Frank Patton Hughes III
Frank Patton Hughes III earned a bachelor's degree from Appalachian State University in 2014. His career experience includes working as a teacher.
· Ballotpedia
Campaign site
Campaign priorities & governance: “I work for you to make your voice heard. My position on policies comes from my own experiences as an educator, Western North Carolina native, and from speaking with community members all over our 9 county district.”
(Campaign website (accessed Oct 23, 2026)) Healthcare & reproductive rights: “I will represent the people of Western North Carolina and their unmet needs for affordable housing, sustainable environmental resources, and accessible health care.”
(Campaign website (accessed Oct 23, 2026)) Taxes, budget & cost of living: “Cuts in public funding directly impact important extracurriculars including art, music, and sports. Every child in North Carolina deserves a sound basic education. I will fight to increase per pupil spending, teacher and faculty pay increases, and an end to the wasteful voucher system.”
(Campaign website (accessed Oct 23, 2026)) Ralph Hise
Hise earned his bachelor's degree in statistics from Appalachian State University in 2000 and his master's degree in higher education administration from North Carolina State University in 2003. His professional experience includes working as a member of the faculty at Mayland Community College in Spruce Pine, North Carolina .
· Official legislative page · Ballotpedia
Campaign site
Taxes, budget & cost of living: “For years I have been working to lower taxes every chance that we get. I believe that citizens know how to spend their money better than the government.”
(Campaign website (accessed Oct 23, 2026)) Campaign priorities & governance: “What we have seen in recent years has been disgusting. I have fought to protect our elections from further fraud by passing legislation like SB725 which prohibits big tech from giving money to boards of elections.”
(Campaign website (accessed Oct 23, 2026))