Iris Bender
Iris Bender's career experience includes working as a businesswoman.
· Ballotpedia
Campaign site
Public education & schools: “Our economy depends on manufacturing, healthcare, education, and small businesses, and we need policies that keep young people here while helping local businesses thrive. I will support workforce training and career pathways through Caldwell Community College and Technical Institute, bring state investment to downtown revitalization and small businesses, and promote broadband expansion for rural communities, remote work, and entrepreneurship. A strong local economy means good jobs, stable families, and a brighter future for the next generation.”
(Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey (2026)) Taxes, budget & cost of living: “I am passionate about public education because our public schools are the backbone of our community, yet chronic underfunding has led to teacher shortages, overcrowded classrooms, and growing pressure on local property taxes.”
(Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey (2026)) Destin Hall
Hall was born in Lenoir, North Carolina , in 1987. He received a B.S. in business administration; finance and banking; and risk management and insurance from Appalachian State University in 2009 and a J.D. from Wake Forest University School of Law in 2014.
· Official legislative page · Ballotpedia
Campaign site
Education: “OUR MAIN PRIORITIES THIS LEGISLATIVE SESSION ARE HURRICANE HELENE RECOVERY, CUTTING TAXES, LOWERING THE COST OF LIVING, INVESTING IN EDUCATION, AND KEEPING NORTH CAROLINIANS SAFE.”
(Campaign website) Education: “Destin's legislative priorities are deeply rooted in conservative principles, emphasizing tax reduction, economic development, educational reform, and the staunch defense of religious freedom, Second Amendment rights, and pro-life issues.”
(Campaign website) Economy & Cost of Living: “A proud product of Lenoir, Destin's commitment to his constituents is matched by his dedication to community service, as evidenced by his role with Union Grove Baptist Church and his professional work as a general practice attorney.”
(Campaign website)