Forsyth County Sample Ballot & Voter Guide 2026
31 candidates are on the November 3, 2026 ballot across 18 Forsyth County races, led by the Forsyth County District Attorney contest.
County offices
District AttorneyJim O'Neill (R) · Amara M. Hunter (D)
Jim O'Neill (Republican) and Amara M. Hunter (Democratic) are on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Forsyth County District Attorney.
Jim O'Neill Republican Incumbent
Jim O'Neill has been Forsyth County's district attorney since November 2009, appointed by Gov. Perdue and elected since, and has been a prosecutor in the office since 1997, per the Conference of District Attorneys' official district page. No campaign website was found as of September 8, 2026.
Amara M. Hunter Democratic
- Fair and accountable administration of justice
- Youth diversion and alternatives to incarceration
- Public trust
Per the campaign site.
About Amara M. Hunter
Amara M. Hunter is an assistant public defender in the Forsyth Public Defender's office, and a former police officer and former assistant district attorney, per her campaign site and the WS Chronicle.
Prosecutorial District 31 covers Forsyth County alone. From the State Board of Elections certified candidate list.
Full race pageSheriffBobby F. Kimbrough (D) · Ernie Leyba (R)
Bobby F. Kimbrough (Democratic) and Ernie Leyba (Republican) are on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Forsyth County Sheriff.
Bobby F. Kimbrough Democratic Incumbent
- Improving the relationship between the Sheriff's Office and the community
- Upgrading technology and deputy safety equipment
- Supporting deputy mental health through a partnership with Novant Health
Per the campaign site.
About Bobby F. Kimbrough
Kimbrough has served as Forsyth County Sheriff since being elected in 2018 and brings four decades of law enforcement experience, per the campaign site. Kimbrough began as a Winston-Salem police officer, later served as a DEA Special Agent from 1995 to 2016, and is the county's first African American sheriff, per the campaign site.
Ernie Leyba Republican
- Public safety, including the safety of children, as the top priority
- Community policing built through monthly town meetings where residents can voice concerns
- Increased transparency, including daily crime updates and cooperation with local media
Per the campaign site.
About Ernie Leyba
Ernie Leyba is the Republican nominee for Forsyth County Sheriff. He has more than 20 years of law enforcement experience, including with police departments in Los Angeles, Kernersville and Durham, before joining the Forsyth County Sheriff's Office, per a local voter guide. He previously sought the Republican nomination for sheriff in 2018 and ran for sheriff in 2022, per the same source.
From the State Board of Elections certified candidate list.
Full race pageClerk of Superior CourtKevin Edwards (D)
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Kevin Edwards (Democratic) is on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Forsyth County Clerk of Superior Court.
Kevin Edwards Democratic
- Bringing hard work, integrity and compassion to public service
- Ensuring every citizen receives fair and compassionate treatment
- Supporting victims and a professional court environment
Per the campaign site.
About Kevin Edwards
Edwards has worked in public service for 28 years, currently as an Administrative Assistant in the Forsyth County District Attorney's Office, per the campaign site. Edwards previously served as a Deputy Courtroom Clerk in the Forsyth County Clerk of Superior Court's Office and as a Victim-Witness Legal Assistant for more than 20 years, per the campaign site.
OPEN SEAT: sitting clerk Denise Hines is not on the ballot. Kevin Edwards is the only certified candidate; unopposed candidates print on North Carolina's November 3 ballot.
Full race pageBoard of Commissioners At-LargeDan Besse (D) · Terri Mrazek (R)
Dan Besse (Democratic) and Terri Mrazek (Republican) are on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Forsyth Board of Commissioners At-Large.
Dan Besse Democratic Incumbent
- Building stronger neighborhoods and encouraging quality development
- Strengthening transit systems and pedestrian and greenway infrastructure
- Supporting public schools and public health at the county level
Per the campaign site.
About Dan Besse
Besse is an attorney and nonprofit professional focused on public health and environmental matters, and previously worked as a legal aid attorney for about 10 years, per the campaign site. Besse served five terms on the Winston-Salem City Council from 2001 to 2020 and has been appointed by governors to the N.C. Coastal Resources Commission and the N.C. Environmental Management Commission, per the campaign site.
Terri Mrazek Republican
- Low taxes and a strong economy, with public assistance reserved for those in need
- School choice and parental involvement in education
- Support for law enforcement and public safety
Per the campaign site.
About Terri Mrazek
Mrazek is a businesswoman and community activist involved in local issues in Forsyth County, per the campaign site.
Besse won the March 3 Democratic contest with 59.6 percent; Mrazek won the Republican contest with 65.9 percent, per the state results archive.
Full race pageCommission District ATonya McDaniel (D) · Mali (Shai) Woodbury (D) · Contessa Smith (R)
Tonya McDaniel (Democratic), Mali (Shai) Woodbury (Democratic) and Contessa Smith (Republican) are on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Forsyth Commission District A.
Tonya McDaniel Democratic Incumbent
- Pursuing equity in property tax rates and school funding for District A
- Overseeing the county budget to support resident safety and well being
Per the campaign site.
About Tonya McDaniel
McDaniel has served as County Commissioner for Forsyth County District A since being appointed in December 2018, per the campaign site. McDaniel holds a bachelor's degree in political science from Winston-Salem State University and a master's in public administration from North Carolina Central University, and has served on the North Carolina State Health Coordinating Council, per the campaign site.
Mali (Shai) Woodbury Democratic Incumbent
- Securing pay and resources for educators
- Treating education as an investment in a safe and healthy community
- Supporting teachers and students countywide
Per the campaign site.
About Mali (Shai) Woodbury
Woodbury is an educator with more than 25 years of experience in public schools and at the collegiate level, and previously served on the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Board of Education from 2018 to 2022, including as chair, per the campaign site. Woodbury holds a doctorate in education leadership from Walden University, per the campaign site.
Contessa Smith Republican
Contessa Smith is on the State Board of Elections certified candidate list for this two-seat race's November 3, 2026 ballot. No campaign website was found as of September 8, 2026.
Voters choose two District A commissioners. Incumbents McDaniel and Woodbury advanced from the four-way March 3 Democratic contest; Contessa Smith is the only Republican in the two-seat race, per the State Board of Elections certified list and results archive.
Full race pageCommission District BChris Parker (R) · Marsie West (D)
Chris Parker Republican Incumbent
Chris Parker was appointed to this District B seat in August 2026, per the county's official commissioner roster.
Marsie West Democratic
- Fiscal responsibility and transparency
- Economic development and public education
- Public safety and affordable housing
Per the campaign site.
About Marsie West
Marsie West is a finance professional with a background in insurance and institutional banking operations and strategy consulting, per her campaign site.
One of District B's four seats is on the November 3 ballot; both candidates are from the State Board of Elections certified list. Chris Parker was appointed to the seat in August 2026, per the county's official roster.
Full race pageJudges
North Carolina Superior Court Judge, District 31B, Seat 1Carrie Vickery (D)
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Carrie Vickery Democratic
Carrie Vickery was appointed by Governor Josh Stein to the Superior Court in Judicial District 31B, covering part of Forsyth County, on September 21, 2026, becoming the county's first female Superior Court judge, per Elon University. She had served as a Forsyth County District Court judge since 2017 and has been an adjunct professor of law at Wake Forest University School of Law. Vickery earned her Bachelor of Arts from Western Carolina University and her Juris Doctor from Elon University School of Law.
Carrie Vickery (Democratic) is unopposed on the November 3, 2026 ballot for North Carolina Superior Court Judge, District 31B, Seat 1. This seat covers part of Forsyth County, per North Carolina General Statutes Chapter 7A; only voters in that part of the Superior Court district see this race. North Carolina judicial races have been partisan since the 2018 court reorganization. The field is the State Board of Elections' certified general-election candidate list (read September 7, 2026).
Full race pageNorth Carolina District Court Judge, District 31, Seat 1Valene K. McMasters (D)
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Valene K. McMasters Democratic Incumbent
Valene K. McMasters is a Forsyth County District Court Judge, appointed by Governor Roy Cooper in December 2021 to replace Judge Denise S. Hartsfield, who retired, per the North Carolina Governor's office. Before her appointment she was the managing attorney at Legal Aid of North Carolina and earlier an associate at Kilpatrick Stockton LLP, earning her B.A. at Cornell University and her J.D. at Boston College Law, per the WS Chronicle. She served as President of the Forsyth County Bar Association from 2010 to 2011 and President of the Winston-Salem Bar Association from 2006 to 2008, per the same source. No campaign website was found as of September 27, 2026.
Valene K. McMasters (Democratic) is unopposed on the November 3, 2026 ballot for North Carolina District Court Judge, District 31, Seat 1. Voters across Forsyth County vote on this seat, per North Carolina General Statutes Chapter 7A. North Carolina judicial races have been partisan since the 2018 court reorganization. The field is the State Board of Elections' certified general-election candidate list (read September 7, 2026).
Full race pageNorth Carolina District Court Judge, District 31, Seat 2Fred Adams (D)
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Fred Adams Democratic Incumbent
Fred Adams was appointed District Court Judge for Forsyth County by Governor Roy Cooper effective September 30, 2021, replacing Judge Lisa Menefee, per a North Carolina Judicial Branch news release. Adams earned his undergraduate degree from Bluefield College and his J.D. from Wake Forest University School of Law, per the same release. No campaign website was found as of September 27, 2026.
Fred Adams (Democratic) is unopposed on the November 3, 2026 ballot for North Carolina District Court Judge, District 31, Seat 2. Voters across Forsyth County vote on this seat, per North Carolina General Statutes Chapter 7A. North Carolina judicial races have been partisan since the 2018 court reorganization. The field is the State Board of Elections' certified general-election candidate list (read September 7, 2026).
Full race pageNorth Carolina District Court Judge, District 31, Seat 3Theodore (Ted) Kazakos (R)
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Theodore (Ted) Kazakos Republican Incumbent
Theodore Kazakos currently serves as a District Court Judge for Forsyth County, per the North Carolina Judicial Branch directory. Kazakos filed for re-election in December 2025, per the WS Chronicle. No campaign website was found as of September 27, 2026.
Theodore (Ted) Kazakos (Republican) is unopposed on the November 3, 2026 ballot for North Carolina District Court Judge, District 31, Seat 3. Voters across Forsyth County vote on this seat, per North Carolina General Statutes Chapter 7A. North Carolina judicial races have been partisan since the 2018 court reorganization. The field is the State Board of Elections' certified general-election candidate list (read September 7, 2026).
Full race pageNorth Carolina District Court Judge, District 31, Seat 4Cheryl Andrews McDonald (D)
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Cheryl Andrews McDonald Democratic Incumbent
Cheryl Andrews McDonald is a Forsyth County District Court Judge, appointed by Governor Josh Stein to the bench for Judicial District 31 following the retirement of Judge George Cleland IV, and assumed office on January 9, 2026, per the North Carolina Governor's office. She is a solo practitioner in Winston-Salem with nearly two decades of legal experience in civil and criminal law, beginning her career at Holton Law Firm, PLLC in 2010 and later working at the Forsyth County Public Defender's Office, and holds degrees from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and Wake Forest University School of Law, per the same source.
Cheryl Andrews McDonald (Democratic) is unopposed on the November 3, 2026 ballot for North Carolina District Court Judge, District 31, Seat 4. Voters across Forsyth County vote on this seat, per North Carolina General Statutes Chapter 7A. North Carolina judicial races have been partisan since the 2018 court reorganization. The field is the State Board of Elections' certified general-election candidate list (read September 7, 2026).
Full race pageBy address
These seats are elected by district; only the district covering your address is on your ballot.
Forsyth County is split across 7 North Carolina Senate and House districts.
Find your districts by addressNorth Carolina Senate: 2 districtsDistricts 31, 32
North Carolina Senate District 31Andy Bowline (D) · Dana Caudill Jones (R)
Andy Bowline Democratic
- Government accountability and opposition to gerrymandering
- Oppose political interference in medical decisions
- Support public education and educators
Per the campaign site.
About Andy Bowline
Andy Bowline is a software developer of more than 10 years who founded a health tech startup that was acquired in 2023, per his campaign site. He has an MBA from Wake Forest University and has lived in Winston-Salem since 2009, per the same source.
Dana Caudill Jones Republican Incumbent
- Expanding access to education for children
- Supporting small businesses and workforce-driven economic development
- Public safety and addressing domestic abuse and mental health needs
Per the campaign site.
About Dana Caudill Jones
Dana Caudill Jones co-leads Caudill's Commercial Electric, a Kernersville family electrical business founded by her father, per her campaign site. She previously served ten years on the Kernersville Board of Aldermen, including as Mayor Pro Tem, and eight years on the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools Board of Education, three as chair, per her campaign site.
Andy Bowline (Democratic), Dana Caudill Jones (Republican) meet on the November 3 ballot; Dana Caudill Jones is the sitting member, per the General Assembly's roster. Party nominees were chosen at the March 3 primary (a second primary is held only when no one reaches 30 percent plus one); unaffiliated candidates qualified by petition. The field is the State Board of Elections' certified general-election candidate list (read September 7, 2026). This seat is elected by district; only the district covering your address appears on your ballot.
Full race pageNorth Carolina Senate District 32Peter Antinozzi (R) · Keenen Altic (Green) · Paul Lowe, Jr. (D)
Peter Antinozzi Republican
Peter Antinozzi is the Republican candidate for North Carolina Senate District 32 on the November 3, 2026 ballot, per the State Board of Elections' certified general-election candidate list. No campaign website was found as of September 7, 2026.
Keenen Altic Green
Keenen Altic filed as the Green Party candidate for NC Senate District 32 on June 15, 2026, per the North Carolina State Board of Elections certified candidate list. No campaign website was found as of September 7, 2026.
Paul Lowe, Jr. Democratic Incumbent
Paul A. Lowe, Jr. is the Democratic state senator for North Carolina Senate District 32 in Forsyth County, where he has served five or more terms, per the North Carolina General Assembly. No campaign website was found as of September 7, 2026.
Peter Antinozzi (Republican), Keenen Altic (Green), Paul Lowe, Jr. (Democratic) meet on the November 3 ballot; Paul Lowe, Jr. is the sitting member, per the General Assembly's roster. Party nominees were chosen at the March 3 primary (a second primary is held only when no one reaches 30 percent plus one); unaffiliated candidates qualified by petition. The field is the State Board of Elections' certified general-election candidate list (read September 7, 2026). This seat is elected by district; only the district covering your address appears on your ballot.
Full race pageNorth Carolina House: 5 districtsDistricts 71, 72, 74, 75, 91
North Carolina House District 71Kanika Brown (D) · Mathew Mena (Green)
Kanika Brown Democratic Incumbent
- Support health care access
- Support public schools
- Support working families
Per the campaign site.
About Kanika Brown
Kanika Brown is a healthcare habilitation worker who represents North Carolina House District 71 in Forsyth County, currently serving her second term, per the North Carolina General Assembly.
Mathew Mena Green
Mathew Mena is the Green candidate for North Carolina House District 71 on the November 3, 2026 ballot, per the State Board of Elections' certified general-election candidate list. No campaign website was found as of September 7, 2026.
Kanika Brown (Democratic), Mathew Mena (Green) meet on the November 3 ballot; Kanika Brown is the sitting member, per the General Assembly's roster. Party nominees were chosen at the March 3 primary (a second primary is held only when no one reaches 30 percent plus one); unaffiliated candidates qualified by petition. The field is the State Board of Elections' certified general-election candidate list (read September 7, 2026). This seat is elected by district; only the district covering your address appears on your ballot.
Full race pageNorth Carolina House District 72Amber M. Baker (D)
Unopposed: still on your ballot.
Amber M. Baker Democratic Incumbent
Amber M. Baker is an educator who represents North Carolina House District 72 in Forsyth County, currently serving her third term, per the North Carolina General Assembly. No campaign website was found as of September 7, 2026.
Amber M. Baker (Democratic) is the only candidate on the November 3 ballot; Amber M. Baker is the sitting member, per the General Assembly's roster. Party nominees were chosen at the March 3 primary (a second primary is held only when no one reaches 30 percent plus one); unaffiliated candidates qualified by petition. The field is the State Board of Elections' certified general-election candidate list (read September 7, 2026). This seat is elected by district; only the district covering your address appears on your ballot.
Full race pageNorth Carolina House District 74Jeff Zenger (R) · Amy Taylor North (D)
Jeff Zenger Republican Incumbent
Jeff Zenger is a general contractor and developer who represents North Carolina House District 74 in Forsyth County, serving as House Majority Conference Co-Chair in his third term, per the North Carolina General Assembly. No campaign website was found as of September 7, 2026.
Amy Taylor North Democratic
- Support small businesses and local economic development
- Restore public school funding
- Protect voting rights and healthcare access
Per the campaign site.
About Amy Taylor North
North is a small business owner who created a national health care magazine in 2008, per the campaign site. She has lived in the Lewisville and Clemmons area for 20 years and has been active in her children's PTA and a neighborhood watch program, per the campaign site.
Jeff Zenger (Republican), Amy Taylor North (Democratic) meet on the November 3 ballot; Jeff Zenger is the sitting member, per the General Assembly's roster. Party nominees were chosen at the March 3 primary (a second primary is held only when no one reaches 30 percent plus one); unaffiliated candidates qualified by petition. The field is the State Board of Elections' certified general-election candidate list (read September 7, 2026). This seat is elected by district; only the district covering your address appears on your ballot.
Full race pageNorth Carolina House District 75Jen Wiles (D) · Donny C. Lambeth (R)
Jen Wiles Democratic
- Increased pre-K and public education funding
- Healthcare policy informed by her clinical background
- Lower taxes for middle-class residents and small businesses
Per the High Point Enterprise.
About Jen Wiles
Jen Wiles is a Democratic candidate for NC House District 75 with more than 20 years of experience in healthcare, including a decade in emergency medicine, trauma and acute surgical services, per the High Point Enterprise. She previously served as director of strategy and operations, and later chief of staff, for the Wake Forest Center for Healthcare Innovation.
Donny C. Lambeth Republican Incumbent
- Focus on health care access and quality
- Focus on education improvements
Per the campaign site.
About Donny C. Lambeth
Donny C. Lambeth has served 12 years in the North Carolina House representing District 75 in Forsyth County, per the campaign site. Lambeth previously spent 40 years in health care, including as a hospital CEO, and 18 years as chairman of the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County school board, per the campaign site.
Jen Wiles (Democratic), Donny C. Lambeth (Republican) meet on the November 3 ballot; Donny C. Lambeth is the sitting member, per the General Assembly's roster. Party nominees were chosen at the March 3 primary (a second primary is held only when no one reaches 30 percent plus one); unaffiliated candidates qualified by petition. The field is the State Board of Elections' certified general-election candidate list (read September 7, 2026). This seat is elected by district; only the district covering your address appears on your ballot.
Full race pageNorth Carolina House District 91Lucille Puckett (D) · Kyle Hall (R)
Lucille Puckett Democratic
- Strengthening public education and supporting working families
- Protecting local communities and responsible economic development
- Transparent government and fiscal responsibility
Per the campaign site.
About Lucille Puckett
Puckett is a candidate for North Carolina House District 91, per the campaign site.
Kyle Hall Republican Incumbent
Kyle Hall is a realtor who represents North Carolina House District 91, covering parts of Forsyth and Stokes counties, currently serving his fifth term, per the North Carolina General Assembly. No campaign website was found as of September 7, 2026.
Lucille Puckett (Democratic), Kyle Hall (Republican) meet on the November 3 ballot; Kyle Hall is the sitting member, per the General Assembly's roster. Party nominees were chosen at the March 3 primary (a second primary is held only when no one reaches 30 percent plus one); unaffiliated candidates qualified by petition. The field is the State Board of Elections' certified general-election candidate list (read September 7, 2026). This seat is elected by district; only the district covering your address appears on your ballot.
Full race pageSee your full ballot
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Cross-check every race and candidate with the official election office. Official sources are the final word.
North Carolina nominees were set by the March 3 primary; a candidate clearing 30 percent plus one avoids a second primary, and unopposed nominees still print on the November 3 ballot, per the State Board of Elections.
Who is on the ballot in Forsyth County, North Carolina on November 3, 2026?
Forsyth County sample ballot 2026: see where the Forsyth commission and county sheriff candidates stand on schools, health care and the budget. Every candidate profile on this page names the official filing or campaign source it came from.
When is the 2026 general election in North Carolina?
Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Registration deadlines, early voting dates and mail ballot rules for North Carolina are listed on the North Carolina election hub. North Carolina election hub →
How do I see my exact Forsyth County ballot?
Enter your ZIP code in the lookup for the statewide and congressional races on every ballot in the county, or a full street address to add the county, city and district contests for that location. Look up your ballot →
Sample ballot by ZIP code in Forsyth County16 ZIP codes
Candidate roster last updated Sep 27, 2026 from official election sources.