[Ed. note: Below was updated after press due to a date change. A winter storm bringing significant snowfall to the area the last weekend in January prompted the media outlets to change the school board candidates’ forum from Monday, Feb. 2, to Thursday, Feb. 12.]
SOUTHEASTERN N.C. — The 2026 Primary Election is less than two months away and as voters begin researching candidates, a group of local media outlets are hoping to help. Primary Election Candidates Forums will be hosted by Port City Daily, WECT and WHQR the first two weeks of February so locals know where candidates stand on issues facing the region.
READ MORE: A look at who filed in the 2026 tri-county elections
First up will be those vying for a seat on the NHC Board of Commissioners. The forum will take place on Wednesday, Feb. 4, 6 p.m., featuring the four Democratic candidates running a campaign. There are two seats open on the commission and the top vote-getters will advance to face off against a Libertarian and two Republican candidates.
Then the second week of February, the group will host two Republican candidates for Brunswick County Sheriff candidates and the two candidates in the Brunswick County District Attorney’s race — whoever wins both will take the office as the races do not face challengers come November. Those forums will take place at Tuesday, Feb. 10, in Leland Town Hall Council Chambers at 102 Town Hall Drive, starting at 6 p.m.
On Thursday, Feb. 12, at 6 p.m., New Hanover County Schools Board of Education will be featured. Five Republican candidates and six Democratic candidates have their eyes on four open seats. The top contenders will make it onto the general election ballot this November.
All forums are moderated by WECT’s Jon Evans, with reporters from WECT, Port City Daily and WHQR also fielding questions to the candidates. However, we also welcome readers, viewers and listeners of all outlets to submit their own questions to the forums here.
The forums will be livestreamed as well on Port City Daily’s social media page, courtesy of WECT.
In addition to the forums, candidate questionnaires have been sent to commissioners and school board candidates that have a primary race in the tri-county region. Their questionnaires will be published on all three outlets’ platforms beginning this week and will be repackaged ahead of Primary Election Day in varied voters’ guides.
At Port City Daily, we aim to keep locals informed on top-of-mind news facing the tri-county region. To support our work and help us reach more people in 2026, please, consider helping one of two ways: Subscribe here or make a one-time contribution here.
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