2 candidates are tracked for North Carolina Senate District 43 on the November 3, 2026 ballot: Steve Rutherford and Brad Overcash. Candidate information follows official Gaston County election filings; verify with the official election office linked below.
Steve Rutherford (Democratic), Brad Overcash (Republican) meet on the November 3 ballot; Brad Overcash 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.
State legislator. State legislators write and vote on state laws and the state budget, which fund schools, roads, prisons, universities and health programs, and set the rules for local governments and elections. Each member represents one district and serves on committees that shape bills before a floor vote. Terms are two years in most state houses and four in most state senates.
This race. Elected by district: only voters who live in the district see this race on their ballot. The sitting officeholder, Brad Overcash, is on the ballot.
North Carolina › Gaston County › North Carolina Senate District 43
Democratic
Steve Rutherford is a 20-year U.S. Navy veteran and a graduate of South Point High School who earned a bachelor's degree from Southern Illinois University, per the Political Candidate Directory. He declared his candidacy for the Senate District 43 seat, which covers part of Gaston County, on December 1, 2025, per his campaign site. His site does not list detailed policy positions.
Republican Incumbent
Brad Overcash represents North Carolina Senate District 43, covering Gaston County, per the NC General Assembly. He is serving his second term in the state Senate.
Who is running for North Carolina Senate District 43 in 2026?
2 candidates are tracked for North Carolina Senate District 43 on the November 3, 2026 ballot: Steve Rutherford and Brad Overcash. Candidate information follows official Gaston County election filings; verify with the official election office linked below.
When is the North Carolina Senate District 43 election in North Carolina?
Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Registration deadlines, early voting dates and mail ballot rules for North Carolina are on the North Carolina election hub at theballotbrief.com.
How do I see my exact Gaston County ballot?
Enter your ZIP code in the lookup at theballotbrief.com for the statewide and congressional races, or a full street address to add the county, city and district contests for that location.
Candidate roster from official Gaston County and state election office filings, last verified September 29, 2026. Bios and priorities carry their attribution inline.
Cross-check with the official North Carolina election office, or see the full Gaston County sample ballot and your exact ballot by address.
20 tracked races in Gaston County, North Carolina. Landed here from another county's search? Look up your own ballot below.