Gaston County Sample Ballot & Voter Guide 2026

Dennis Stines is a Republican candidate running for election to the Gaston County Board of Commissioners, representing Dallas Township in North Carolina. He is scheduled to appear on the Republican primary ballot on March 3, 2026.

Matt Buchanan is a Phoenix native, software engineer, and precinct committeeman running for Phoenix City Council in 2026. Inspired by the city's homelessness crisis and perceived mismanagement, he aims to restore fiscal responsibility and ensure public safety. He is committed to giving Phoenix residents a stronger voice in city government.

Priorities: Tackling homelessness · Ensuring safer neighborhoods · Restoring fiscal responsibility

Cathy Cloninger is an incumbent Republican candidate for the Gaston County Board of Commissioners, representing Dallas Township in North Carolina. She was first elected in 2022 and is seeking re-election, emphasizing her commitment to fiscal responsibility and transparent governance. Cloninger previously served Gaston County for 34 years as a leader in domestic violence services.

Priorities: Maintain fiscal responsibility among county departments to keep the tax rate as low as possible and preserve vital services. · Promote transparency and responsible use of resources so that public safety remains a priority.

Lee Dedmon is a member of the Gaston County Schools school board, representing Gastonia Township in North Carolina. He assumed office in 2014 and his current term ends in 2026. Dedmon ran for re-election as a nonpartisan candidate in 2022 and 2018, and was first elected in 2014.

Chéz Adams is a Democratic candidate for the Gaston County Schools school board, representing Gastonia Township in North Carolina. A native of Tallahassee, FL, she moved to Gastonia in 1990 and has a background in human services, specializing in children's mental health. Adams currently works as an exceptional children teacher at Movement School.

Priorities: Save arts programming in schools · Comprehensive mental health services and programs within the school system · Bring safe sports facilities to students

Jessica Moreno is a Democratic candidate for Gaston County Commission. Having moved to Gaston County in 2017 after her family's displacement from Mecklenburg County, she is deeply committed to housing stability and protecting families from being forced out of their communities. Moreno is running to ensure every family in Gaston County has the opportunity to live with stability, safety, and dignity.

Priorities: Housing stability and protection from displacement · Ensuring seniors can age safely and with dignity in their communities · Creating opportunities for young adults to build stable, secure futures

Tom Keigher is a Republican who has served multiple terms on the Gaston County Board of Commissioners in North Carolina, first elected in 1998. He has held leadership roles including Chairman and Vice-Chairman of the Board of Commissioners, and has been involved with various county and state boards. Keigher also ran for the North Carolina House of Representatives in 2012 and for the Gaston County Board of Commissione

Priorities: Economic development and job creation · Improving relationships with local governing bodies

Chad Brown is a Republican candidate for North Carolina Secretary of State. A lifelong North Carolinian and father, he previously served as Mayor of Stanley and Chairman of the Gaston County Commission. Brown is also a former professional baseball player.

Priorities: Protect elections and ensure every vote is counted · Protect consumers from fraud and identity theft

Chad Hawkins is the current Gaston County Sheriff in North Carolina, running for re-election as a Republican. He has over 30 years of experience in law enforcement, including previous roles as chief of police in Cherryville and leading the Belmont Police Department. Hawkins became Gaston County's first Republican sheriff in over 40 years when he won in 2022.

Priorities: Keeping communities safe · Upholding the Constitution · Enhancing law enforcement training and accountability

Robbie Waldrop, a Republican, is running for Gaston County Sheriff in North Carolina. A lifelong resident of Gastonia, NC, Waldrop has dedicated his life to public service, beginning his law enforcement career with the Gaston County Police Department in 2004. He has served in various critical roles, including K-9 Handler, SWAT Team Leader, and currently as Captain of the 911 Operations Center, bringing extensive expe

Priorities: Ensure tax dollars are spent wisely and responsibly through fiscally responsible leadership. · Boost deputy morale, staffing, and retention within the Sheriff's Office. · Strengthen partnerships with local law enforcement agencies to enhance public safety.