Wake Sample Ballot & Voter Guide 2026

Kyle Stogoski is a 25-year-old candidate for Wake County Commissioner who has experienced the affordability crisis firsthand and is committed to making Wake County more affordable for families. He has been actively involved in local community work and campaigns.

Kimberly McGhee is a community leader, business owner, former educator, and advocate with over 30 years of experience working with families, seniors, and residents across Wake County on issues like housing, education, and community wellness. She currently manages programs for a nonprofit supporting single mothers.

Priorities: Expanding affordable housing options and preventing displacement. · Ensuring access to comprehensive healthcare and mental health services. · Strengthening equitable workforce development and economic mobility.

Steve Rao has built a reputation as a tireless advocate for innovation, equity, and progress in North Carolina, inspired by his immigrant parents’ journey. As a respected Councilmember in Morrisville and a long-time public servant, he brings years of experience, vision, and results-driven leadership to Wake County.

Priorities: Support Public Schools and Wake Tech, advocate for our classroom teachers. · Work to fix our EMS system and support our first responders. · Champion Community investments like affordable housing and transit.

Marguerite Creel is an educator, small business owner of BrainTrust Tutors, and professional public administrator with extensive experience in county government, higher education, and workforce development.

Priorities: Energy · The Elderly · Education

Robert Mitchener earned a high school diploma from Broughton High School. His career experience includes working in law enforcement.

Priorities: Affordable Housing · Mental Health · Public Safety

Christine Kushner is a Democrat with over a decade of experience on the Wake County Board of Education, serving two terms as Chair, and currently serves on the Wake County Health and Human Services Board. She has overseen multi-billion dollar public budgets and advocates for public education, healthcare access, and strong communities.

Priorities: Expand access to health and social services · Support public education · Make housing more affordable

Jonathan Lambert-Melton, an at-large Raleigh City Councilor and former Mayor Pro Tem, is running for Wake County Board of Commissioners. He offers proven leadership and a strong record of problem-solving, having worked to strengthen neighborhoods, improve public safety, and support local businesses.

Priorities: strengthen public schools · expand housing options · promote smart, inclusive growth across our county

Gary Hartong, PE, is a professional engineer and President of The Wooten Company, a leading civil and environmental engineering firm. With over 25 years of experience, he has led major infrastructure projects and holds both bachelor's and master's degrees in engineering from NC State University.

Priorities: Investing in robust infrastructure systems · Modernizing schools · Supporting a strong business environment

Vickie Adamson, a native of North Carolina, has lived in Raleigh since 1983. She holds a Bachelor's in Accounting from East Carolina University and worked as a business analyst and senior accountant before being elected as a Wake County Commissioner in 2018, serving as Public Safety Committee Chair and Health and Human Services Committee Member.

Priorities: Protect and strengthen public schools · Secure natural resources for future generations through farmland preservation · Expand affordable housing throughout Wake County

Don Mial is a Wake County Commissioner for District 1, elected in November 2022 and currently serving as Chair. He is a retired Army Chief Warrant Officer Four with a 30-year military career, serving in conflicts including the Vietnam War, Cold War, Desert Storm, and Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Priorities: Deliver coordinated social care and enhance the city center · Expand hotels, restaurants, and attractions with fresh, vibrant businesses · Improve local services and support small businesses

Safiyah Jackson is an early childhood advocate with two decades of administrative experience, currently serving as Chief Strategy Officer for the North Carolina Partnership for Children (Smart Start) and as the Vice Chair for Wake County Commissioner District 2.

John Adcock is a Wake County native with extensive experience in local, state, and federal government, serving as a land use planner and a former member of the N.C. House of Representatives. He holds bachelor's, master's, and law degrees, and has served on various transportation and community boards.

Priorities: Effective and dedicated representation for Southern Wake · Prudent and effective use of taxpayers’ dollars, removing wasteful spending · Improve essential functions of county government for common sense solutions

Cheryl Stallings is a current Wake County Commissioner for District 3, a practicing psychologist and business owner, and a former Apex Town Council member, first elected to the County Commission in 2022.

Priorities: Invest in healthy and safe communities · Support a strong public education system · Protect our environment