BRUNSWICK COUNTY, N.C. (WECT) – Primary Election Day in North Carolina is scheduled for March 3, 2026, and several Brunswick County races will be on the ballot. This includes republican candidates running for seats on the Board of Commissioners.

Seats in District 1 and District 2 are on the primary election ballot, with two republicans in each race vying the party’s nomination to face democratic candidates in the General Election. To find out where the primary candidates stand on the issues, the media consortium of WECT-TV, Port City Daily and WHQR Public Media have solicited responses from the candidates to a list of questions.

The media group sent the same questionnaire to each candidate on Friday, January 16 and requested their responses by Monday, February 2. The candidates were informed that the media consortium planned to publish the questionnaires and responses on Wednesday, February 4. The responses received are listed below, in the order the candidate names will appear on the primary election ballot. They have not been edited. Additional responses will be added when received.

Before reading, here are a few items to keep in mind ahead of the March 3 primary election:

->All registered republican voters can only vote a republican ballot and all registered democrats can only vote a democratic ballot. Unaffiliated voters can choose to vote on either a republican or democratic ballot.

->A valid ID is required to cast a ballot in North Carolina. If you do not have an ID you will have fill out a photo ID exemption form.

->Primary Election Day is March 3, 2026, when voters are required to go to their assigned precinct locations.

->Early voting opens February 12 and closes February 28, and voters can register on the same day they cast a ballot at any of these sites in Brunswick County:

• Brunswick County Cooperative Extension – 25 Referendum Drive NE, Building N, Bolivia
• Leland Cultural Arts Center – 1212 Magnolia Village Way, Leland
• St. James Town Hall – 4140 Southport-Supply Road, Southport
• Brunswick Center at Supply – 101 Stone Chimney Road SE, Supply
• Sunset Beach Community Center – 200 Station Trail, Sunset Beach

See all hours of operation by clicking here.

Anyone who wants to see if they’re registered to vote can do so by clicking here.

District 1 candidates:

Name: Clif Cheek

Party affiliation: Republican

Career: Realtor

Degree: Business Associate’s Degree, Professional licensed REALTOR® in NC and SC

Q. What qualifies you to serve on the Brunswick County Board of Commissioners?

A. As a lifelong resident of Brunswick County, I bring a track record of public service, experience working through growth and land-use issues, and a commitment to transparent, accountable decision-making. Quality of life, health, safety, and taxpayer fairness are my non-negotiables. I’m focused on listening to residents, using clear data, and following the law so we protect quality of life while planning responsibly for the future.

Q. Name one top priority policy change you want to see and how you will work to do so.

A. My top priority is strengthening long-range planning and accountability so infrastructure and public services keep pace with growth. Quality of life, health, safety, and taxpayer fairness are paramount. I will push for clear, public-facing metrics (roads, utilities, public safety capacity), consistent standards, and regular reporting, so decisions are predictable, measurable, and fair to both residents and businesses.

Q. What is your view of the current board’s leadership? What are they succeeding at and what needs to be improved?

A. I respect anyone who serves the public in elected or appointed positions. During a period of rapid growth, the board has worked to manage large demands and complex issues. I prefer not to offer critiques in a questionnaire. I am focused on listening to residents, making sure decisions are easy to understand and assuring the outcomes are easier to measure. We are facing serious challenges and growing pains as a community, and the time investment to tackle them requires a great deal. That said, I am running because I believe District 1 would benefit from a stronger focus on long-range planning, and proactive policies that move us ahead of growth so we aren’t playing catch-up. That’s the only way we can secure our long-term financial footing as a county and keep the burden of growth off taxpayers.

Q. What is the biggest challenge facing Brunswick County?

A. Managing rapid growth while protecting quality of life—making sure infrastructure, public safety, schools, and county services keep pace, and that taxpayers aren’t left covering the long-term costs. Quality of life, health, safety, and taxpayer fairness are my non-negotiables. Without question, managing one of the fastest growing counties in the United States while also protecting our long-term quality of life in a financially responsible way is a challenge. Trying to stop growth is a losing battle. The law is not on our side and it would destroy our long-term economic health. With due respect, I think this is too often the approach the current District 1 commissioner has taken. My focus would be on improving our infrastructure, public safety, roads, schools, and services. Only then can we be in control of growth, instead of the growth controlling us. That’s also the only way to maintain our financial health and low tax burdens on current residents.

Q. Brunswick County is one of the fastest-growing counties in the country, and certainly in the state. Do you think the current method and rate of growth is sustainable? What would you like to see for future development?

A. Our quality of life and our future depends upon decisions and policy guided by smart planning initiatives, predictable and measurable rules, a strong regard for the protection and promotion of public health and safety, and plans that look far beyond the next budget cycle. As chair of the planning board, our job is to implement the policies set by the commissioners. I’ve seen first hand what I believe is a lack of foresight, which has kicked the county onto its back heels and let growth get away from us. We must focus on long-range planning, developing smart and predictable rules, and guiding this county’s future in a way that creates long-term quality of life and economic resilience. We can’t look just at the next budget, we must look at the next 10, 20, even 50 years. Going forward, I want to see purposeful, steadfast long-range planning, development that compensates for its impacts and a dedication to responsible, future-focused growth that protects communities and entrusts our quality of life.

Q. Local leaders on the WMPO board are considering a tri-county transit tax to fund significant infrastructure projects, like the replacement of the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge. It will require buy-in from the state legislature as well as local leaders. Where do you stand on this proposal?

A. I’m open to solutions that address critical infrastructure, but any new tax must meet a high bar: transparent costs, clear governance, strong oversight, ample public comment/input and a fair impact on residents. Taxpayer fairness here is a crucial consideration. I would review independent cost estimates, accountability measures, and study the metrics of measurable benefits and/or detriments before supporting any proposal. The challenges we face are real. We need to carefully consider potential solutions before us, but make sure they will work for the residents and businesses of Brunswick County.

Q. Do you think the county should be taking any measures to mitigate or slow the pace of development? If so, what should be done?

A. The goal shouldn’t be to “stop growth,” we should instead focus on smart, sustainable ways to manage it responsibly. Development policy is complex and impacts many, if not all, residents and businesses alike. If infrastructure and services can’t keep up, the county should use lawful planning tools, capacity-based decision-making, phasing where appropriate, and stronger coordination, so growth doesn’t create non-avoidable safety issues, gridlocks, or higher taxes for existing residents. Quality of life, health, safety, and taxpayer fairness are paramount.Our focus must be on long-range planning to ensure a future for this county defined by long-term quality of life and economic resilience. This requires developing predictable, smart rules to guide our growth effectively. We can’t look just at the next budget cycle or even the next few years, we must look at the next 10, 20, even 50 years. My commitment is to a future defined by purposeful, steadfast long-range planning. This means fostering development that actively mitigates its negative impacts and ensuring responsible, future-focused growth. Our efforts must be dedicated to safeguarding our communities and preserving our quality of life.

Q. WUNC reports federal changes to SNAP funding may require county governments to cover additional costs associated with Medicaid – counties would have to ensure recipients (including veterans, people aged 55-65, and parents of kids over 14) meet work requirements, which would cost Brunswick County more money. How would you approach this funding issue? Would you support raising property tax in this instance?

A. First, I would quantify the county’s exposure and separate what’s mandated from what’s optional. Fiscal responsibility and taxpayer fairness are of the utmost importance and I would pursue every available state/federal offset, operational efficiencies, and budget reprioritization before considering any tax increase. If revenue changes were ever proposed, they should be transparent, justified with clear numbers, and shaped by public input.

Q. The county is currently weighing a move from a square-footage “fire fee” to an ad-valorem “fire tax” to help fire departments keep up with rising call volumes and inflation. What is your philosophy on how fire services should be funded, and what ideas do you have for ensuring that any change in the funding model is equitable for all property owners?

A. Fire protection is an essential safety priority and the funding model should be stable, transparent, and equitable. Any change should be evaluated using clear criteria: impact on fixed-income homeowners, alignment with service demand and call volume, fairness across property types, and accountability for results. I feel that a discussion with each department’s leadership regarding the local station’s services, needs, staffing shortages, equipment lifespan, the strain on increasing demands and their impacts on both public safety as well as on the welfare of the firefighters is step one.The county should also explore alternative funding models that would provide needed resources to our fire service while minimizing the long-term impact to taxpayers.

Q. As more land is cleared for new developments, issues regarding air quality and open burning of land clearing debris have become a major concern for residents. What is your stance on balancing the needs of developers to clear land with the rights of residents to have healthy air quality and a safe environment?

A. Residents have a right to clean air and a safe environment, and development must be done responsibly. Quality of life, health, and safety are non-negotiables. The balance is clear standards, transparency, and enforcement, so health and safety are protected while expectations remain predictable. I support approaches that reduce harmful impacts, rely on science and applicable law, and give residents a clear, responsive process for reporting and resolving concerns.

Name: Randy Thompson

Party affiliation: Republican

Career: Retired, Emergency Services Director for Brunswick County, Small Business Owner

Degree: Associates in Fire Protection (Durham Technical Comm. College), Bachelors in Public Administration (Shaw University), Certificate in Non-Profit Management (Duke University).

Q. What qualifies you to serve on the Brunswick County Board of Commissioners?

A. As a lifelong learner, I have been in local government my entire career. I worked up through the ranks to become a Department Head of one of the most progressive agencies in the State of North Carolina. I have supervised a major department, ensuring compliance with all laws and regulations ensuring a balanced budget each year, while addressing unpredictable situations. As a current County Commissioner who has completed 11 years in office, my skill set has led to a balance budget each year with No tax increase occurring during my tenure. During this time the 2016 school bond of $152 million was paid off. Again, without raising taxes. I have supported adding additional Senior Facilities, Park Improvements and a Courthouse Expansion. These facilities, improvement and updates were all completed with NO TAX INCREASE!

Q. Name one top priority policy change you want to see and how you will work to do so.

A. One of my top priorities is addressing the Overdevelopment going on within Brunswick County. Ordinances need to be adopted to ensure we can manage growth and provide leadership with a clear understanding resident needs come first.

Q. What is your view of the current board’s leadership? What are they succeeding at and what needs to be improved?

A. The current board’s leadership needs to improve the communications for all the Commissioners. One example is during a recent School Board presentation it was noted that the Chair and Vice Chair had been provided with information from school officials that never made it to the full board.

Q. What is the biggest challenge facing Brunswick County?

A. One of the biggest challenges is surpassed Infrastructure! We have issues related to storm water management, water and sewer capacity, overcrowding schools, need for additional fire department funding, need for additional health care professionals and better state-maintained roadways. As many of these items are currently being addressed in various ways, continued focus will be required to ensure we are meeting the ever-changing demand.

Q. Brunswick County is one of the fastest-growing counties in the country, and certainly in the state. Do you think the current method and rate of growth is sustainable? What would you like to see for future development?

A. I do not feel that the current rate of growth is sustainable. I would currently like to see a pause in the rate of development and a change in our county’s Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) to address future development. Whereas, we can’t go back and change many of the development issues already ready allowed (permitted?), we can learn from past decisions and prevent them from occurring again.

Q. Local leaders on the WMPO board are considering a tri-county transit tax to fund significant infrastructure projects, like the replacement of the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge. It will require buy-in from the state legislature as well as local leaders. Where do you stand on this proposal?

A. First, we need additional roadway improvements today as we are already witnessing areas in our county where a lack of infrastructure creates disastrous (specific to roadways) situations. To date, I haven’t been furnished with a document detailing a tri-county transit tax proposal. Until such time as I can review and discuss the proposal with my constituents I will hold my response.

Q. Do you think the county should be taking any measures to mitigate or slow the pace of development? If so, what should be done?

A. I do think we should take a very aggressive approach to mitigate and slow the pace of development. Just as our Sewer facilities alone have operated for years under a capacity model, I feel that it should be under an allocation model (one where we count rooftops already approved). Our roadways are deteriorating, and, in my area, the focus has been on the Carolina Bays Parkway Extension (Hwy 31). With no state funding and under the NCDOT point system for approving roadways, no points could be rewarded even if the North Carolina section was tolled. My concern is that NCDOT doesn’t have a plan “B”. We need to expand and improve all existing roadways in this area while discussion continues on the future of the Carolina Bays Parkway Extension.

Q. WUNC reports federal changes to SNAP funding may require county governments to cover additional costs associated with Medicaid – counties would have to ensure recipients (including veterans, people aged 55-65, and parents of kids over 14) meet work requirements, which would cost Brunswick County more money. How would you approach this funding issue? Would you support raising property tax in this instance?

A. Our County has been looking at the possible impacts associated with a reduction in SNAP funding for several months. This isn’t the first time that public assistance programs have been impacted. Brunswick County has always identified the best steps forward to serve the needs of our citizens. As we move forward with the budget process this year options will be discussed to address the funding need as identified by staff. We will examine the necessary options to ensure those in need are served. As for the use of a recommended property tax increase I can share that many situations have been addressed in the last 11 years I have been on the Board of Commissioners and NO TAX INCREASE has occurred.

Q. The county is currently weighing a move from a square-footage “fire fee” to an ad-valorem “fire tax” to help fire departments keep up with rising call volumes and inflation. What is your philosophy on how fire services should be funded, and what ideas do you have for ensuring that any change in the funding model is equitable for all property owners?

A. I think it’s fair to say that the current funding model worked for many years, some years while being supplemented with ad-valorem funds. The fire service in Brunswick has changed as our county has grown. Once a primarily volunteer service has evolved into a career service agency. The community demands have changed as well as adopted standards for the fire service. I feel that the fire service across the county should operate with an adopted level of standards to include staffing. Staffing across the county differs greatly and every resident should be equally served regardless of the area they live. The rural areas of the county should have a standard for operational staffing and any municipal agency covering any part of the rural area of the county should be compensated, which also could be determined by a formula-using coverage area and the amount they could adapt for the rural areas, e.g., a uniformed service fee. This way municipalities are not carrying the cost for both municipal and rural coverage in their assigned districts.

Q. As more land is cleared for new developments, issues regarding air quality and open burning of land clearing debris have become a major concern for residents. What is your stance on balancing the needs of developers to clear land with the rights of residents to have healthy air quality and a safe environment?

A. I have brought the item up numerous times during commissioner’s meetings. I am concerned about clear cutting and open burning in our county. I have been told that the county isn’t authorized to change the regulations associated with open burning, even those local municipal agencies have adopted stronger regulations. Recently, I tasked our legal department to determine if we could require the use of on-site air curtain burners on clear cutting operations. This would reduce the major impacts felt by the community greatly. Hopefully, I will receive the information shortly and request board action to adopt a change, until we are able to eliminate clear cutting open burns.

District 2 candidates:

Name: Marty Cooke – candidate has not returned questionnaire

Name: Patti Hewett

Party affiliation: Republican

Career: NC Licensed Private Investigator (Present); Retired Deputy Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office (30 years)

(Law Enforcement Roles— Deputy, Lieutenant of Civil/Warrant Division, Criminal Investigation Division Detective, Vice/Narcotic Agent, Office Manager, Terminal Agency Coordinator (TAC) for Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office and all County Municipalities, Pre-Trial Program Administrator, Founder of Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office Sheriff’s Tidings of Joy Program, Founder of Brunswick Sheriff’s Charitable Foundation, Anchor Initiative Program Coordinator)

Education: Basic Law Enforcement Training Certification mandated by the NC Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards Commission Forsyth Technical Community College, Winston-Salem, NC

Brunswick Community College, Bolivia, NC

North Carolina Justice Academy, Salemburg, NC

Cape Fear Community College, Wilmington, NC

Southeastern Community College, Whiteville, NC

Professional & Special Certifications (To ensure officers stay current with evolving laws, technologies, and critical field skills. Mandatory In-Service Training)

Q. What qualifies you to serve on the Brunswick County Board of Commissioners?

A. I have dedicated half of my life serving the citizens of Brunswick County and I still feel I have more to give to the place I call home. My love for public service is the first qualification that comes to my mind to serve as your County Commissioner. Working for Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office gave me first hand experience on how our local government works, leadership, public safety issues, mental health/drug addiction needs, roads and traffic management, managing budgets, parks and recreational facilities upkeep, tourism, lack of infrastructure and most of all, where flooding will occur. Working for Brunswick County Sheriff’s Office for 30 years, I will bring first hand knowledge on what our county needs to the Commissioner’s board.

Q. Name one top priority policy change you want to see and how you will work to do so.

A. Getting the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) policy updated to manage the explosive growth, balancing development with environmental protection and infrastructure capacity. As one of the new candidates on the ballot, but one with deep connections and roots within this county, I am committed to aligning zoning/UDO provisions with plan policies, implementing action items, and periodic review. I will work diligently to ensure growth is fair and well-planned.

Q. What is your view of the current board’s leadership?

A. I feel our County Commissioner board is divided and the citizens are the ones who suffer. This leaves Brunswick County citizens’ concerns and issues falling on deaf ears. What are they succeeding at and what needs to be improved? Established a “pay-as-you-go” conservative budget approach, keeping our taxes low. Brunswick County can grow while protecting our schools, environment, and quality of life—but, only if leadership is willing to plan honestly, show accountability, act responsibly, and put the residents first.

Q. What is the biggest challenge facing Brunswick County?

A. Managing the infrastructure strains and affordability issues caused by rapid, sustained population growth. Our county is struggling to maintain roads, building more schools, medical facilities, wastewater capacity, providing clean water, flooding and stormwater damage and much more. There is not just one “biggest challenge.”

Q. Brunswick County is one of the fastest-growing counties in the country, and certainly in the state. Do you think the current method and rate of growth is sustainable?

A. No. Brunswick County is growing fast, our development rules are outdated and no longer match today’s growth. This leaves residents with higher taxes, traffic, flooding, and strained services. What would you like to see for future development? The UDO should have been updated. We need managed growth that pays for itself and protects our quality of life. Too often, developers benefit while longtime residents are left paying the price.

Q. Local leaders on the WMPO board are considering a tri-county transit tax to fund significant infrastructure projects, like the replacement of the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge. It will require buy-in from the state legislature as well as local leaders. Where do you stand on this proposal?

A. I cannot respond due to the lack of information, I know nothing about tri-county transit tax being discussed by our Commissioners.

Q. Do you think the county should be taking any measures to mitigate or slow the pace of development?

A. Yes, our development rules were written for a different time. Using outdated standards to manage today’s growth puts taxpayers at risk. If so, what should be done? We need modern, common-sense planning that protects our land, water, and quality of life and makes sure growth pays for itself. As your County Commissioner, I will support smart, fair growth, protect taxpayers, and stand up for the people who already call Brunswick County home.

Q. WUNC reports federal changes to SNAP funding may require county governments to cover additional costs associated with Medicaid – counties would have to ensure recipients (including veterans, people aged 55-65, and parents of kids over 14) meet work requirements, which would cost Brunswick County more money. How would you approach this funding issue?

A. I strongly believe the necessary options to ensure those in need are served. Public assistance programs are impacted often, SNAP still remains a state and federal program. County Commissioners do not get involved only in emergencies. Would you support raising property tax in this instance? I would make that determination when needed.

Q. The county is currently weighing a move from a square-footage “fire fee” to an ad-valorem “fire tax” to help fire departments keep up with rising call volumes and inflation. What is your philosophy on how fire services should be funded, and what ideas do you have for ensuring that any change in the funding model is equitable for all property owners?

A. If I am elected, I will do what is necessary to make sure all residents are equally served throughout our county and our firefighters are provided the equipment they need.

Q. As more land is cleared for new developments, issues regarding air quality and open burning of land clearing debris have become a major concern for residents. What is your stance on balancing the needs of developers to clear land with the rights of residents to have healthy air quality and a safe environment?

A. The county, like other counties, only has authority to regulate burning within 100 feet of occupied dwellings. On-site burning of land clearing vegetative debris is specifically authorized by State law, and is regulated by the NC Forest Service, which issues the permits and monitors compliance with permit terms.

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