CMC Cabarrus Voter Guide

2026 Primary Election — Contested Races

Early Voting: February 13–17, 2026

📋 How to Use This Guide

Select your party below to see contested primary races. Green highlighted candidates are CMC recommendations based on community values, qualifications, and engagement. You may only vote in ONE party's primary.

Key Race — Most Contested
NC Senate District 34
Vote for 1
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Kevin Crutchfield CMC Recommended
Local business owner who has been active in community advocacy. Former House member focused on small business support and conservative fiscal policy. Engaged with diverse community stakeholders.
Chris Measmer Appointed
Former Cabarrus County Commissioner appointed to Senate seat without full board vote. Political views align with MAGA movement. Supportive of ICE and state collaboration on immigration enforcement.
⚠️ Attempted controversial appointment process as commissioner
Cabarrus County Commissioner
Vote for up to 3
Barry G. Richards
"Back to Basics" government approach. Emphasizes fiscal accountability and supporting local farmers.
James N. Bailey
Conservative fiscal management. Supports local law enforcement and maintaining county's rural character.
Cason Gardner
Previously ran for Concord City Council. Emphasizes "smart growth," infrastructure readiness, and transparency in spending.
Alexis Hughes
Midland-based. Focuses on suburban infrastructure, conservative family values, and small business support.
Krushani Patel
Focuses on community engagement, economic development, and ensuring county services meet needs of growing, diverse population.
Ian Patrick Appointed
Current appointed commissioner with legal background. Platform centers on public safety funding and low property taxes.
Kristel Swayze
Active in local GOP leadership. Advocates for parental rights, removing "woke" ideologies, and strict constitutional principles.
Cabarrus County School Board
Vote for up to 3
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Robert Kirk Most Qualified CMC Recommended
Ed.D. in Urban Education & Leadership from Gardner-Webb University. Former Chief of Staff for Cabarrus County Schools (2010–2017). Priorities: elementary capacity, teacher retention, competitive compensation, and budget efficiency.
Deborah Allen
MEd in English. Taught in NY (1996–2016), currently substitute teacher for CCS. Prioritizes parental rights and "back-to-basics" traditional education.
William L. Barbee
Cabarrus County native. Emphasizes workforce/vocational training and school safety.
⚠️ No public education credentials or school experience available
Bubba Hartsell
Retired coach, real estate agent. Focuses on fiscal responsibility and athletics programs.
Ran in 2024 — placed 5th of 6 candidates
Amanda Wortman
Focuses on special education (EC) services and teacher recruitment.
⚠️ Ran in 2024 (6th of 6). Declined candidate forums and surveys.
NC House District 73
Vote for 1
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Thomas J. Monks CMC Recommended
Advocates for judicial reform, infrastructure improvements, and environmental protections. Only active candidate in this race.
Kim Delaney Deceased
Focused on public education funding, healthcare access, and economic development for working families.
Candidate has passed away — votes will not count

📌 Note

The Democratic primary in Cabarrus County has limited contested races this cycle. Consider volunteering or supporting candidates in the general election.