Two Dare County candidates are running in this year’s election for North Carolina Senate District 1: Republican state Sen. Jerry Tillett, who was appointed to the seat last month following the resignation of former Sen. Bobby Hanig (R-Currituck), and Democrat Melissa Zehner.

In this year’s election for North Carolina Senate District 2, incumbent Republican state Sen. Norman “Norm” Sanderson of Pamlico County is running for reelection, and Democratic challenger William Roy Surrett of Carteret County, who goes by his middle name, is also running for the seat.

Among other selections on Currituck County voters’ ballots this fall is a box to check to either “for” or “against” changing board of education elections from nonpartisan to partisan races.

The League of Women Voters of Dare County will sponsor a candidate forum for board of education candidates next month but will not hold candidate forums as anticipated for three other races “due to insufficient acceptances of our invitations,” according to the League spokesperson.

See the preliminary results of 2026 primary election races for Currituck, Dare and Hyde counties and the anticipated choices on the November general election ballots based on the current primary results and available information.

Rodney Rawls is one of four Republican primary candidates for Dare County sheriff. No candidates from any other political parties filed to run in the race.

Jimmy Pierce is one of four Republican primary candidates for Dare County sheriff. No candidates from any other political parties filed to run in the race.

Jeffrey “Jeff” Deringer is one of four Republican primary candidates for Dare County sheriff. No candidates from any other political parties filed to run in the race.

Theodore “Teddy” Daniels is one of four Republican primary candidates for Dare County sheriff. No candidates from any other political parties filed to run in the race.

The 2026 primary election takes place on Tuesday, March 3, with early voting kicking off next month and absentee voting already underway. Across the Outer Banks, voters’ primary ballots depend on their geographic location and political party affiliation.

A total of four prospective Republican candidates have publicized plans to run for Dare County sheriff in 2026. Official candidate filing has not yet taken place.

Two hopeful Republican candidates recently announced plans to run for Dare County sheriff in 2026. Official candidate filing has not yet taken place.