PENDER COUNTY — The Pender County GOP has initiated the selection process for an interim commissioner replacing Brad George, whose last day in office was Aug. 1. The organization plans to submit their recommended replacement to the commissioners on Aug. 21.
The Pender County GOP Chairman Joushua Smith told Port City Daily that the process of finding a replacement does not occur at the time of resignation — which for George was June 15 — but rather the day the resignation is in effect.
State statute says that in Pender County the board of commissioners must appoint the nominee recommended by the party, if the party makes the recommendation within 30 days of the vacancy. The statue does not outline when the process for finding a replacement can begin.
READ MORE: Pender County commissioner to resign, county party prepares temp replacement process
The party’s executive committee will meet on Aug. 20, which is when self-nominated candidates can present themselves to the Pender County Executive Committee GOP.
“An email has been sent to our database informing the residents of the open process of self-nomination. This is also available on the Pender County Republican Party’s website,” Smith said. “Any registered Republican residing in District 1 of Pender County can self nominate themselves for consideration up until 5pm on August 10th.”
Notably, George had not run for reelection and was scheduled to leave office in December of 2026. Shayne Frey won the Republican primary for Mr. George’s seat in March.
Smith had previously told Port City Daily that Frey was the “logical choice,” however, the party must still go through with the appointment process, meaning Frey will need to submit himself for the nomination.
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