20 years ago to be close to their extended family and to raise their two children with eastern North Carolina values. Jennifer believes that to whom much is given, much is required. And she has made an effort to live out those values in our community, serving as the president of the Craven Community College Foundation, chair of the Craven County Juvenile Crime Prevention Council, board member of the Craven-Pamlico Re-Entry Council, trustee of Craven Community College, and president of the Craven County Republican Women’s Club.
As the daughter and granddaughter of high school teachers with a love for lifelong learning herself, Jennifer is passionate about ensuring that teachers, staff, and students have the resources and structure they need to succeed.
Jennifer is a graduate of Duke University where she majored in public policy studies and history. After graduation, she worked for several years in Washington, D.C., and then attended the Antonin Scalia Law School at George Mason University, from which she graduated with High Honors. Jennifer began practicing law in Falls Church, Virginia, where she dealt with a wide range of civil litigation matters. More recently, she practiced in the trusts and estates area at Ward and Smith, P.A. in the firm’s New Bern office. She is licensed to practice in both North Carolina and the Commonwealth of Virginia and has handled matters in both state and federal courts.
Tracy Derby
Lee Kirkman - Incumbent
Lee Kirkman represents District 2 of the Craven County Board of Education and currently serves as Board Chairman.
Having been born and raised in Craven County. His life has been devoted to education through teaching, administration and ministry in order to help others excel.
Lee is a product of Craven County Schools and graduated from West Craven High School. He graduated from NC State University in Agricultural Economics/Ag Business Management. After graduation, he taught Agricultural Education/FFA Advisor at West Craven High School for thirteen years. He then became the Program Director for the Smaller Learning Communities Federal Grant. Through this program, opportunities were implemented for freshman success in high school. This included establishing the Freshman Academy, AVID, and Link-Crew (a student a high school transition program, led by upperclassmen, designed to help incoming freshmen succeed academically and socially by providing mentorship and support throughout their first year.
While serving as Program Director, he also obtained his Master of School Administration/Educational Leadership degree from East Carolina University. Lee then served as an Assistant Principal at West Craven High School until leaving for full-time ministry.
Lee is currently the Pastor/Director at Kirkman Farm Ministries/Kirkman Family Farms in Cove City. He has two children, Grace and Isaac, both of whom are graduates of Craven County Schools.
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