Candidates for
Madison County Board of Commissioners
Connie Molland
More information coming soon.
Shannon Dowler
Dr. Shannon Dowler has dedicated more than 20 years to supporting the health and well-being of families across North Carolina. She trained as a family doctor in Asheville, and has committed herself to serving everyone regardless of their ability to pay. Dr. Dowler now works as a health policy consultant working from her home and farm in Big Laurel, has patient care in the WNC HIV clinic, and volunteers at the ABCCM free clinic. Locally, she is serving her second term on the Madison County Board of Health.
Candidates for
Madison County Board of Education
Craig Goforth, Chair
More information coming soon.
AJ Brownstein has worked as an educator for 34 years. A Connecticut native, she moved to Mars Hill with husband Mike after retiring from 25 years in the New York City Public Schools. Additionally, AJ is an educational researcher and author specializing in the culture of schools. Dedicated to helping young people, AJ enjoys serving the community as a volunteer after school tutor with the Madison County Libraries and stewarding the Growing Minds children’s program at the Mars Hill Farmers and Artists Market.
Deborah Boone is a Madison County native, and she has lived here her entire life. She went to school in Madison County and then went to Mars Hill University (College) for her undergraduate degree in Early Childhood Education. She started teaching 3rd grade at Marshall Elementary on the Island before moving to Marshall Primary where she taught Kindergarten. Deborah went to Western Carolina University for her Masters in Education. She moved to Brush Creek Elementary for Kindergarten and retired with over 30 years of classroom experience.
Candidate for
Madison County Clerk of Court
Mark Cody
Mark is currently serving in this position and is running for reelection.
Candidate for Madison County Sheriff
Buddy Harwood
Buddy is currently serving in this position and is running for reelection.
Candidate for NC House 118
Danny Davis
Judge Danny Davis is a Western North Carolina native who has dedicated his life to service. He graduated from Western Carolina University then from Campbell University with his law degree. Davis served as an assistant district attorney before spending thirty-three years as a District Court Judge. After retirement, he served as the Chairman of the Haywood County Board of Elections.
Candidate for NC Senate 47
Frank Hughes
Frank Patton Hughes III has spent most of his life in Avery County where he now resides. Though he has served in a wide array of jobs, Frank is currently a public school teacher at McDowell High School specializing in social studies. Frank also serves as the Chair of the Avery County Democratic Party.
Candidate for
NC District Court Judge District 35
Andrew Brooks
Andrew Brooks is an attorney who has served the people of Western North Carolina for the last thirteen years. His practice has almost exclusively been in District Court. Before attending law school, Andrew worked in a variety of different areas, including construction, landscaping, and even worked at one of the High Country’s ski resorts for several years.
Candidate for NC 11 Representative
Jamie Ager
Jamie Ager is a fourth-generation farmer from Fairview. Jamie earned his degrees from Warren Wilson College, and he participated in the Agriculture Leadership Program through NC State in the mid-2000s. He runs Hickory Nut Gap Farm, a sustainable meat company, with his wife, Amy.
Candidates for
NC Court of Appeals
Judge Toby Hampson
Judge Toby Hampson, a Moore County native and graduate of North Carolina public schools, earned his B.A. from American University and his J.D. with honors from Campbell University School of Law. Elected to the Court of Appeals in 2018, he is a certified specialist in Appellate Practice and remains active in the legal community while living in Raleigh with his wife and three daughters.
John Arrowood was born in Burnsville and raised in rural Yancey County until the death of his parents at age fifteen, after which he moved to Caldwell County to live with his brother. He graduated Magna Cum Laude from Catawba College, where he received the prestigious Whitener Award, and went on to earn his law degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He currently serves as a Judge on the North Carolina Court of Appeals.
Judge Christine Walczyk
Judge Christine Walczyk is the longest-serving district court trial judge in Wake County, with 18 years of experience. She was nominated by four chief district court judges (three Democrats and a Republican) to serve in leadership positions including Lead Judge in Family Court for more than 9 years, and currently as Lead Judge in the general civil court.
Candidate for
NC Supreme Court
Judge Anita Earls
Justice Earls was elected to the North Carolina Supreme Court in 2018, and she is the only African American member of the Court. She is dedicated to upholding the law and protecting the rights and freedoms of all North Carolinians.
Candidate for US Senate
Roy Cooper
Roy Cooper is a former Governor and Attorney General. He was successful in expanding Medicaid, which helped 650,000 North Carolinians gain access to healthcare. Other priorities included supporting the public education system, tackling the opioid crisis, and revitalizing rural communities.
2026 Election Calendar
Visit the NC Board of Elections for more details about elections in your community.