Election Day 2026: Key races and referendums to watch across the Cape Fear

(WWAY) — Voters across the Cape Fear region will head to the polls Tuesday, Nov. 3, to decide several closely watched races, including contests for U.S. Senate, Congress, the North Carolina General Assembly and local government offices.

Along with choosing candidates, voters will weigh in on several proposed constitutional amendments and local referendums involving school bonds, taxes and alcohol sales.

Here is a breakdown of some of the major races and ballot measures across New Hanover, Brunswick, Pender, Columbus and Bladen counties.

Federal races

One of the biggest races on the ballot is the contest for North Carolina’s U.S. Senate seat.

Democrat Roy Cooper, Republican Michael Whatley, Libertarian Shannon W. Bray and Green Party candidate Michael Dublin are competing for the seat.

Voters will also decide who represents North Carolina’s 7th Congressional District, which includes several counties in the Cape Fear region.

Incumbent Republican David Rouzer faces Democrat Kimberly Hardy and Libertarian Maad Abu-Ghazalah.

North Carolina General Assembly

Several seats in the North Carolina Senate and House of Representatives are also up for grabs.

In Senate District 7, Republican Michael Lee faces Democrat Jessica Bichler.

In Senate District 8, Republican Bill Rabon faces Democrat Richard “Rick” Combes and Libertarian Tim White.

Republican Brent Jackson is running unopposed in Senate District 9, which includes portions of Pender and Bladen counties.

Several competitive races are also taking place in the North Carolina House.

In District 16, Republican Carson Smith faces Democrat Jim Harris.

District 17 features Republican Frank Iler against Democrat Dennis Breen.

In District 18, incumbent Democrat Deb Butler faces Republican Latisha Grady.

Republican Charlie Miller faces Democrat Scott Nasiff in District 19.

In District 20, Republican Dane Scalise faces Democrat Tim Merrick.

Republican Wellie Jackson is running unopposed in District 22, which includes part of Bladen County.

District 46 features Republican Brenden Jones against Democrat Brittany Newton.

Statewide judicial races and constitutional amendments

Voters will also decide a seat on the North Carolina Supreme Court, where Democratic Justice Anita Earls faces Republican Sarah Stevens.

Several Superior Court judicial races are on the ballot, along with district court positions and district attorney races.

North Carolina voters will also consider three proposed constitutional amendments involving:

• Requiring photo identification for voting.
• Setting the maximum state income tax rate at 3.5%.
• Establishing a limit on property tax levies.

Voters will choose whether to approve or reject each proposal.

New Hanover County

Several closely watched races will determine the makeup of New Hanover County’s local government and school board.

Five candidates are running for the New Hanover County Board of Commissioners: Democrats Rob Zapple and LeShonda Wallace, Republicans Richard Collier and LeAnn Pierce, and Libertarian Bob Drach.

Eight candidates are seeking seats on the New Hanover County Board of Education.

Republicans Amy Dunning, Pat Bradford, Josie Barnhart and Chris Sutton face Democrats Wendy Dale, Brittnei LaRue, Jerry Jones Jr. and Margie Gewirtzman.

In the race for clerk of Superior Court, Republican Jan Giacalone Kennedy faces Democrat Jennie Thomason.

Republican Sheriff Ed McMahon is running unopposed.

New Hanover County voters will also decide whether to approve a school bond referendum.

Brunswick County

Brunswick County voters will decide several contested races for the Board of Commissioners as the county continues to experience rapid growth.

In District 1, Republican Randy Thompson faces Democrat Gary Woods.

District 2 features Republican Patti Hewett against Democrat Sara Singer.

In District 3, Republican Paige Morgan faces Democrat Susanne Duncan.

District 5 features Republican Steve Gainey and Brian D. Rupp.

Republican Sheriff Brian Chism and Clerk of Superior Court Katie Madon are running unopposed.

Voters will also decide whether to approve a Brunswick County school bond referendum.

Pender County

Several Pender County Board of Commissioners seats are on the ballot.

In District 1, Republican Shayne Frey faces Democrat Tim Zizack.

In District 2, Republican Ryan Collins faces Democrat Brookey Hardee.

Republicans Andy Jessie DeVane and Jimmy Tate are running unopposed in Districts 3 and 4, respectively.

Three Pender County Board of Education races are also on the ballot, with Republicans Jennifer Hansen, Jason Jordan and Jason Spivey running unopposed in their respective districts.

Republican Sheriff Alan Cutler is also running unopposed.

Columbus County

Columbus County voters will decide several local races and referendums.

In the Board of Commissioners District 7 race, Republican Scott Floyd faces Democrat Jeff Register.

Democrat Barbara Roseboro Featherson is running unopposed in District 1, while Republican Jeanne McPherson is unopposed in District 6.

In the Columbus County Schools Board of Education District 2 race, Democrat Beatrice Addison faces Republican Ronnie Strickland.

Several other school board races, including seats on the Whiteville City Schools Board of Education, are also on the ballot.

Republican Sheriff Bill Rogers is running unopposed.

Columbus County voters will also consider four local ballot measures involving malt beverage sales, unfortified wine sales, mixed beverage sales and a local sales and use tax.

Bladen County

Bladen County voters will decide a three-way race for sheriff.

Incumbent Republican Jim McVicker faces Democrat Chris Hunt and unaffiliated candidate Ray Marlowe.

In the Board of Commissioners District 1 race, Democrat Arthur Bullock faces unaffiliated candidate Levi Roberts.

Republicans Charles Ray Peterson and Cameron McGill are running unopposed in Districts 2 and 3, respectively.

Several Board of Education seats are also on the ballot.

Six candidates are competing in the countywide school board race: Democrats Kimbrie Esters, Harfel Davis and Gloria McLean, along with Republicans Dennis Edwards, Roger Carroll and Matthew Long.

In the District 3 school board race, Republican Aaron Russ faces Democrat Jerome Purdie.

Bladen County voters will also decide whether to approve a local sales and use tax referendum.

Election Day information

Polls across North Carolina will be open Tuesday, Nov. 3, from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Voters must cast their ballots at their assigned Election Day polling locations.

Anyone in line by 7:30 p.m. will be allowed to vote.

WWAY will provide election coverage throughout the day, including results from major races across the Cape Fear region as polls close Tuesday night.