Who’s on the Ballot? Your Guide to the March 3 Primary
- TCM Staff Writer
- 5 hours ago
- 4 min read
Early voting for the March 3 primary is officially underway in Nash and Edgecombe counties — and this is where your voice truly begins to shape what happens next.
Primary elections often don’t get the same attention as November races, but make no mistake: this is where key decisions are made. From local leadership and state House seats to U.S. Senate and congressional races, the candidates chosen now will move forward to the general election ballot.
In communities like ours, every vote carries weight. Local races can be decided by slim margins — sometimes just a handful of ballots. The people elected through this process will make decisions that directly affect our schools, public safety, infrastructure, taxes, and economic development right here at home.
Whether you’re passionate about local growth, education, healthcare, business development, or simply want your voice counted, this election is your opportunity to be part of the decision-making process.
Below, you’ll find a complete guide to the candidates whose names will appear on the March 3 primary ballot in Nash and Edgecombe counties, along with links to their official campaign websites so you can learn more before casting your vote.
Now is the time to get informed.Now is the time to participate.Now is the time to vote.
Let’s show up, Twin Counties!
🗳 March 3, 2026 Primary Election
Nash & Edgecombe Counties — Candidate Guide
Candidates are listed alphabetically within each race.
U.S. Senate — Democratic Primary
Robert Colon (D)
Office: United States Senate
Background: Community advocate and first-time Senate candidate
Stated focus: Government transparency, voter engagement, and public accountability
Roy Cooper (D)
Office: United States Senate
Background: Former North Carolina Governor and former Attorney General
Stated focus: Public education, healthcare access, and economic development
Justin E. Dues (D)
Office: United States Senate
Background: Entrepreneur and educator
Stated focus: Cost of living, healthcare affordability, and small business growth
Daryl Trent Farrow (D)
Office: United States Senate
Background: Business professional
Stated focus: Economic reform, fiscal responsibility, and government oversight
Website: Campaign information available via social platforms
Orrick Romaine Quick (D)
Office: United States Senate
Background: Pastor and community leader
Stated focus: Faith-based community engagement, social justice, and civic participation
Marcus W. Williams (D)
Office: United States Senate
Background: Attorney and repeat statewide candidate
Stated focus: Criminal justice reform and constitutional rights
U.S. Senate — Republican Primary
Don Brown (R)
Office: United States Senate
Background: Attorney and former Marine officer
Stated focus: National security, border policy, and federal spending oversight
Richard T. Dansie (R)
Office: United States Senate
Background: Network security engineer
Stated focus: Technology policy, fiscal responsibility, and government reform
Thomas L. Johnson (R)
Office: United States Senate
Background: Business professional
Stated focus: Economic policy and regulatory reform
Michele M. Morrow (R)
Office: United States Senate
Background: Educator and previous statewide candidate
Stated focus: Education policy, parental involvement, and constitutional issues
Elizabeth A. Temple (R)
Office: United States Senate
Background: Republican primary candidate
Stated focus: Campaign priorities available through candidate filings
Website: Not publicly listed
Michael D. Whatley (R)
Office: United States Senate
Background: Former North Carolina Republican Party Chair
Stated focus: Party platform priorities, economic policy, and federal governance
U.S. House — District 1
Asa Buck (R)
Office: U.S. House of Representatives, District 1
Background: Republican candidate
Stated focus: Federal spending, agriculture, and rural economic policy
Laurie Buckhout (R)
Office: U.S. House of Representatives, District 1
Background: Retired Army colonel
Stated focus: National security, veterans’ issues, and economic policy
Don Davis (D)
Office: U.S. House of Representatives, District 1
Background: Incumbent U.S. Representative and former state senator
Stated focus: Agriculture, infrastructure investment, and veterans’ services
Bobby Hanig (R)
Office: U.S. House of Representatives, District 1
Background: State legislator and former mayor
Stated focus: Coastal policy, economic development, and fiscal policy
Eric Rouse (R)
Office: U.S. House of Representatives, District 1
Background: Former state senator
Stated focus: Education, economic development, and public safety
Ashley-Nicole Russell (R)
Office: U.S. House of Representatives, District 1
Background: Republican candidate
Stated focus: Community engagement and federal policy reform
North Carolina House — District 25
Harris Walker (D)
Office: North Carolina House of Representatives, District 25
Background: National security and workforce development; works in advanced energy and serves on local nonprofit boards.
Stated focus: Education funding, workforce development, and economic growth
Lorenza M. Wilkins (D)
Office: North Carolina House of Representatives, District 25
Background: Community organizer and nonprofit leader
Stated focus: Public education, healthcare access, and community investment
Nash County Board of Commissioners
District 2 — Democratic Primary
Deborah Joyner Battle (D)
Office: Nash County Board of Commissioners, District 2
Background: Community volunteer and local leader
Stated focus: County services and infrastructure
Website: Not publicly listed
Robert E. Cordell (D)
Office: Nash County Board of Commissioners, District 2
Background: Planning board member
Stated focus: County growth management and development
Website: Not publicly listed
Quentin T. Sumner (D)
Office: Nash County Board of Commissioners, District 2
Background: Local professional
Stated focus: Public engagement and local governance
Website: Not publicly listed
District 5 — Republican Primary
DeLeon Parker Jr. (R)
Office: Nash County Board of Commissioners, District 5
Background: Republican candidate
Stated focus: County governance and fiscal oversight
Website: Not publicly listed
Kent Smith (R)
Office: Nash County Board of Commissioners, District 5
Background: Republican candidate
Stated focus: County services and budget management
Website: Not publicly listed
District 7 — Republican Primary
Jerry Quemby Barnes Jr. (R)
Office: Nash County Board of Commissioners, District 7
Background: Republican candidate
Stated focus: Local services and community issues
Website: Not publicly listed
Robbie B. Davis (R)
Office: Nash County Board of Commissioners, District 7
Background: Republican candidate
Stated focus: County operations and public safety
Website: Not publicly listed
Nash County Clerk of Superior Court
Richard “Ricky” D. Jenkins Jr. (R)
Office: Clerk of Superior Court
Background: Republican candidate
Stated focus: Court administration and public service
Website: Not publicly listed
Linda Land Thorne (R)
Office: Clerk of Superior Court
Background: Republican candidate
Stated focus: Judicial administration and community service
Website: Not publicly listed