NEW HANOVER COUNTY — As the approach of 2026 election filing comes into focus, one board of education member has announced her intention to hold onto her seat in New Hanover County.
Republican Pat Bradford, who was first elected to the board of education in 2022, will run in 2026 for another term. She graduated from Appalachian State University to become a K–12 educator and was sworn in as a Guardian ad Litem in 2006. However, Bradford is best known for her career in publishing, as owner and operator if Wrightsville Beach Magazine and Lumina News before selling the publications.
READ MORE: Democrats vie for NHC commission with early filing, could shake up other government boards
Bradford stepped away from the industry last year, in order to spend more time in public service, education advocacy and community engagement. In her election announcement, she made a promise to continue pushing forth on “academic progress, responsible fiscal stewardship, and child-centered leadership.”
“For me, it has always been all about the children,” Bradford said in the release. “Every decision I make is guided by what will help students learn, grow, and thrive.”
Bradford has served as vice chair of the education board during her tenure and currently oversees the Finance, Capital and Bond Committee. She has led the committee in its decision to put a $320.5-million bond referendum on the 2026 ballot for the public to vote on. It will cover major capital needs in the schools district, including covering phase one for New Hanover High School and upgrading other aging facilities in the district, as well as providing security upgrades and modernizing learning environments.
“I am committed to ensuring every dollar is used wisely, transparently, and with a clear focus on student success,” Bradford said in Thursday’s release.
Bradford first ran for the board of education in 2022, securing the top votes of all candidates amid razor-thin margins. In addition to her seat, three more will open on the board of education, as the terms of Republicans Melissa Mason, Josie Barnhart and Pete Wildeboer also are expiring.
2026 election filing officially opens Dec. 1 and closes Dec. 19. So far, Democratic candidate Brittnei LaRue filed a statement of organization to seek a school board seat. After press Thursday, Democratic candidate Nelson Beaulieu announced his run on social media; Beaulieu served on the school board before but lost his seat in 2022.
Current members Judy Justice (D), David Perry (R) and Tim Merrick (D) won their board of education seats during the 2024 election, though Justice has announced plans to run for the New Hanover County Board of Commission in 2026. If she wins, the Democratic Party would interview viable candidates before voting on her replacement on the education board.
Port City Daily will send candidate questionnaires to everyone running ahead of the 2026 elections, including as needed for a primary election, scheduled statewide for March 3. The general election will take place Nov. 3.
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