Melissa Zehner
Melissa Zehner The Democratic primary for this office on March 3, 2026 , was canceled.
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Campaign site
Jobs, economy & workforce: “After graduating from Randolph-Macon Woman’s College I worked in Minor League Baseball and held management positions. I loved my work. Once we started a family, we made the choice that I would be a stay at home parent. It was a decision that many families have had to make because childcare is simply not affordable. And now I see people across Eastern North Carolina with even more basic needs that are not being met.”
(Campaign website (accessed Oct 23, 2026)) Jerry Tillett
Jerry R. Tillett earned a bachelor's degree and a law degree from Wake Forest University.
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Campaign site
Campaign priorities & governance: “I seek your vote as your next Senator for District 1. I am a Christian, conservative, proud American, father, grandfather, husband, businessman, and public servant.”
(Campaign website (accessed Oct 23, 2026)) Taxes, budget & cost of living: “My parents instilled in me a decent respect for America and all of its finest institutions including: a divinely inspired system of government, adherence to rule of law, personal accountability, fiscal responsibility, FREE ENTERPRISE, religious freedom, defense of and adherence to our Constitutions, US and State, as well as the importance of family.”
(Campaign website (accessed Oct 23, 2026)) Campaign priorities & governance: “Previously, I worked with the Legislature at the highest levels, chaired local projects and legislative endeavors, as well as district and statewide innovations.”
(Campaign website (accessed Oct 23, 2026))