Filing period closed; Fifteen file for local elections
Fifteen candidates are vying for local offices in 2026, according to the Mitchell County Board of Elections.
The filing deadline for March primaries was at noon on Friday, Dec. 19.
The Mitchell County Board of Commissioners has the most candidates interested in a seat next year. Jeremy Wise of Spruce Pine is the only candidate running in the Democratic primary, but six different candidates are running for commissioner on the Republican side, including three incumbents.
County Commission race
In the Republican primary election for county commissioner, challengers Vic Burleson, Donald Street and Becky Grant have filed, as have incumbents Harley Masters, Jeff Harding and Steve Pitman.
Street is currently sheriff of Mitchell County, but he announced he would not run for re-election in that office before announcing his commissioner candidacy.
Sheriff’s race
There are two candidates for Mitchell County sheriff, both running in the Republican primary. They are Cecil Hobson and Shane Vance.
Clerk of Court
The race for Mitchell County Clerk of Superior Court also has two candidates, both running in the Republican primary. They are Shana W. Buchanan and David Wheeler.
For the Mitchell County Board of Education, only three incumbents have filed for re-election, with no newcomers. They are Pam Pitman, Alan English and Brandon Pitman — all running as Republicans.
For North Carolina’s 35th prosecutorial district (which includes Mitchell County), incumbent Seth Banks (R) has filed to run for re-election, with no competition.