Robbinsville – Since press time for The Graham Star's Dec. 4 edition, four additional candidates have joined the expansive line-up for the local 2026 ballot.
Incumbents Natasha Williams and Jacob Nelms filed for re-election to the Graham County Board of Commissioners on Dec. 3 and Monday, respectively; while Caleb Stiles and Joseph Jones are officially in the running for Graham County Sheriff, following their respective submissions of paperwork Dec. 3 and Dec. 4.
Graham County Board of Elections Director Teresa Garland said no one filed Tuesday, which left the total number of candidates running for local office next year at Wednesday's press deadline at 14.
On the ballot are the Graham County Clerk of Court, Register of Deeds and Sheriff, as well as seats on both the boards of commissioners and education. The filing period opened Dec. 1 and candidates have until noon Friday, Dec. 19 to officially toss their respective names in the hat.
Below is the list of races, in addition to candidates that have filed, their political affiliation and what day they filed:
* Board of Commissioners: Chase Lancaster, Republican, Dec. 1; Josh Reap, Republican, Dec. 2; Natasha Williams, Republican, Dec. 3; Jacob Nelms, Republican, Monday.
* Board of Education: Chip Carringer (incumbent), Republican, Dec. 1; Andy Lynn (incumbent), Republican, Dec. 1.
* Clerk of Court: Tammy Holloway (incumbent), Democrat, Dec. 1.
* Register of Deeds: Kim LeQuire (incumbent), Republican, Dec. 1.
* Sheriff: Leon Allen, Jr., Republican, Dec. 1; Cody George, Republican, Dec. 1; Terry Grey, Republican, Dec. 2; Mitch Millsaps, Republican, Dec. 2; Caleb Stiles, Republican, Dec. 3; Joseph Jones, Republican, Dec. 4.
The Star will provide weekly updates throughout the remainder of the filing period in its print edition. A final list will be published on The Star's Facebook page shortly after filing closes Dec. 19 and will also appear in our Christmas edition.