Hendersonville City Sample Ballot & Voter Guide 2026

Mary Ellen Kustin is running for Henderson County Board of Education Member. A Democrat, she lives in Hendersonville with her family and has a background in public policy and the nonprofit sector. Kustin previously ran for the Henderson County Board of Education in 2022.

Priorities: Opposing the use of public funds for private school tuition and school vouchers. · Opposing censorship and book bans, and supporting quality, age-appropriate curriculum.

Reid J. Barwick is a Democratic candidate for the Henderson County Public Schools Board of Education. His campaign is driven by a concern that many students are graduating unprepared for life beyond school, emphasizing the need for pathways outside of college and practical skills. As a grandfather to public school students and the husband of a lifelong educator, Barwick's commitment to education is deeply personal.

Priorities: Strengthening financial literacy and practical skills in the curriculum · Building student confidence and accountability

Brandon McGaha is a North Carolina resident with a background in law enforcement, having served with the NC Department of Corrections, Gaston County Sheriff's Office, and Hendersonville Police Department. He is currently a staff representative and lobbyist for the North Carolina Police Benevolent Association (NCPBA), where he advocates for law enforcement officers' rights and addresses issues such as discipline and u

Priorities: Advocating for law enforcement issues in the N.C. General Assembly and around the state · Fighting as an advocate for law enforcement officers' rights · Addressing issues related to police discipline and use of force

Katrina McGuire was born in Chicago into an immigrant, blue-collar family. She is a first-time candidate running for Congress, driven by her background to advocate for policies benefiting everyday families and challenging a system that she believes benefits the top 1%.

Priorities: Affordable healthcare · Economic reform

Jerry Frady is a financial advisor based in Chandler, Arizona, working with Pfs Investments Inc. He has passed the Series 63 and Series 65 regulatory exams and is registered to provide services in Arizona and Texas.

Michael Cole is a Democratic candidate for the Ohio House of Representatives, District 2. He previously served as an at-large member and vice president of the Columbus City Schools Board of Education from 2014 to 2025.

Priorities: Strengthening student achievement and employee performance in schools, with a focus on accountability, curriculum, transparency, and safety. · Capping property taxes for older Ohioans and creating a district surplus fund to limit tax levies. · Expanding affordable healthcare, increasing wages for workers, and supporting small businesses.

Mary Margaret Licisyn is the founder and principal of Surface Area Partners, LLC, bringing over 15 years of experience in commercial real estate development and city planning. She specializes in pre-construction phases, including entitlement negotiations, community engagement, and financial modeling, with a focus on projects that support placemaking and community building. Currently, she serves on the Town of Laurel

Priorities: Supporting placemaking and community building

Preston Blakely is the current Mayor of Fletcher, North Carolina, first elected in 2021 after serving on the town council since 2019. A lifelong resident of Fletcher, he is an alumnus of UNC-Greensboro and Western Carolina University. He has focused on community development, resilient infrastructure, and opportunities for working families.

Priorities: Advocating for a new Henderson County Library branch in Fletcher · Developing the Fletcher Town Center · Hurricane Helene recovery and resilient infrastructure

Trevor Lance is a candidate for the Fletcher Town Council. He has over 30 years of experience in public service, including a career as a firefighter and serving as Fire Chief for the Skyland Fire Department. Lance states he is running to represent the citizens of Fletcher and ensure their voices are heard.

Amanda McKinney is a current Yakima County Commissioner running for election to the U.S. House to represent Washington's 4th Congressional District. She was first elected as a County Commissioner in 2020 and previously worked as a mortgage banker. McKinney aims to bring common-sense conservative leadership to Washington, D.C.

Priorities: Secure borders · Unleash American energy · Defend constitutional rights