ELECTION CENTRAL
Meet The Candidates
Learn more about candidates appearing on the ballot who represent Jackson County and North Carolina communities.
Federal Offices
U.S. Senate
Roy Cooper
Roy Cooper served as North Carolina’s 75th Governor and led the state during a period of economic growth, expanded healthcare access and job creation. During his time in office, North Carolina was recognized as one of the nation’s top states for business and added hundreds of thousands of jobs across the state.
A lifelong North Carolinian, Roy previously served in the North Carolina House, Senate and as Attorney General before becoming Governor. He is running for the U.S. Senate to continue serving North Carolina families and communities.
U.S. House District 11
Jamie Ager
Jamie Ager is a fourth generation farmer, entrepreneur and lifelong Western North Carolina resident. Raised at Hickory Nut Gap in Fairview, he has spent his life building community and supporting local agriculture.
Jamie and his wife Amy returned home to help grow Hickory Nut Gap into a sustainable meat company that works with farmers across the region. He is running for North Carolina’s 11th Congressional District with a focus on supporting Western North Carolina communities and working families.
Judical Offices
North Carolina Supreme Court
Anita Earls
Justice Anita Earls is a civil rights attorney and experienced jurist seeking reelection to the North Carolina Supreme Court in 2026. Throughout her career, she has focused on justice, equality and protecting the rights of North Carolinians.
Her commitment to fairness and equal treatment under the law was shaped by her experiences growing up in a mixed race family during a time when interracial marriages were illegal in much of the country.
North Carolina Court Of Appeals Seat 1
John S. Arrowood
Judge John S. Arrowood currently serves on the North Carolina Court of Appeals and is seeking reelection to continue his service on the court. He previously served on the Court of Appeals and has also worked as a Special Superior Court Judge, certified mediator and accredited arbitrator.
Throughout his legal career, Judge Arrowood has served as a Staff Attorney for the North Carolina Court of Appeals and practiced law for many years in private practice. His background includes decades of legal experience focused on public service and the judicial system.
North Carolina Court Of Appeals Seat 2
Toby Hampson
Judge Toby Hampson was elected to the North Carolina Court of Appeals in 2018 and brought extensive appellate law experience to the bench. He began his legal career at the North Carolina Court of Appeals, serving as a law clerk for Judges K. Edward Greene, Wanda Bryant and Bob C. Hunter.
Before joining the court, Judge Hampson worked in private practice focusing on trial and appellate litigation and later led the Appellate Practice Group at Wyrick Robbins. His background includes many years of legal experience and service within North Carolina’s judicial system.
North Carolina Court Of Appeals Seat 3
Christine Walczyk
Judge Christine Walczyk is the most experienced District Court Judge currently serving in Wake County and is running for North Carolina Court of Appeals Seat 3. Throughout her judicial career, she has focused on protecting individual rights and delivering fair, thoughtful and impartial decisions.
Judge Walczyk has served in leadership roles within the court system, including Lead Judge in Family Court and Lead Judge in general civil court. She is running with a focus on strengthening public confidence in the judicial system and upholding the rule of law.
North Carolina General Assembly
State Senate District 50
Tom Downing
Tom Downing is running for North Carolina Senate District 50 with a focus on finding practical solutions for communities across Western North Carolina. His priorities include restoring public school funding, improving access to affordable housing and childcare and addressing rising healthcare costs.
Tom has also emphasized a campaign centered on bringing people together through respectful dialogue and a message of political healing, with a focus on discussing issues and solutions rather than division.
State Senate House District 119
Mark Burrows
Mark Burrows is running for North Carolina House District 119 to represent Jackson, Swain and Transylvania counties. A longtime community leader, he has spent more than 30 years promoting economic and community development across Western North Carolina.
His campaign focuses on creating stronger economic opportunities for working families, improving the health and well-being of women and families, supporting public education and promoting accountability and transparency in state government. Throughout his career, Mark has worked to support local businesses, community development and economic growth across the region.
Jackson County Local Offices
Jackson County Clerk Of Superior Court
Kim Poteet
Kim Poteet has dedicated her career to public service and currently serves as Clerk of Superior Court for Jackson County. Through decades of experience within North Carolina’s court system, she has worked to help keep the county’s courts operating smoothly and efficiently.
With deep roots in the community and years of experience serving local families and court partners, Kim’s focus has been on providing knowledgeable, compassionate service to the people of Jackson County.
Jackson County Board Of Commissioners Chairman
Marcia Almond
Marcia Almond is running for Jackson County Board of Commissioners Chairman with a focus on transparent government, ethical leadership and responsible growth that benefits all residents of Jackson County. She has more than 40 years of experience as a healthcare professional and has been active in local government and community leadership.
Marcia previously served as a councilwoman for the Village of Forest Hills and later as mayor. She also served on the Southwestern Commission Council of Government and has worked with regional and state organizations focused on collaboration and community development.
Jackson County Board Of Commissioners District 1
Casey Walawender
Casey Walawender is running for Jackson County Board of Commissioners District 1 and describes her campaign as a natural extension of her commitment to serving and supporting the local community.
Casey’s campaign focuses on showing up for Jackson County residents and helping strengthen the community through local leadership and public service.
Jackson County Board Of Commissioners District 2
Sean Bridgers
Sean Bridgers is running for Jackson County Board of Commissioners District 2 with a focus on improving everyday life for local residents through practical and community centered solutions.
A lifelong resident of Jackson County, Sean lives in the community with his family and has emphasized priorities including affordability for residents, expanding affordable housing options, supporting the county library system and increasing teacher pay. His campaign also highlights transparency, integrity, fiscal responsibility and strengthening the local community.