Early voting in North Carolina ahead of the Nov. 3 general election day is from Oct. 15 to Oct. 31.
Any Hyde County voter may vote early at the Board of Elections Office and on Ocracoke, early voting will be from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 22, and Friday, Oct. 23, in the Ocracoke Volunteer Fire Department, 822 Irvin Garrish Highway, which is the same location for the Nov. 3 election.
See more voting information here.
The Observer has asked local candidates on the Hyde County ballot to provide comments about why they’re running and what they hope to accomplish if elected.
These include the Board of Education, the county commissioners, the General Assembly and our representative in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Their responses will help voters understand candidates’ values regarding local government, statewide government and in Congress, along with the direction of education on Ocracoke and the mainland.
Not all candidates on the ballot have responded, but the Observer will update this post as responses come in. So, please keep checking this post for updates.
In addition, the Ocracoke Civic & Business Association’s Oct. 20 meeting will be a candidate’s night, with candidates in person and on Zoom, starting at 6 p.m.
U.S. House District 1:
How would you use your position in Congress to support eastern North Carolina’s tourism and agricultural economies while addressing affordable housing, rising farm costs and transportation challenges, including the aging ferry system and frequent storm damage to N.C. 12 on the Outer Banks?
Don Davis (D) incumbent:
Growing up in eastern North Carolina, I spent time at North Topsail Beach, and I greatly respect the rich heritage of our coastal communities. It’s essential to stand with our commercial fishermen. We must address foreign competition and lower diesel prices, which is why I co-led legislation to suspend the federal diesel tax. As a co-chair of the Congressional Boating Caucus, I will continue working to protect our maritime industries and strengthen our shipbuilding pipeline.
Supporting small businesses and tourism means shoring up workforce housing. I voted for the 21st Century ROAD to Housing Act to expand our housing supply, and Congress must fund the authorized programs. I plan to continue advancing the bipartisan Preventing Environmental Hazards Act to incentivize relocation and demolition through the National Flood Insurance Program.
With redistricting, I plan to join the Congressional Ferry Caucus and support funding to replace our aging fleet. While testifying before the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, I have advocated for Interstates 87, 587, and 42 and plan to do the same for our ferry system and Highway 12. I also plan to seek federal funding for beach nourishment and work with the Army Corps of Engineers on inlet maintenance.
Laurie Buckhout (R ):
Eastern North Carolina runs on the hard work of our farmers and fishers, our tourism businesses, and our families. In Congress, I’ll fight every day to make sure Washington actually delivers for us.
On agriculture, the One Big Beautiful Bill was a real win for our North Carolina farmers. It raised reference prices, extended key programs through 2031, made crop insurance more affordable, and strengthened disaster relief. It also eases the death tax so family farms can stay in the family. That’s the kind of practical support our growers need, and I’ll keep pushing for more of it.
On transportation, N.C. 12 runs through federal lands, so Washington has a clear responsibility. I’ll work to secure the funding needed to keep that road open and reliable—because Outer Banks residents and visitors deserve safe, dependable access. That includes working on consistent dredging, and shifting ferry costs away from daily commuters.
On housing, the solution isn’t more rules. It’s making it easier for people to build. I’ll support streamlined permitting, expanded tax credits for workforce housing, and flood insurance that doesn’t punish year-round residents just trying to stay in their homes.
I look forward to making life better, safer, and more affordable for my fellow Eastern North Carolinians.
NC Senate District 2
Norman Sanderson (R) Incumbent:
Senate District 2 is comprised of 8 Counties, 6 are designated as Tier 1 Counties, the most economically distressed in our State. Four factors determine this designation; average unemployment rate, median household income, percentage growth in population and property tax rates. Three critical priorities for Ocracoke Island and Hyde County are tourism, fishing and farming.
Tourism for Hyde County depends primarily on ferry services. Eastern legislators have fought against ferry tolls for 10 years. This year it was included in the 2025/2026 Budget. We fought against this inclusion but temporarily lost. I will continue to fight this unnecessary tax on my constituents and fight for priority passes for residents. I will continue advocating for a permanent solution for Hwy 12.
I will introduce legislation to move Commercial Fishing under the Department of Agriculture and give it an advocate who will fight for and not against it.
Increase funding for low wealth County education funding and matching grants for EMS Departments for equipment and vehicles.
Farming: Eliminate unnecessary regulations that hinder crop production and have no benefits to the environment. Assist Commissioner Troxler in developing international markets for price stabilization and continue to attract local processers for our local crops.
These are just a few of my priorities for Hyde County in the 2027/28 Legislative Session if I have the privilege to serve again.
Roy Surrett (D):
Eastern North Carolina’s coastal and rural communities face unique challenges—from aging infrastructure and isolated healthcare to rising costs and limited housing. In Senate District 2, our working waterfronts, family farms, local schools, and small businesses form the backbone of our economy.
To deliver practical results, I support key state priorities:
Lifeline transit & housing: Ferries are our highways. I oppose ferry tolls, support full ferry funding, and champion state investments to modernize infrastructure while expanding affordable workforce housing.
- Accessible healthcare: We must expand local care by cutting red tape so qualified medical providers can practice fully in rural areas, while protecting working families from burdensome medical debt.
- Farmers, fishing & tourism: We must protect commercial fishing, keep coastal waterways clean to support tourism, give family farmers the backing to stay competitive, and safeguard fragile storm buffers.
- Support public education: We must create direct pathways to recruit and retain local teachers, raise educator pay, and ensure our rural public schools are fully funded.
As your state senator, I will work collaboratively to represent every corner and constituent across all of District 2—delivering common-sense solutions that preserve our heritage and serve every family.
NC House Representatives District 79
Darren Armstrong R (Unopposed)
Senate District 2 is comprised of 8 Counties, 6 are designated as Tier 1 Counties, the most economically distressed in our State. Four factors determine this designation; average unemployment rate, median household income, percentage growth in population and property tax rates. Three critical priorities for Ocracoke Island and Hyde County are tourism, fishing and farming.
Tourism for Hyde County depends primarily on ferry services. Eastern legislators have fought against ferry tolls for 10 years. This year it was included in the 2025/2026 Budget. We fought against this inclusion but temporarily lost. I will continue to fight this unnecessary tax on my constituents and fight for priority passes for residents. I will continue advocating for a permanent solution for Hwy 12.
I will introduce legislation to move Commercial Fishing under the Department of Agriculture and give it an advocate who will fight for and not against it.
Increase funding for low wealth County education funding and matching grants for EMS Departments for equipment and vehicles.
Farming: Eliminate unnecessary regulations that hinder crop production and have no benefits to the environment. Assist Commissioner Troxler in developing international markets for price stabilization and continue to attract local processers for our local crops.
These are just a few of my priorities for Hyde County in the 2027/28 Legislative Session if I have the privilege to serve again.
Hyde County sheriff candidates:
What are the three most important challenges facing the Hyde County Sheriff’s Office?
Sheriff Guire Cahoon (D) incumbent.
The three most important challenges facing the Hyde County Sheriff’s Office are maintaining current service levels without increasing the burden on taxpayers, keeping pace with equipment and technology needs, and meeting the unique public safety needs of Ocracoke Island.
The Sheriff’s Office is responsible for much more than law enforcement. Our organization includes law enforcement, emergency medical services, emergency management, the fire marshal’s office and airport management. Maintaining these essential services across Hyde County while controlling costs requires careful budgeting, responsible management and making the best possible use of our personnel and resources.
Our second challenge is keeping our employees properly equipped. From patrol vehicles and ambulances to communications systems, medical equipment, protective gear and emergency response technology, maintaining reliable and modern equipment is critical to serving our citizens safely and effectively.
Finally, Ocracoke’s geographic isolation, ferry-dependent transportation, seasonal population increases and emergency response needs create challenges that require continued planning and coordination.
Our goal is straightforward: provide dependable, professional public safety services throughout Hyde County while remaining responsible stewards of taxpayer dollars.
Odell Williams (U):
I believe the three most important challenges facing the Hyde County Sheriff’s Office are leadership, understanding what the people of Hyde County need from their Sheriff’s Office, and having the ability to utilize our team and resources to fulfill them.
Hyde County has always been my home. I understand the geographical footprint of our county, the staffing challenges on the mainland and Ocracoke, the funding challenges. I understand the value in an honest and humble day’s work, and I understand that every challenge is a pathway to success.
I am committed to having a team that is out in the public and active in every community. We will be proactive versus reactive. We will engage in common sense law enforcement. We will serve you with dignity and respect. We will be involved in our schools and committed to knowing and protecting our children.
I will remain committed to my team and their professional development.
It would be an honor to serve each of you as sheriff of Hyde County. I am committed to always being out in our communities and always being accessible.
Hyde County Commissioner candidates:
What are the three most important challenges facing Hyde County?
Jan Moore (R) incumbent, Swan Quarter (unapposed).
1. Hwy. 12/Ferry–continue to support individuals and groups currently working diligently on these issues.
2. Jobs/housing – researching and networking outside our county to see what is working in areas like ours that we might duplicate.
3. Revenue/Funding – constantly working to find ways to increase revenues but lower tax rate.
We have got to think more “out of the box” in meeting our needs, look closely at our biggest expenses. There’s a huge gap between what we have to have and what folks want….”want” always comes with a price to be paid by the consumer in the long run.
Shannon Swindell (U) incumbent write-in candidate for Currituck Township:
From my experience as a commissioner, and a business owner, I would say unfounded mandates from the state and federal level, the extent and cost of regulatory hurdles, and unique position Hyde has with the geographical separation of the county that necessitates additional costs without recognition of that from state and federal agencies.
We will continue to work with NCACC for rural county advocacy at the state level, engaging and informing our representatives at every level as to the needs that affect everyone in the county. Working with the school board to keep funding at an acceptable level from the state.
We are partnering with surrounding counties to push for continued support and funding of inlet and canal dredging, beach nourishment, water control structures, highway access, commercial fishing, farming and sensible land use regulations.
Horace Taylor (D) write-in candidate for Currituck Township:
I was raised in the small community of Ponzer which make me very familiar with the needs of the county. For instance the nursing facility, the bank in Engelhard, the grocery store in Engelhard.
We have to bring businesses to this county to help it grow. Being raised here, I have seen the change in the county over the past 60 years where a high school was graduating from 85 to 90 students down to maybe 30 in a senior class.
With the help of the other commissioners, I believe that we can make this county grow again.
Jerauld Brian Pafford
NC Superior Court Judge District 2 Seat 1
Jerauld Brian Pafford (R)
I am running for Superior Court Judge because I want to help preserve the wonderful community that we call home and make sure it is a place our families can thrive. I offer the most Superior Court trial experience, with over a decade as a Superior Court trial lawyer. I have dedicated my career to fighting for freedom, justice, and our Constitutional rights.
As a trial court lawyer, I have had the privilege of representing thousands of people from all walks of life. That experience has taught me the importance of listening, treating people with respect, and making sure every person who enters my courtroom will be treated fairly.
Technology, growth, and rapid changes in our society are creating new challenges for our courts. I bring a technological background to help guide us through the new digital NC system, avoid the pitfalls of AI, and ensure tech is a tool and not a burden. I am uniquely positioned to serve in this role for many years to come. And right now, more than ever, our Court system needs strong and flexible leadership. Change is inevitable and I was born to serve and aid in the continued growth of our judicial system.
My judicial philosophy includes ethical leadership, stability, professionalism, and sound judgment from the bench. I am committed to upholding the Constitution, applying the law as written, and treating everyone who enters the courtroom with dignity and respect. I will work efficiently and carefully with the lawyers, clerks, law enforcement officers, and court staff who keep our justice system moving every day.
I have the experience, talent, and skills to help guide our court system efficiently and professionally while always keeping the focus where it belongs — on truth and justice.
If elected, I will run a professional, fair, and impartial courtroom. I will follow the Constitution, uphold the law, and work to ensure that justice is administered fairly and consistently.
Regina Rodger Parker (D)
My judicial philosophy is rooted in a steadfast commitment to uphold the Constitution, faithfully apply the law, and ensure that every person who enters my courtroom is treated with dignity and respect. I believe that justice requires fairness, integrity, impartiality, and sound judgment. Every decision must be guided by the law and the facts, without bias or favoritism. I recognize the tremendous responsibility entrusted to judges and remain committed to administering justice fairly, consistently, and with integrity.
Why I am seeking to serve as Superior Court Judge-
For the past 25 years, I have had the privilege of serving the people of our judicial district as a District Court Judge, including eight years as Chief District Court Judge. Throughout my career, my commitment to fairness, impartiality, and public service has never wavered.
I seek to continue serving as a Superior Court Judge because I care deeply about the people and communities of our five-county district. I bring decades of judicial experience, proven leadership, and sound judgment to the bench. My commitment remains the same: to listen carefully, follow the law faithfully, make decisions fairly, and treat every person with dignity and respect.
NC District Court Judge District 2 Seat 2 D. Cole Phelps (D) incumbent
My judicial philosophy is simple: come prepared, listen carefully, follow the law, and treat every person with fairness, dignity, and respect. Each case must be decided on its facts and the law, and everyone deserves a fair opportunity to be heard.
For thirteen years, I represented people in every type of case that comes before a District Court judge. I learned how important a judge is to people’s everyday lives. These decisions affect children, families, safety, and freedom. That experience shapes how I approach my responsibilities on the bench.
I want people to leave the courtroom better than they found it, understanding the decision and what comes next. Even if they disagree with the outcome, they should know their case received the attention it deserved.
Governor Stein appointed me earlier this year, and I am running to keep my seat. I grew up in Creswell, returned home after law school, and opened my own law practice. As a small business owner, I understood the responsibility of building something people depended on. I care deeply about our communities, including Ocracoke, and the people who call them home.
I love serving people. Being your District Court judge allows me to put that commitment into practice every day. I’m asking for your vote so I can continue serving you.
Lloyd Williams (R)
Throughout my legal career, I have been a public servant. I first spent two years in the Pitt County Public Defender’s Office before having the chance to come home to Hyde County, where I’ve spent the last 20 years as your Assistant District Attorney.
First and foremost, a judge must be a neutral umpire who neither favors any party before the court nor puts personal beliefs above the law. As a prosecutor, I have always been willing to listen to all sides before making a decision.
I have stood up for victims of violent crimes while, at the same time, ensuring that the rights of those who are accused are upheld. I have strived to treat those who appear in court with dignity and respect. A judge must also have experience. I’ve practiced extensively in both District and Superior Court, handling tens of thousands of cases and hundreds of trials.
Having tried murder and sex-offense cases, I have practiced law at the highest levels in our trial courts. Those qualities have earned me the support of attorneys and law enforcement alike, and I’m now asking for your support and your vote.
Hyde County Board of Education:
What is one of the biggest needs in the Hyde County school system, and what specific steps would you take to address it?
Rachael Chestnut (D) incumbent (unopposed):
Hyde county needs to ensure that we can recruit and retain amazing educators and staff. In terms of retention, that is on all of us. We need to support our teachers and staff at both schools and make sure they know we appreciate all their hard work. We also need to provide housing for our teachers and staff.
On the board we are currently working to create teacher housing both here and the mainland, but we should also encourage everyone to rent to those working at the school. From recruiting efforts, we need to ask alumni to come back and teach (We recently started offering “Teaching as a profession” courses in high school) and encourage visitors who are in education to come visit in the winter and attend a basketball game and think about teaching here.
What should our schools be doing to prepare students for life after graduation—including college, vocational training, military service and employment? How would you measure whether those efforts are succeeding?
Hyde County Schools should be providing training that will directly impact the field these students would like to go in, while also ensuring that they acquire skills which go beyond those fields. Students should be leaving high school as well-rounded individuals: knowing how to write essays and speak articulately while also being able to do basic carpentry or CPR, for example.
These skills can all exist at the same time. We can measure whether those efforts are succeeding by talking to graduates. The policies the board puts into effect are for the children. Why not ask them if they feel they are succeeding. Every student has the chance to succeed; I hope to continue working to make sure we are supporting that effort.
Santasha Cooper
Dustin Nails is on the ballot as an at-large member. However, Mr. Nails resigned after the ballots were printed. Santasha Cooper was appointed to fill Nails’s seat and will finish out his term and serve until 2028.
- What is one of the biggest needs in the Hyde County school system, and what specific steps would you take to address it?
One of the biggest needs I see in our school system is teacher recruitment and retention. I would like to look particularly at the effect of limited affordable housing, and the number of Hyde County families choosing private, home-school or out-of-county education. We need reliable data and direct feedback from employees and families so we can develop effective solutions. I will propose a housing partnership that would require participation from locals and local businesses to ensure success.
- What should our schools be doing to prepare students for life after graduation—including college, vocational training, military service and employment? How would you measure whether those efforts are succeeding?
Hyde County Schools has an awesome CTE (Career and Technical Education) program that allows hand on training and provides career readiness through a strong relationship with local businesses and Beaufort Community College. I believe those efforts are succeeding as data shows from 2022 up to 2024 an increase of a little over %2 graduation increase. I would like to see more mentoring that could also help students prepare for life after graduation. That transition can be scary and unpredictable, but experienced leaders in the community (faith based, counselors, business owners) can help them navigate those waters.
Phillip (Andy) Holloway (D) incumbent at-large:
Holloway and Dustin Nails are on the ballot as at-large members. However, Mr. Nails resigned after the ballots were printed. Santasha Cooper was appointed to fill Nails’s seat and will finish out his term.
1. What is one of the biggest needs in the Hyde County school system, and what specific steps would you take to address it?
Hyde County’s population has been declining for many years at an annual rate of approximately 0.85%, while the median age has increased to around 47. Although Hyde County Schools is one of the state’s largest districts geographically, it is also one of the smallest in student enrollment. As the county’s population continues to age and decline, enrollment also decreases, directly affecting school funding and available services.
One of our greatest needs is a sustainable funding model that allows us to continue offering comprehensive educational programs at Mattamuskeet, Ocracoke and Hyde Academy. Addressing this challenge will require collaboration among our schools, communities, and county commissioners. We must also continue advocating for funding models that recognize the unique needs and challenges of small, rural school districts like Hyde County.
2. What should our schools be doing to prepare students for life after graduation—including college, vocational training, military service and employment? How would you measure whether those efforts are succeeding?
Exposure matters for our students. Our efforts to increase college awareness and access, expand Career and Technical Education programs, and provide opportunities through Citizen Hyde, internships, military visits, and job shadowing are helping students explore the many options available after high school.
Over the past two years, we have seen our graduation rate increase. We have also seen improvement in the number of students who graduate with a plan and continue pursuing that plan into their second year after high school. These outcomes demonstrate that the strategic priorities established by the Board of Education over the past three years are making a measurable difference.
We track this progress using state-collected data from myFutureNC, along with local data collected through our CTE program. While there is still work to be done, the data shows that providing students with meaningful exposure, preparation, and support is helping them move toward a successful future.
