2026 Primary Election: Candidate Forum
Name:
2026 Primary Election: Candidate Forum
Date:
February 10, 2026
Time:
9:00 AM - 11:00 AM EST
Registration:
Register Now
Event Description:
On February 10, the Greater Wilmington Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with Cape Fear REALTORS®, the Wilmington–Cape Fear Home Builders Association (WCFHBA), and BASE, invites members of all four host organizations to attend a Candidate Forum featuring local candidates running in the 2026 New Hanover County Board of Commissioners and Board of Education contested primaries.
This forum offers members the opportunity to hear directly from candidates ahead of the Primary Election on March 3, 2026.
Attendance Details
- Open to all members of the Greater Wilmington Chamber, Cape Fear REALTORS®, WCFHBA, and BASE
- No cost to attend
- Not open to nonmembers
- In-person only (no virtual option). Program will not be recorded.
AGENDA
9:00 – 9:15 am – Registration & Networking
9:15 – 9:20 am – Program Begins & Ground Rules
9:20 – 9:50 am – Democratic Party Ballot Board of Education candidates (30 mins)
9:50 – 10:20 am – Republican Party Ballot Board of Education candidates (30 mins)
10:20 – 10:50 am – Democratic Party Ballot Board of Commission candidates (30 mins)
SAMPLE BALLOT CANDIDATES
Democratic Party Ballot
New Hanover County Board of Education
*Voters may select four candidates
- Wendy Dale
- Nelson Beaulieu
- Rick Southerland
- Brittnei LaRue
- Jerry Jones, Jr.
- Margie Gewirtzman
Republican Party Ballot
New Hanover County Board of Education
*Voters may select four candidates
- Amy Dunning
- Pat Bradford
- Josie Barnhart
- Chris Sutton
- Melissa Mason
Democratic Party Ballot
New Hanover County Board of Commissioners
*Voters may select two candidates
- Salette Andrews
- Rob Zapple
- LeShonda Wallace
- Judy Justice
*With only two candidates filing for the Republican nomination for NHC Board of Commissioners, there is not a contested primary election. LeAnn Pierce and Richard Collier will be the party’s nominees in the General Election.
ARRIVAL & CHECK-IN
Please plan to arrive early and allow sufficient time for travel, parking, check-in, and seating. If you are not feeling well, we kindly ask that you stay home.
After parking, proceed to the lobby on the second floor for check-in. Registered attendees will receive a name badge, which will serve as your entry ticket, before being directed to the ballroom.
LOCATION
Terraces at Sir Tyler, Second Floor Ballroom
1826 Sir Tyler Drive
Wilmington, NC 28405
PARKING
Complimentary parking is available on-site at the Terraces at Sir Tyler.
