2026 North Carolina General Election

2026 North Carolina Primary Election

Democrat

Libertarian

Nonpartisan

Republican

Donald Dunn is from Winston-Salem, North Carolina. He earned a bachelor’s degree from Winston-Salem State University and a master’s degree in nonprofit management from Georgetown University’s Graduate School for Nonprofit Management. He lives with his wife and their daughter.

Donald Dunn - Ballotpedia

Donald Dunn earned a bachelor's degree from Winston-Salem State University. He volunteers with the North Carolina Parent Teacher Association, Forsyth Education Partners, and Pop Warner football. He lives with his wife and their child in Winston-Salem.

Donald is a pharmaceutical sales representative at a pharmaceutical company. He previously co-owned and operated two early childhood development centers, serving 120 children daily.

Donald currently works as a pharmaceutical sales representative and as the owner of two child development centers.

Donald Dunn previously ran for an at-large seat on the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Board of Education in the May 6, 2014 Democratic primary, but did not win.

Donald previously ran for Winston-Salem/Forsyth County School board, at-large in 2014, and District 2 in 2010, but did not win.

For Candidate Donald Dunn on Issue school-services-resources:  
Supports strategies and practices to ensure responsible budgeting, long-term fiscal health, and prudent use of district resources.

  Supports strategies and practices to ensure responsible budgeting, long-term fiscal health, and prudent use of district resources.

-   Supports strategies and practices to ensure responsible budgeting, long-term fiscal health, and prudent use of district resources.

School Facilities & Resources

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

Access to Education

Supports recruiting a permanent superintendent, talented educators and staff, and using volunteers to enhance learning.

- Supports recruiting a permanent superintendent, talented educators and staff, and using volunteers to enhance learning.

Teachers

School Curriculum

Student Wellbeing

Facebook

Donald Dunn

Instagram

Twitter

Isaac Brickman

Buket Urgen

Elisabeth is from Mount Kisco, New York. She attended Winston-Salem State University and has a bachelor’s degree from Winston-Salem State University. She has a master’s degree in bioethics from Wake Forest University. She lives with her husband in Walkertown. She attends her church community.

Elisabeth Motsinger - VoteSmart

Elisabeth Motsinger - Ballotpedia

Wake Forest Bioethics Graduate Program - Elisabeth Motsinger, PA, MA

Elisabeth Motsinger is originally from Mount Kisco, New York. She earned a master of arts in bioethics from Wake Forest University and completed her undergraduate studies at Winston-Salem State University. Elisabeth lives in Winston-Salem with her husband, John, and their three children, and is a member of a Unitarian Universalist congregation.

LinkedIn

Elisabeth currently works as a physician assistant at The Salem Center. She previously worked as a physician assistant at Planned Parenthood of North Carolina West and Pine Ridge Family Practice.

Elisabeth Motsinger previously served as an at-large member of the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools Board of Education. She was first elected in 2006 and served four terms before leaving office on January 5, 2023. Motsinger ran as the Democratic candidate for the U.S. House of Representatives in North Carolina’s 5th Congressional District in 2012 but lost in the general election. In 2020, she ran for the North Carolina House of Representatives in District 75 and was defeated.

Carolina Curious: What's the main role of the school board? | 88.5 ...

Elisabeth currently serves as an at-large member of the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools Board of Education. She was first elected in 2006 and served until 2023. She previously ran for the North Carolina House of Representatives District 75 in 2020, but did not win. She also previously ran for the United States House of Representatives for North Carolina’s 5th Congressional District in 2012, but did not win.

Supports increased public funding for public schools.

- Supports increased public funding for public schools.

Believes all children deserve access to high-quality public education.

- Believes all children deserve access to high-quality public education.

Supports increasing teacher pay and reinstating education programs to improve recruitment and retention.

- Supports increasing teacher pay and reinstating education programs to improve recruitment and retention.

Helped create a new sex education film while serving on a school board committee.

Believes curriculum decisions should primarily be made by educators rather than state legislators.

Supports modernizing educational approaches to reflect current realities.

- Believes curriculum decisions should primarily be made by educators rather than state legislators.
- Supports modernizing educational approaches to reflect current realities.

Believes school board members should focus on building trust and supporting school communities.

Believes education policy should prioritize meeting the needs of all students.

- Believes school board members should focus on building trust and supporting school communities.
- Believes education policy should prioritize meeting the needs of all students.

Elisabeth Motsinger

Elisabeth currently works as a Physician Assistant at The Salem Center. She previously worked as a Physician Assistant at Planned Parenthood of North Carolina West and Pine Ridge Family Practice.

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

Candidate website

Frank M. James earned a bachelor's degree in psychology from Swarthmore College and a master's degree in business from Wake Forest University. He is a father of two.

Frank has been a middle school math teacher for 10 years. He previously ran an investment company for 15 years.

Frank M. James IV's campaign for Forsyth County Board of Education member, Democratic primary, is his first time running for public office.

March 3 primary launches sweeping 2026 election cycle for Forsyth ...

Frank's campaign for Forsyth County Board of Education member, Democratic primary, is his first time running for public office.

Claims he will insist on transparent budgeting, regular public financial reporting, and independent oversight.

Promises to advocate for "timely" disclosure of financial risks, and policies that ensure the Board is fully informed before approving budgets, contracts, and staffing decisions.​

- Claims he will insist on transparent budgeting, regular public financial reporting, and independent oversight.
- Promises to advocate for "timely" disclosure of financial risks, and policies that ensure the Board is fully informed before approving budgets, contracts, and staffing decisions.​

As of January 2, 2026, Frank M. James’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Wants to "support teachers when they address disruptive behavior."

Prioritizes "respecting the professionalism of our employees."

- Wants to "support teachers when they address disruptive behavior."
- Prioritizes "respecting the professionalism of our employees."

Believes in policies that prioritize instructional time.

- Believes in policies that prioritize instructional time.

Frank James WS/FCS BOE At-Large Dem. Candidate one-on-one raw interview

Seeks to ensure that discipline practices are "both fair and effective."

Believes there needs to be more resources to ensure school safety.

Thinks the current code of conduct is creating a "more dangerous situation for students and is definitely hurting the learning environment."

- Seeks to ensure that discipline practices are "both fair and effective."
- Believes there needs to be more resources to ensure school safety.
- Thinks the current code of conduct is creating a "more dangerous situation for students and is definitely hurting the learning environment."

Frank M. James

Gwendolyn Johnson is married, a mother, and involved in her local church.

Gwendolyn is an Administrator for Winston-Salem Forsyth County Schools.

Gwendolyn Johnson's campaign for an at-large seat on the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools Board of Education.

3 incumbents, 9 newcomers file to run for WS/FCS Board of ...

Gwendolyn's campaign for an at-large seat on the Forsyth County Schools Board of Education is her first run for public office.


Aims to ensure money is clearly tracked and aligned with student success, because "our community deserves both
trust and transparency."

- Aims to ensure money is clearly tracked and aligned with student success, because "our community deserves both
trust and transparency."

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

Claims to be running because of her belief that every child deserves opportunity.

- Claims to be running because of her belief that every child deserves opportunity.
- Prioritizes secure campuses.

Gwendolyn Johnson

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

Dr. Henry Malcolm McCarthy

Henry McCarthy is from Johnson City, Tennessee. He earned a bachelor's degree in history from East Tennessee State University, a master's degree from the University of Kentucky, and a doctorate from the University of Tennessee.

Henry previously worked as an assistant dean at Appalachian State University.

Henry McCarthy's campaign for Forsyth County Board of Education member, Democratic primary, is his first time running for public office.

Henry McCarthy - Ballotpedia

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

Henry McCarthy

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

Linda Winikoff, author at EdNC

Linda Winikoff earned a bachelor's degree from Duke University and a master's degree and a doctoral degree from the University of Pittsburgh. She lives in Forsyth County, North Carolina.

Linda Winikoff - Ballotpedia

Linda works as a consultant for enrichment and opportunity for Winston-Salem Freedom Schools. She previously served as the executive director of Old Town Community Freedom School, a student-teacher supervisor at Appalachian State University, and worked within the Falk Laboratory School at the University of Pittsburgh and various schools within the Winston Salem Forsyth County Schools.

Linda Winikoff's campaign for the Forsyth County Board of Education At-Large seat is her first entry into politics.

CONTACT | WS Freedom Schools

Linda's campaign for an at-large seat on the Forsyth County Board of Education is her first run for public office.

Supports providing financial training for Board members.

Advocates for oversight policies of the Board based on recommendations from the Office of the State Auditor.

Believes there should be approval of major expenditures by the Board's Chief Financial Officer only after a standardized checklist of questions are answered.

Supports the Superintendent Evaluation Policy having clearly defined procedures and timeliness within their contract, along with setting annual goals jointly between the Board and Superintendent.

- Supports providing financial training for Board members.
- Advocates for oversight policies of the Board based on recommendations from the Office of the State Auditor.
- Believes there should be approval of major expenditures by the Board's Chief Financial Officer only after a standardized checklist of questions are answered.
- Supports the Superintendent Evaluation Policy having clearly defined procedures and timeliness within their contract, along with setting annual goals jointly between the Board and Superintendent.

Opposes voucher system that allows parents to use public funds to enroll their children in schools beyond their local options, including private schools.

- Advocates for universal Pre-K access.
- Opposes voucher system that allows parents to use public funds to enroll their children in schools beyond their local options, including private schools.

Advocates for teacher supports through behavioral and instructional interventions.

- Advocates for teacher supports through behavioral and instructional interventions.

Believes the Community School Model should be implemented in underserved communities, as they "provide resources that removes barriers to learning and promotes well-being."

- Believes the Community School Model should be implemented in underserved communities, as they "provide resources that removes barriers to learning and promotes well-being."

Supports students having access to behavioral and health supports, enrichment opportunities, and mentorship.

- Supports students having access to behavioral and health supports, enrichment opportunities, and mentorship.

Youtube

Linda Winikoff

Linda Winikoff earned a bachelor's degree from Duke University and a master's degree and a doctoral degree from the University of Pittsburgh.

Linda works as a consultant for enrichment and opportunity for Winston-Salem Freedom Schools. She previously served as the executive director of Old Town Community Freedom School

- Supports producing a financial framework for Board members, including financial training, oversight policies based on recommendations from the Office of the State Auditor, and approval of major expenditures only after a standardized checklist of questions are answered.

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

Believes public education is essential for democracy and advocates for adequate funding and resources to ensure every child has access to quality education.

Supports the bill to increase teacher salaries, stating that teachers are the backbone of the education system and deserve fair compensation.

Richard Watts has a bachelor's degree from Wake Forest University. He has 32 years of experience in education and currently works with Crosby Scholars.

Staff Feature: Richard Watts' Story of Service - Crosby Scholars ...

Event Sunday honors Rev. Richard Watts

Richard Watts is from Fredericksburg, Virginia. He has a bachelor's degree in education from Wake Forest University and a master's degree in education from Appalachian State University.

Richard is an educator. He previously worked as a classroom teacher, assistant principal, and principal in the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools district. He also serves as a pastor at Rickards Chapel AME Zion Church.

Richard currently works as the assistant director of outreach at the Crosby Scholars Community Partnership, a career and college exploration service, and as the pastor at Rickards Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church. He previously worked as a teacher, assistant principal, and principal for Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools.

Richard is currently an at-large member of the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools school board. He was elected in 2022 and his current term ends in 2026.

Richard Watts - Ballotpedia

Richard currently serves as a member of the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County Schools board. He was first elected in 2022 and is serving his first term.

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

Wants to improve teacher morale and respect.

- Wants to improve teacher morale and respect.

Wants to address achievement gaps by funding research-based curriculum to improve elementary reading and math scores.

Prioritizes accountability, achievement, attendance, and safe schools.

- Wants to address achievement gaps by funding research-based curriculum to improve elementary reading and math scores.
- Prioritizes accountability, achievement, attendance, and safe schools.

Supports the continuation of anti-bullying initiatives.

- Supports the continuation of anti-bullying initiatives.

Richard Watts

Ronda Mays is from Buffalo, New York. She attended the Buffalo Academy for Visual and Performing Arts. She has a bachelor’s degree from the State University of New York at Buffalo, earned in 1993, and a graduate degree from the State University of New York at Buffalo, earned in 1995.

Ronda Mays - Ballotpedia

New senator to take District 31 seat for first time in a decade

Ronda Mays has a bachelor’s degree in early childhood development and a master's degree in social work from the State University of New York at Buffalo.

Ronda has worked as a school social worker for over 25 years.

Ronda Mays's campaign for Forsyth County Board of Education Member, Democratic Primary is her first entry into politics. Ronda Mays previously ran for North Carolina State Senate District 31 in 2024 and did not win.

ELECTION RESULTS: Democrats Paul Lowe and Ronda Mays win ...

Ronda ran for the North Carolina State Senate District 31 seat in 2024 but lost.

Supports increasing per pupil funding to the national average.

- Supports increasing per pupil funding to the national average.

Opposes school voucher programs that divert funds from public schools to private schools.

- Opposes school voucher programs that divert funds from public schools to private schools.

Supports longevity pay as a means to attract and retain educators, emphasizing that all educator roles deserve salaries reflecting their professional level.

Believes in longevity pay as a means to attract and retain educators, emphasizing that all educator roles are "deserving of salaries which reflect professional level of pay."

- Believes in longevity pay as a means to attract and retain educators, emphasizing that all educator roles are "deserving of salaries which reflect professional level of pay."

Supports the availability of high-speed internet in all communities to enhance children's educational success.

Thinks the availability of high-speed internet in all communities is "important to the success of children attending school."

- Thinks the availability of high-speed internet in all communities is "important to the success of children attending school."

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

Ronda Mays

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

Valerie Brockenbrough - Ballotpedia

Valerie Brockenbrough is from France. She has a bachelor's degree from the Ecole Francaise d'Attache de Presse. She is married, has three children, and lives in Winston-Salem. 

Valerie is the founder and owner of Zoë b Organic. She has been running the company since 2005, importing baby pacifiers handmade with natural rubber from a small family-owned company in Italy.

Valerie is the founder and owner of Zoë b Organic, a company that imports handmade baby pacifiers with natural rubber. 

Valerie Brockenbrough previously ran for the Forsyth County Board of Commissioners representing District B in 2024 and did not win.

Valerie previously ran for the Forsyth County Board of Commissioners representing District B in 2024 and did not win. 

Believes the state should invest more in public education rather than funding private schools, and criticizes current County Commissioners for not demanding more funding for public schools.

Believes the state should invest more in public education rather than using taxpayer money to fund private schools.

Supports investing in school buildings to meet 21st-century standards and advocates for a school bond on the ballot in 2024 or 2026.

Supports family input and open communication with data-driven accountability.

- Believes the state should invest more in public education rather than using taxpayer money to fund private schools.
- Supports investing in school buildings to meet 21st-century standards and advocates for a school bond on the ballot in 2024 or 2026.
- Supports family input and open communication with data-driven accountability.

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

Supports increasing teacher pay in North Carolina to improve retention.

Supports competitive teacher pay to improve retention.

- Supports competitive teacher pay to improve retention.

Advocates for rigorous academics for all students.

- Advocates for rigorous academics for all students.

Valerie Brockenbrough

Opposes the use of taxpayer money to fund private schools and advocates for increased investment in public education.

Vondell M. Davis is from Winston-Salem, North Carolina. She has a master 27s degree in science from North Carolina Central University and a paralegal certification from Duke University. She has a 5-year-old daughter.

Vondell M. Davis - North Carolina League of Conservation Voters

Linkedin

Vondell M. Davis - North Carolina Notice of Candidacy

Vondell M. Davis is from Winston-Salem, North Carolina. She earned a bachelor's degree in business administration from Winston-Salem State University and a master's degree in criminal justice from North Carolina Central University. She lives with a kid in Kernersville, North Carolina.

Vondell is the owner of Davis Paralegal Services, LLC, where she works as a full-time freelance paralegal. She also runs Bizi Kidz, a drop-in childcare service in Kernersville. 

Vondell is the owner and senior paralegal of Davis Paralegal Services, LLC. She also runs Bizi Kidz, a drop-in childcare facility, and serves as a business and financial consultant with Davis Financial, LLC.

Vondell M. Davis's campaign for Forsyth County Board of Education member, Democratic primary, is her first time running for public office.

Vondell Davis - Ballotpedia

Vondell's campaign for an at-large seat on the Forsyth County Board of Education is her first run for public office.

As of January 2, 2026, Vondell M. Davis did not have a website or any information online.

Vondell M. Davis

As of January 2, 2026, Vondell M. Davis’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Supports education, equality, and community engagement, aiming to contribute her voice, experience, and leadership to governance and committees.

- The Board of Education runs the public school system. They create policies that establish standards, accountability and evaluation of essential operations of the school system.
- The Board of Education member hires a superintendent and can remove them when necessary. The superintendent assists the Board of Education in implementing the board’s policies. 
- The Board of Education is charged with deciding the school budget. This means they decide how to allocate money between different services, such as teacher pay, repairing school facilities, or access to technology.
- Board of Education members are elected every four years. 

Member of the board that governs your county's public school system

Forsyth County Board of Education Member, Democratic Primary

Election results

Candidates (10)
Choose 3

Compare candidates

School Facilities & Resources

Access to Education

Teachers

School Curriculum

Student Wellbeing

Forsyth County Board of Education Member, Democratic Primary

Election results

Candidates (10).css-1e5j0e1{margin:0;font-size:16px;line-height:1.4;font-family:"HouschkaRoundedAlt";font-weight:400;color:#22034F;} Choose 3

Compare candidates

School Facilities & Resources

Access to Education

Teachers

School Curriculum

Student Wellbeing

Candidates (10)
Choose 3