The 2026 election season in Guilford County officially gets underway at noon on Monday, Dec. 1, when the filing period for candidates opens at the Guilford County Board of Elections. Filing will remain open until noon on Friday, Dec. 19, and – given the political climate right now – this election cycle will no doubt be one of the most heated, unpredictable and closely watched in years.
Across the board, races for legislative seats, countywide offices and school board positions are expected to draw vigorous challenges. With so many key offices on the ballot at a time when partisan tensions are at all-time highs, political observers expect surprises, tight margins and a lot of voter attention.
Below is a list of all offices open for filing this cycle, and the incumbents and the filing fees as provided by the Board of Elections:
NC Senate
District 26 – Berger (R) – 2-year term – $139.51
District 27 – Garrett (D) – 2-year term – $139.51
District 28 – Robinson (D) – 2-year term – $139.51
NC House
District 57 – Clark (D) – 2-year term – $139.51
District 58 – Quick (D) – 2-year term – $139.51
District 59 – Branson (R) – 2-year term – $139.51
District 60 – Cook (D) – 2-year term – $139.51
District 61 – Harrison (D) – 2-year term – $139.51
District 62 – Blust (R) – 2-year term – $139.51
Countywide Offices
District Attorney (24th District) – Crump (D) – 4-year term – $1,673.37
Clerk of Superior Court – Churchill (D) – 4-year term – $1,499.49
Sheriff – Rogers (D) – 4-year term – $1,807.56
Guilford County Board of Commissioners
At-Large – Cashion (D) – 4-year term – $312.00
District 1 – Foster (D) – 4-year term – $312.00
District 2 – Perdue (R) – 4-year term – $312.00
District 3 – Tillman (R) – 4-year term – $312.00
District 7 – Jones Jr. (D) – 4-year term – $312.00
Board of Education
At-Large – Sherouse (D) – 4-year term – $207.00
District 2 – Pratt (R) – 4-year term – $207.00
District 4 – Welborn (D) – 4-year term – $207.00
District 6 – Irby (D) – 4-year term – $207.00
District 8 – Hayes (D) – 4-year term – $207.00
Candidates who want to throw their hat in the ring have to submit a “Notice of Candidacy,” along with shelling out the required filing fee, no later than noon on Dec. 19 – and the paperwork must be received, not just postmarked, by that deadline.
Candidates may file in person at:
Guilford County Board of Elections
301 W. Market St., Greensboro
Or the Elections Office In High Point at
325 E. Russell Ave., by appointment
Those unable to file in person have to submit notarized documents via US Postal Service or commercial courier.
Surrogates can’t deliver materials, and any hand-delivered filings not made by the candidate will be rejected.
Candidates for judicial offices and federal offices must file with the NC State Board of Elections in Raleigh at the Governor James B. Hunt Jr. Horse Complex, 4601 Trinity Road.
Candidates for the NC House or NC Senate may file either in their county of residence or in Raleigh.
Candidate Requirements
Prospective candidates should be aware of the following requirements:
Must be a registered voter in the county.
Must have been affiliated with their political party for at least 90 days prior to filing.
Filing fees must be paid by check or money order—no starter checks, counter checks or two-party checks.
All candidates except those running for sheriff must complete a felony disclosure form.
Sheriff candidates must meet additional statutory requirements regarding criminal history.
Once a Notice of Candidacy is filed, candidates must establish a campaign committee within 10 days of receiving or spending any campaign funds or consenting to campaign expenditures.
The short filing window and strict requirements mean that candidates will have to act quickly.
The start of filing signals the beginning of what could be the most energetic, contentious and unpredictable election cycle in years. Legislative seats are in play that will affect the balance of power in Raleigh. County offices such as sheriff and clerk—always high-profile positions—are expected to draw a whole lot of interest.
And school board races, which have become increasingly political statewide, are likely to attract heavy scrutiny.
Candidates and residents can find full filing instructions, forms and details at GuilfordCountyNC.gov/Elections or by contacting the Elections Office at 336-641-3836 or guilfordelections@guilfordcountync.gov.
Once the clock strikes high noon on Dec. 19, the field will be set and the real fireworks will begin.
