Buncombe, Asheville full list of primary candidates 2026

Shaunda Jackson is originally from Asheville. She lives with her husband, Tilman.

Shaunda is a community programs manager. She works at the Asheville Housing Authority, where she oversees after-school and neighborhood center programs serving over 2,400 children. She trains resident staff to partner with agencies like My Daddy Taught Me That and the violence prevention team, tailoring support to each child’s needs and organizing positive activities throughout the day.

About – Housing Authority of the City of Asheville

Shaunda currently works as the director of resident services at the Asheville Housing Authority. She previously served as the Asheville reparations commission.

Shaunda previously held an appointed position on the Asheville City school board. This is her first campaign for public office.

As of January 2, 2026, Shaunda Jackson did not have a website or any information online.

Economy

Supports developing recommendations for reparations to address harm from racial discrimination and systemic oppression against Black Asheville residents, focusing on housing, economic development, health, education, and criminal justice.

Supports developing reparations to address harm from racial discrimination and systemic oppression against Black Asheville residents.

- Supports developing reparations to address harm from racial discrimination and systemic oppression against Black Asheville residents.

Public Services

Prioritizes housing stability and affordability, public safety, and creating access to opportunities.

- Prioritizes housing stability and affordability, public safety, and creating access to opportunities.

Housing & Urban Development

Public Safety

Transportation & Infrastructure

Energy & the Environment

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Shaunda Jackson

Shaunda is originally from Asheville. She lives with her husband, Tilman.

Shaunda Jackson currently works as the director of resident services at the Asheville Housing Authority. She previously served as an appointed member of the Asheville City Schools Board of Education and the Asheville reparations commission.

In their own words: Members of Reparations Commission describe ...

Asheville police join forces with community groups to curb recent ...

Community Helene and Climate Stories - The City of Asheville

As of January 2, 2026, Shaunda Jackson’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Buket Urgen

Angel Gonzales's campaign for Asheville City Council Member is their first entry into politics.

Filing closes; leaves final list of candidates for 2026 for Asheville ...

Removed Asheville planning commissioner files to run for City Council

As of January 2, 2026, Angel Gonzales did not have a website or any information online.

LinkedIn

Angel Gonzales

As of January 2, 2026, Angel Gonzales’s website did not contain information on this issue.

20 Asheville council candidates vie for only 3 seats; Who are they?

Bobby Smith is originally from Asheville.

Bobby is an automotive service writer at Walmart

As of January 2, 2026, Bobby Smith Jr. did not have a website or any information online.

Bobby Smith Jr.

As of January 2, 2026, Bobby Smith’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Bobby Smith

Speech Therapy Team Bios

CJ Snyder has a master's degree from Appalachian State University. 

CJ's campaign for City Council Member is his first run for public office.

As of January 2, 2026, CJ Snyder did not have a website or any information online.

CJ Snyder

CJ has a master's degree from Appalachian State University. 

CJ Snyder's campaign for City Council Member is his first run for public office.

As of January 2, 2026, CJ Snyder’s website did not contain information on this issue.

I'm just a parent of two young kids in Asheville schools, a former community organizer, and software engineer. My spouse and I own a house in East Asheville.

Dan Ferrell is married with two children. They live in East Asheville.

Dan is a software engineer. He previously worked as a community organizer.

Dan Ferrell's campaign for Asheville city council member is his first time running for public office.

Filing for 2026 primary election begins: Here are the current ...

Candidates file for seats in Asheville, Buncombe County

Dan's campaign for Asheville city council member is his first time running for public office.

Supports "fair and predictable scheduling laws to help employees maintain a work/life balance..."

Supports the city investing in and lending to the Community Owned Credit Union to provide financial services to local residents.

Supports providing low-interest loans to residents constructing accessory dwelling units (ADUs).

Supports green energy upgrades and climate resilience projects.

Supports providing low-interest loans to develop affordable housing.

Supports small businesses and local entrepreneurs.

- Supports "fair and predictable scheduling laws to help employees maintain a work/life balance..."
- Supports paid sick leave.
- Supports the city investing in and lending to the Community Owned Credit Union to provide financial services to local residents.
- Supports providing low-interest loans to residents constructing accessory dwelling units (ADUs).
- Supports green energy upgrades and climate resilience projects.
- Supports providing low-interest loans to develop affordable housing.
- Supports small businesses and local entrepreneurs.

Supports prioritizing parks, pools, and recreation areas.

Wants to create more parks where disabled and non-disabled children can play together.

Wants to build more basketball courts that aren’t shared with tennis courts.

Wants to build new pickleball courts outside of residential areas.

Wants to build small parks around bus stops.

Wants to ensure the Malvern Pool is fully funded and prioritized.

Supports using the Strategic Partnership Fund to finance youth outreach programs.

- Supports prioritizing parks, pools, and recreation areas.
- Wants to create more parks where disabled and non-disabled children can play together.
- Wants to build more basketball courts that aren’t shared with tennis courts.
- Wants to build new pickleball courts outside of residential areas.
- Wants to build small parks around bus stops.
- Wants to ensure the Malvern Pool is fully funded and prioritized.
- Supports using the Strategic Partnership Fund to finance youth outreach programs.

Wants to enforce housing codes for unsafe living conditions and punish bad landlords.

Believes landlords have "too big of a voice in city council, which makes every single renter in Asheville worse off."

Supports proactive inspections to ensure rental unit safety.

Supports giving code enforcement officials more power to impose significant fines on landlords who are repeat offenders.

Supports a "know your rights" campaign to inform renters about legal standards for safe and habitable housing in Asheville, and advocates for easy reporting mechanisms to code inspectors.

Plans to introduce ordinances to seize property from landlords who "refuse to comply with code" and use community land trusts and non-profit housing to support tenants.

Supports prioritizing housing projects where at least 50% of units are affordable, specifically for first-year teachers and firefighters.

Supports increasing funding for city housing positions to address various housing challenges, including post-Helene recovery and code enforcement.

Supports transparency in housing performance measures and setting realistic goals to positively impact the community.

Supports the construction of more community housing in Asheville, believing it will help resolve the housing crisis.

- Supports building affordable housing.
- Wants to enforce housing codes for unsafe living conditions and punish bad landlords.
- Believes landlords have "too big of a voice in city council, which makes every single renter in Asheville worse off."
- Supports proactive inspections to ensure rental unit safety.
- Supports giving code enforcement officials more power to impose significant fines on landlords who are repeat offenders.
- Supports a "know your rights" campaign to inform renters about legal standards for safe and habitable housing in Asheville, and advocates for easy reporting mechanisms to code inspectors.
- Plans to introduce ordinances to seize property from landlords who "refuse to comply with code" and use community land trusts and non-profit housing to support tenants.
- Supports prioritizing housing projects where at least 50% of units are affordable, specifically for first-year teachers and firefighters.
- Supports increasing funding for city housing positions to address various housing challenges, including post-Helene recovery and code enforcement.
- Supports transparency in housing performance measures and setting realistic goals to positively impact the community.
- Supports the construction of more community housing in Asheville, believing it will help resolve the housing crisis.

Supports creating a HEART (Holistic Empathetic Assistance Response Teams) program in Asheville to reduce the burden on the police department by using alternative intervention teams for certain emergencies and non-emergencies.

Supports prohibiting the Asheville Police Department from working with federal immigration authorities.

Believes it is unacceptable that "our civil servants can’t live in the same place as the people they work for."

Believes poverty and crime are linked, and reducing poverty will also reduce crime.

- Supports creating a HEART (Holistic Empathetic Assistance Response Teams) program in Asheville to reduce the burden on the police department by using alternative intervention teams for certain emergencies and non-emergencies.
- Supports prohibiting the Asheville Police Department from working with federal immigration authorities.
- Believes it is unacceptable that "our civil servants can’t live in the same place as the people they work for."
- Believes poverty and crime are linked, and reducing poverty will also reduce crime.

Supports developing ordinances and codes to prevent the perpetual vacancy of properties.

- Supports developing ordinances and codes to prevent the perpetual vacancy of properties.

Supports transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable energy by deploying microgrids and virtual power plants in Asheville.

- Supports transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable energy by deploying microgrids and virtual power plants in Asheville.

Instagram

Dan Ferrell

David Moritz has a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from University of Maryland College Park and a master's in business administration from Columbia Business School. He volunteers on the steering committee of the Center for Liveable Cities and Urban Land Institute.

David is a managing partner and co-founder of East West Capital Group. Previously he was managing director and head of real estate in southeast Asia for the Macquarie Group, the director of real estate investment banking for Credit Suisse, and a construction engineer for Bechtel Corporation.

David Moritz's campaign for Asheville City Council Member is his first time running for public office.

3 say they were attacked, beaten at Asheville 'Palestinian ...

David's campaign for Asheville City Council Member is his first time running for public office.

As of January 2, 2026, David Moritz did not have a website or any information online.

Prioritizes stormwater system infrastructure upgrades and maintenance.

- Prioritizes stormwater system infrastructure upgrades and maintenance.

David Moritz

As of January 2, 2026, David Moritz’s website did not contain information on this issue.

As a city councilor, approved $500,000 in tax incentives for a 231-unit downtown micro-housing development.

Drew Ball earned a master’s degree in public administration from American University and a bachelor's in political science from North Carolina State University. He volunteers as a firefighter with the Reynolds Volunteer Fire Department. Drew lives with his partner, Meaghan.

Drew is a county commissioner for Buncombe County. He has served on the Buncombe County Board of Commissioners since January 2025.

Drew currently works as the southeast campaigns director for the Natural Resources Defense Council, an environmental advocacy organization. He is a founder and campaign consultant at Compass Campaign Strategies. He previously was the southern regional director at the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, state director at Environment North Carolina, and held campaign and government roles with the Sierra Club, the North Carolina General Assembly, and Democratic political campaigns.

Drew Ball is currently a Buncombe County commissioner. He was elected in 2024 and is serving his first term.

The music and politics behind Drew Ball – Mountain Xpress

Last night at Commission: Drew Ball officially sworn in, storm updates

DEQ Secretary Reid Wilson tours North Fork Water Treatment Plant ...

Drew currently serves as a Buncombe County Commissioner. He is running for Asheville City Council and is not seeking re-election to the Buncombe County Commission. Drew was selected to fill a vacant seat on the Buncombe County Commission, an office that is typically elected.

Supports local businesses and the arts community.

Supports helping local businesses and the arts community recover after natural disasters.

- Supports helping local businesses and the arts community recover after natural disasters.

Supports ensuring access to quality education for all children.

- Supports ensuring access to quality education for all children.

Drew Ball files for Asheville City Council – Mountain Xpress

Plans to address the rising costs of housing.

Plans to address the rising costs of housing and supports rebuilding communities in a way that improves long-term affordability.

- Plans to address the rising costs of housing and supports rebuilding communities in a way that improves long-term affordability.

Supports disaster response, emergency coordination, and community safety efforts

- Supports disaster response, emergency coordination, and community safety efforts

Supports strengthening infrastructure as part of community recovery efforts

- Supports strengthening infrastructure as part of community recovery efforts

Supports reducing plastic waste, promoting clean energy, and protecting local rivers.

- Supports reducing plastic waste, promoting clean energy, and protecting local rivers.

Drew Ball

Drew Ball earned a Master’s degree in Public Administration from American University and a Bachelor of Arts in political science from North Carolina State University. He volunteers as a firefighter with the Reynolds Volunteer Fire Department. Drew lives with his partner, Meaghan.

Drew currently works as the Southeast Campaigns Director for the Natural Resources Defense Council, an environmental advocacy organization. He is a founder and campaign consultant at Compass Campaign Strategies. He previously was the Southern Regional Director at the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, State Director at Environment North Carolina, and held campaign and government roles with the Sierra Club, the North Carolina General Assembly, and Democratic political campaigns.

As of January 2, 2026, Drew Ball’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Jared Wheatley is originally from Asheville, and a member of the Cherokee Nation. He earned his bachelor's degree in construction management from Western Carolina University and master's degree in commerce and economic development from Northeastern University.

Jared is a real estate developer. He owns and leads his own development company, where he manages the planning and construction of housing and commercial projects.

Jared is currently a project manager at Wheatley Construction, a creative director at Epatage Workwear, and the founder of the Indigenous Walls Project, a public art initiative. He previously worked as a project manager for Vannoy Construction and Adolfson & Peterson Construction and in Project Controls for CH2M Hill. Jared also served on the Asheville Planning and Zoning Commission, but was removed for being "combative" to other commissioners. He also served in the U.S. Air Force for four years.

Jared's campaign for Asheville City Council is his first run for public office.

Supports responsibly city budgets with transparent spending which meets commitments.

- Supports responsibly city budgets with transparent spending which meets commitments.

As of January 2, 2026, Jared Wheatley’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Supports affordable housing, sustainable development, and community engagement.

- Supports affordable housing, sustainable development, and community engagement.

Supports affordability measures, including reliable public transportation, fostering housing construction, and creating living wage jobs.

- Supports affordability measures, including reliable public transportation, fostering housing construction, and creating living wage jobs.

Jared Wheatley

Jared Wheatley is originally from Asheville, and a member of the Cherokee Nation. He earned his bachelor's degree. He earned his bachelor's degree in construction management from Western Carolina University and master's degree in commerce and economic development from Northeastern University.

Jeffrey Burroughs is from a small farming town in Michigan. They and their husband, Jason, have an adopted son and two dogs.

Jeffrey Burroughs is from a small town in Michigan. They have a husband and a son.

I have witnessed how art, empathy, and action can restore a community.

Jeffrey currently works as an artist and entrepreneur. They previously worked as a family farmhand and at an assembly line. 

Jeffrey's campaign for city council is their first run for public office.

Supports streamlining permits, expanding grants, and investing in workforce development to strengthen small businesses.

Supports making permits more efficient, expanding grants, and investing in workforce development tied to the arts, trades, and entrepreneurship to strengthen small businesses.

- Supports making permits more efficient, expanding grants, and investing in workforce development tied to the arts, trades, and entrepreneurship to strengthen small businesses.

As of January 2, 2026, Jeffrey Burroughs’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Supports zoning reform to encourage mixed-income neighborhoods, partnerships to include affordable units, and incentives to help local teachers, artists, and essential workers live where they work.

Believes in zoning reform that encourages mixed-income neighborhoods, partnerships that "empower builders to include affordable units," and incentives that keep teachers, artists, and essential workers where they work. 

- Believes in zoning reform that encourages mixed-income neighborhoods, partnerships that "empower builders to include affordable units," and incentives that keep teachers, artists, and essential workers where they work. 

Supports trauma-informed public safety practices, expanded mental health response teams, and stronger partnerships between officers, social workers, and community leaders.

- Supports trauma-informed public safety practices, expanded mental health response teams, and stronger partnerships between officers, social workers, and community leaders.

Believes in the need for stronger flood preparedness, smarter infrastructure investments, and direct support for neighborhoods affected by climate disasters.

Supports stronger flood preparedness, smarter infrastructure investments, and direct support for neighborhoods most impacted by climate disasters, such as listening to those most affected.

- Supports stronger flood preparedness, smarter infrastructure investments, and direct support for neighborhoods most impacted by climate disasters, such as listening to those most affected.

Supports expanding sustainable energy initiatives, investing in public transit, and developing eco-conscious infrastructure.

- Supports expanding sustainable energy initiatives, investing in public transit, and developing eco-conscious infrastructure.

Jeffrey Burroughs

Jeffrey is from a small town in Michigan. They have a husband and a son.

Jeffrey Burroughs' campaign for City Council Member is their first run for public office.

Jess Young McLean lives in Oakley, North Carolina.

Jess works at Read to Succeed Asheville/Buncombe in Pisgah View Apartments.

Jess Young McLean's campaign for Asheville City Council member is their first time running for public office.

Filing closes for North Carolina's 2026 primary elections, who is ...

Jess Young McLean's campaign for Asheville City Council member is her first time running for public office.

Supports policies that "reduce poverty and support working families."

Supports addressing racial wealth and opportunity gaps.

- Supports policies that "reduce poverty and support working families."
- Supports addressing racial wealth and opportunity gaps.

As of January 2, 2026, Jess Young McLean’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Supports using Community Development Block Grant Disaster funds "responsibly and transparently."

Wants to expand affordable housing options and housing stability.

Plans to address homelessness through housing-first and prevention strategies.

- Supports using Community Development Block Grant Disaster funds "responsibly and transparently."
- Wants to expand affordable housing options and housing stability.
- Plans to address homelessness through housing-first and prevention strategies.

Supports community-based health & safety strategies alongside first responders.

- Supports community-based health & safety strategies alongside first responders.

Prioritizes improving the reliability and connectivity of Asheville’s transit system.

Supports reducing transportation barriers for people without cars.

- Prioritizes improving the reliability and connectivity of Asheville’s transit system.
- Supports reducing transportation barriers for people without cars.

Jess Young McLean

Jess works at Read to Succeed Asheville/Buncombe in Pisgah View Apartments, which serves families across Asheville and Buncombe County.

- Supports using Community Development Block Grant Disaster funds "responsibly and transparently."
- Supports expanding affordable housing options and housing stability.
- Supports addressing homelessness through housing-first and prevention strategies.

- Supports improving the reliability and connectivity of Asheville’s transit system.
- Supports reducing transportation barriers for people without cars.

Living Portrait: Asheville City Councilman Keith Young

Keith Young is originally from Asheville and grew up in the east end of the city. He earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Virginia State University and completed executive education in implementing public policy at Harvard Kennedy School before returning to Asheville. 

Keith is a community organizer. He previously worked at HoodTalk and other neighborhood and civic organizations. 

Keith previously worked as a deputy clerk of Superior Court for the State of North Carolina and founded the Young Foundation for Social Justice and the Arts and the Government Accountability Project Asheville. He also co-founded the Reparations Stakeholder Authority of Asheville.

Keith is currently a member of the Asheville City Council. He was first elected in 2015. He previously ran for Buncombe County Commissioner in 2012 and 2014 but did not win.

Keith previously served as a city council member for the City of Asheville. He served five years from 2015 to 2020. Keith is currently running for Asheville City Council.

Critiques Asheville's tourism-driven economy for not securing diverse talent and living wage jobs, advocating for a more diversified workforce.

Supports workforce and economic opportunity through living wages and fair employment practices.

- Critiques Asheville's tourism-driven economy for not securing diverse talent and living wage jobs, advocating for a more diversified workforce.
- Supports workforce and economic opportunity through living wages and fair employment practices.

Candidate website

Supports basic infrastructure needs and parks and recreation improvements, particularly for the Wesley Grant project in a traditional African-American community.

Supports accountable and effective city government focused on implementation and results

- Supports accountable and effective city government focused on implementation and results

Keith Young

- City council members work together to set and implement city policy. 
- The city council is tasked with ensuring the health, comfort, and safety of residents of the city.
- City council members work with the mayor to govern city departments, such as the police department, fire department, transportation department, and parks and recreation department. 
- City council members represent either the whole city or residents of a specific district. 