Cabarrus County Schools Sample Ballot & Voter Guide 2026
Who is running for school board At-large, and where they stand on schools, the budget and growth.
Cabarrus County Schools races below come from official election filings. Candidate names and parties reflect filed election records; hand-verified profiles are added race by race as we confirm them against official sources. Your exact ballot, including statewide and congressional races, is one ZIP code away. Enter your ZIP for your exact ballot →
School board
school board At-largeRobert Kirk (R) · Pam Escobar (D) · Deborah Allen (R) · Courtney Steinberg (D) · Bubba Hartsell (R) · Amanda Wortman (R) · William Barbee (R) · Mishell Williams (D)
Robert Kirk (Republican), Pam Escobar (Democratic), Deborah Allen (Republican), Courtney Steinberg (Democratic), Bubba Hartsell (Republican), Amanda Wortman (Republican), William Barbee (Republican) and Mishell Williams (Democratic) are on the November 3, 2026 ballot for Cabarrus County Schools school board At-large.
Robert Kirk
Robert Kirk, a former school board member, holds a doctorate in education from Gardner-Webb University and has a diverse professional background including roles as a teacher, principal, and assistant superintendent with Cabarrus County Schools. He currently serves as the director for growth and expansion for Dream On 3, a non-profit, and actively volunteers with community organizations like the Rotary Club and Cannon Memorial YMCA.
Pam Escobar
Top priorities
- Quality of kids' education
- Teacher retention
- Managing district's growth
Per the campaign site.
About Pam Escobar
Pam Escobar is an incumbent at-large member of the Cabarrus County Schools school board, serving since 2022. A dedicated parent, former teacher, and journalist, she now works as a communications specialist and advocates for high-quality education for all students.
Deborah Allen
Top priorities
- Bring excitement back to learning
- Restore trust with parents
- Refocus schools on the classroom
About Deborah Allen
Deborah Allen is a retired educator with over 30 years of experience, holding a Master's Degree and certifications in school administration and supervision. She taught special needs and general education, mentored new teachers, and was a chief building representative.
Courtney Steinberg
Top priorities
- Supporting public education
- Protecting students
- Ensuring schools remain inclusive, accountable, and community-focused
About Courtney Steinberg
Courtney Steinberg is a Democratic candidate running for an At-large seat on the Cabarrus County Schools school board, dedicated to public education and student welfare.
Bubba Hartsell
Top priorities
- Improved school safety with new policies and facilities to address overcrowding.
- Ensure financial transparency and a balanced budget to responsibly manage taxpayer money.
- Prioritize parental rights, community involvement, and academic growth through common-sense decision-making.
About Bubba Hartsell
Bubba Hartsell is a Republican candidate for the Cabarrus County Schools Board of Education, a 4th-generation CCS graduate, and a father with children attending district schools. With over 12 years in education, including teaching Exceptional Children, he is also a real estate small business owner and a retired coach.
Amanda Wortman
Top priorities
- Securing resources and opportunities for every student, alongside empowering parents to actively engage in their children’s education.
- Collaborating with legislators to address teacher pay, retention, and fostering a positive work environment.
- Adopting a proactive approach to school safety by providing funds for live safety measures.
Per the campaign site.
About Amanda Wortman
Amanda Wortman is a mother of five children, a public safety professional (Paramedic), and co-manages her family's commercial electrical business. Having lived in Cabarrus County for over 20 years, she is committed to ensuring every student receives a quality education and is prepared for real life.
William Barbee
Top priorities
- Student readiness
- Teacher support
- Fiscal accountability
Per the campaign site.
About William Barbee
William Barbee is a small business owner and grandfather with a degree in Business Administration and certifications in Project and Construction Management. He leverages his background, including experience with a Fortune 100 company, to run for the Cabarrus County Schools Board of Education, focusing on budgeting, strategic planning, and accountability.
Mishell Williams
Top priorities
- Advocating for the "Whole Child" and equitable, supportive education.
- Partnering with parents for student success.
- Championship for teachers and improvement of school facilities and resources.
Per the campaign site.
About Mishell Williams
Mishell Williams is a certified teacher with a master's degree in literacy and a bachelor's in education. She has experience as an elementary school teacher, a tutor, and an English second language teacher, and is also a PTO board member and Cabarrus County Schools Parent Advisory Board member, advocating for all children.
Voting info and more
Voting info and more
Verify your ballot with the official election office.
Cross-check every race and candidate with the official election office. Official sources are the final word.
North Carolina nominees were set by the March 3 primary; a candidate clearing 30 percent plus one avoids a second primary, and unopposed nominees still print on the November 3 ballot, per the State Board of Elections.
When is the 2026 general election in North Carolina?
Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, 2026. Registration deadlines, early voting dates and mail ballot rules for North Carolina are listed on the North Carolina election hub. North Carolina election hub →
How do I see my exact Cabarrus County Schools ballot?
Enter your ZIP code in the lookup for the statewide and congressional races on every ballot in the county, or a full street address to add the county, city and district contests for that location. Look up your ballot →
Statewide races
These November 3, 2026 contests appear on every ballot in North Carolina; your U.S. House district and local races depend on your address.
U.S. SenateStatewide
- Roy Cooper (Democratic)
- Michael Whatley (Republican)
- Shannon W. Bray (Libertarian)
- Michael Dublin (Green)
Supreme Court Associate Justice, Seat 01Statewide
- Anita Earls (Democratic)
- Sarah Stevens (Republican)
Court of Appeals Judge, Seat 01Statewide
- John S. Arrowood (Democratic)
- Michael C. Byrne (Republican)
Court of Appeals Judge, Seat 02Statewide
- Tobias (Toby) Hampson (Democratic)
- George Cooper Bell (Republican)
Court of Appeals Judge, Seat 03Statewide
- Christine Marie Walczyk (Democratic)
- Craig Collins (Republican)