CCTA & GCCA
Coastal Carolina Taxpayers Association
God and Country Christian Association
2026 General Election Guide Responses
Each candidate was asked to answer these 6 questions. Below are the responses received so far.
- Short biography – (200 words or less, please)
- What books/documents/sources form your core personal principals and beliefs?
- What are the top few issues you would want to address and why?
- Where do you see yourself in five and ten years in the future?
- Why should I vote for you and how would you make yourself available to the public?
- Are there qualities that immediately distinguish you from other candidates?
Some individual have not responded and where possible we use their Primary responses.
Contents
Steven Overby Contest: CARTERET COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS DISTRICT 01 2
Celeste Cairns Contest: – NC HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES DISTRICT 013 4
Chip Hughes Contest: – CRAVEN COUNTY SHERIFF 5
Bear McGillem Contest: – CITY OF HAVELOCK COMMISSIONER 7
Tyrone Cantey Contest: – CITY OF HAVELOCK MAYOR 9
John Nyberg Contest: – CARTERET COUNTY SHERIFF 10
Jennifer Dacey Contest: – CRAVEN COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION DISTRICT 04 12
Shannon W. Bray Contest: – US SENATE 14
Michael C. Byrne Contest NC COURT OF APPEALS JUDGE SEAT 01 16
As of 9/12/2026
Steven Overby Contest: CARTERET COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS DISTRICT 01
Email: SOVERBY224@GMAIL.COM
Phone: 9105546924
Party: Republican – (Primary answers requested.)
Contest: CARTERET COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS DISTRICT 01
Background & Community Involvement
I am a lifelong resident of District 1 in Carteret County and the son of a retired law enforcement officer, which instilled in me a strong respect for public service, accountability, and community safety. Growing up in District 1 has given me a deep understanding of our district’s history, values, and the challenges our community faces.
I am also a small business owner and a youth basketball coach in Carteret County—roles that keep me closely connected to local families, workers, and young people. Through business ownership, I understand firsthand how government decisions affect jobs, taxes, and economic opportunity. As a coach, I see the importance of safe communities, strong schools, and quality recreation spaces for our children.
My Christian faith guides every decision I make. It shapes my belief in servant leadership, fiscal responsibility, and standing up for what is right—even when it’s not easy. I believe government exists to serve the people, not burden them, and I am running to ensure District 1 has a strong, principled voice focused on results, not rhetoric.
2. What books, documents, principles, or sources form your core beliefs?
The Holy Bible and the Constitution shape my core beliefs. They are rooted in my Christian faith, which guides my values, integrity, and decision-making. I believe in the principles of limited government, personal responsibility, fiscal discipline, and service to others. Government should be judged by outcomes, not promises—measured by whether it truly improves the lives of the people it serves.
3. Top three issues I will address when elected
Managing Growth & Infrastructure
District 1 is growing rapidly, and our roads, schools, and parks must keep pace. We need fully funded transportation projects and long-term strategic planning—including a new school in District 1—as well as expanded recreation facilities for our families.
Sustainable Economic Development
We must attract industries that offer livable wages so people can live and work here without long commutes. Strong infrastructure is essential to supporting workforce growth and long-term economic success.
Enhancing Public Safety & Lowering the Tax Burden
Instead of burdening property owners—especially those on fixed incomes—we should better utilize tourism and occupancy tax revenue to fund infrastructure, recreation, and public services. As we address the impacts of growth, we must prioritize EMS, police, and fire services to keep our communities safe.
4. Where do you see yourself five and ten years in the future?
Five years from now, I see myself serving on the Board of County Commissioners, having fought successfully for the infrastructure projects our district needs, broken ground on a new school to serve our growing student population, and helped attract industries that provide livable wages. I want to look back and see tangible improvements in our quality of life.
Ten years from now, I hope to have established a track record of principled conservative leadership that put citizens first. I would hope to find new ways to be of service to our community, I’ll always be guided by the same principles: limited government, fiscal responsibility, and ensuring citizens see real value for their tax dollars. Most importantly, I want to know I’ve been a voice for the people who never stopped listening and advocating for this community.
5. Why should I vote for you?
You should vote for me because I will be a consistent, conservative voice who puts people before politics. I bring real-world experience as a small business owner, a coach, and a lifelong resident who understands both the opportunities and pressures facing District 1. I will fight for sustainable growth, responsible spending, and policies that protect families, strengthen our community, and respect taxpayers—guided by faith, accountability, and a commitment to results.
Above all, I understand that if elected, I work for you. I want to be your voice, and the only way I can succeed is by engaging with the people I serve—listening, then taking action.
6. Are there qualities that distinguish you from other candidates?
I’m the only native of District 1 in the race with a deep understanding of our history and its challenges. I don’t just live here; this is home. Being the son of a retired law enforcement officer gives me unique insight into public safety needs.
Most importantly, I believe in genuine community engagement, not just during campaign season. I listen, and I act on what I hear. I’m running because our district deserves better, and I’m committed to being the conservative voice that fights for meaningful results—lower taxes, better services, economic opportunity, and quality of life improvements.
You can reach me at 910-554-6924 electstevenoverby.com or Facebook: Elect Steven Overby
Thank you for your consideration. God Bless
Celeste Cairns Contest: – NC HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES DISTRICT 013
9705 ASHLEY PL
EMERALD ISLE, NC 28594
Email: CELESTE@CELESTEFORNC.COM
Phone: 2522696287
Party: Republican
Contest: – NC HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES DISTRICT 013REP.
CCTA & GCCA General Questions –
1. Short biography – (200 words or less, please)
Celeste lives in Emerald Isle with her husband and two dogs. She holds a BBA from UGA and practiced as a CPA for many years. She and Rob have two married adult children and two grandsons (so far) :). Rob is a retired Army SF Officer, so the family spent many years living the military life in the US and overseas.
Celeste is currently serving in her second term as the Representative for District 13 (Carteret and Craven counties) in the North Carolina House of Representatives. She is a Deputy Majority Whip. She is a Co-Chair of the Alcohol Beverage Control Committee, Vice-Chair of Appropriations (AgNER) Committee, Vice-Chair of the Commerce and Economic Development Committee, and a Member of the Energy and Public Utilities Committee, the Homeland Security, Military and Veteran Affairs Committee, and the House Select Committee on Blockchain and Digital Assets.
Celeste and Rob are followers of Christ and are members of All Saints Anglican Church in Newport.
2. What books/documents/sources form your core personal principals and beliefs?
The Holy Bible – overall worldview
Economics in One Lesson (H.Hazlitt) – Economic theory
Basic Economics (Thomas Sowell) – Economic theory
Growing Kids God’s Way (G. Ezzo) – Raising children 🙂
3. What are the top few issues you would want to address and why?
My overall goals are to maintain or expand the fundamental freedoms of North Carolinians across myriad issues: limiting taxes and regulations as much as possible, protecting our way of life in coastal communities (fishermen, hunters, gun owners, etc). There are three pieces of legislation I have already committed to working on next session including a seafood labeling law, efforts to expand medical options for veterans, and statutory guidance for shellfish leasing in Bogue Sound.
4. Where do you see yourself in five and ten years in the future?
In five years, I will be thinking of packing out my office in Raleigh and working with my family to determine where exactly retirement life will be enjoyed! Within 10 years, I hope to be principal taxi driver and second “home” for my grandchildren.
5. Why should I vote for you and how would you make yourself available to the public?
You should vote for me because I am intent on preserving what is exceptional about this nation and on fighting every effort to degrade our culture. I am extremely reachable, and I work to ensure that my office is responsive to my constiuents when they have problems with any state agency.
6. Are there qualities that immediately distinguish you from other candidates?
The only other candidate in this race is a male and he is a life-long Democrat who has lived prinipally in Wake and Durham counties. I suspect we have very little in common.
Hey Bob and Ray! THANKS! Celeste
Chip Hughes Contest: – CRAVEN COUNTY SHERIFF
903 SEA HOLLY CT
NEW BERN, NC 28560
Email: CHUGHES@CRAVENCOUNTYNC.GOV
Phone?252) 636-6620
Party: Republican
Contest: – CRAVEN COUNTY SHERIFFREP.
CCTA & GCCA General Questions —
1.Short biography
Since 2018, I have had the honor of serving as the elected Sheriff of Craven County. My commitment to serving the community I live in continues to be guided by enthusiasm, integrity, professionalism, building partnerships and transparency. Every day, I strive to ensure that the men and women of the Craven County Sheriff’s Office have the leadership, resources, training, and support necessary to protect and serve our citizens.
My career in public service began with the United States Air Force rising to the rank of Sergeant before being honorably discharged. I then joined the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, where I served for 14 years and was promoted to Sergeant. During my Highway Patrol career, I served the citizens of Craven, Carteret, and Pamlico counties. | continued my law enforcement career as a Reserve Special Agent with the North Carolina Alcohol Law Enforcement Division and as an Executive with a public safety technology company before being elected Sheriff of Craven County.
With more than 37 years of law enforcement experience, I believe the knowledge, leadership, and relationships I have developed throughout my career allow me to continue to effectively lead our Sheriff’s Office and advocate for the men and women who serve in law enforcement.
I have also been honored to serve law enforcement and the citizens of North Carolina in numerous leadership positions. I have served on the Governor’s Crime Commission, Chairman of the Governor’s Task Force on Safer Schools and as Past Chairman of the North Carolina Sheriffs’ Association Legislative Committee. I currently serve as 2nd Vice President of the North Carolina Sheriffs’ Association Executive Committee. I am a member of the North Carolina Sheriffs’ Association, National Sheriffs’ Association, and Constitutional Sheriffs’ Association. I serve on the North Carolina Sheriff’s Education, Training and Standards Commission and the Craven Community College Board of Trustees where I have been working closely with our college staff and faculty with the design and construction of our new Public Safety Training Facility
2. What books/documents/sources form your core personal principals and beliefs?
The North Carolina Constitution, Article VII, Sec 2. The Sheriff is a Constitutional Officer and is the only law enforcement officer elected by the people and sworn to protect the people and The United States Constitution: these two sacred documents serve as the guide for_every elected official.
Extreme Ownership, ret. Naval Officer who is a former member of SEAL Team 3. Every leader should be required to read this book. It argues that the best leaders take full responsibility for everything in their world: not only their actions, decisions, and failures, but also those of everyone on their team.
3. What are the top few issues you would want to address and why?
We continue to make Craven County a safer place to live, work and raise a family. Over the past four years Violent crimes are down 80%, Robberies down 600%, Larceny down 35%, Residential B&E’s down 41%, Overdoses down 470%, over $1,000,000 seized from drug dealers/traffickers. These drastic reductions in crimes have continued to improve the quality of life for our citizens in Craven County. Your Sheriff’s Office will continue to aggressively go after criminals that choose that attempt to bring dangerous narcotics into our county!
4. Where do you see yourself in five and ten years in the future?
God willing and with the continued support of the citizens of Craven County, I’ll continue to serve the citizens as the Sheriff of Craven County.
5. Why should I vote for you and how would you make yourself available to the public?
I believe the citizens of Craven County should re-elect me because I have the experience, leadership, and proven record necessary to continue leading the Sheriff’s Office and keeping our communities safe.
For more than seven years, I have had the honor of serving as your elected Sheriff. During that time, I have worked every day to make Craven County a safer place to live, work, and raise a family. I have surrounded myself with dedicated men and women, strengthened our agency, focused on recruiting and retaining good deputies, and worked aggressively to address violent crime, drugs, and property crime.
But being Sheriff isn’t just about enforcing the law. It’s about being accessible to the people you serve.
I will continue to make myself available to the citizens of Craven County. I want people to know that when they have a concern, a question, or a problem involving the Sheriffs Office, they can reach out to me. I will continue attending community meetings, visiting neighborhoods and schools, meeting with civic organizations, talking with business owners, and listening directly to our citizens.
I don’t believe the Sheriff should sit behind a desk and only hear from the public through other people. | believe the Sheriff needs to be out in the community, listening, engaging, working side by side with the deputies and answering to the people who elected him.
If re-elected, I will continue to lead with integrity, professionalism, transparency, and accountability. Most importantly, I will continue to be a Sheriff who is accessible to the people of Craven County and who never forgets who we work for the citizens we have sworn to serve and protect.
6. Are there qualities that immediately distinguish you from other candidates?
What distinguishes me is simple: experience, proven leadership, and a track record of results. Proven abilities and qualifications. 1 have over 37 years of continuous law enforcement experience at the federal, state and local levels.
I’m not asking the citizens of Craven County to elect someone based on promises about what they might do. I’m asking them to look at what I have already done with an outstanding team of professional law enforcement officers.
As your Sheriff, I have led the Sheriff’s Office through difficult and challenging situations, made tough decisions, held people accountable, and worked every day to make Craven County a safer place to live, work, and raise a family.
[also believe leadership means being present. I make myself available to our deputies, to our community, and to the citizens we serve. | listen to people, I take their concerns seriously, and I’m willing to make the difficult decisions necessary to protect our community.
Most importantly, I understand that being Sheriff is not about a title or a position—it is about trust, responsibility, and service.
My record is my resume. My experience is proven. And I believe the citizens of Craven County deserve to keep a Sheriff who is ready to lead and has led from day one.
Very Respectfully,
Sheriff Chip Hughes
Craven County Sheriff
Bear McGillem Contest: – CITY OF HAVELOCK COMMISSIONER
124 PIRATES LN
HAVELOCK, NC 28532
Email: HAVELOCKACCOUNTABILITY@PROTON.ME
Phone: 2524972922
Party:
Contest: – CITY OF HAVELOCK COMMISSIONERREP.
CCTA & GCCA General Questions –
I am grateful for the opportunity to introduce myself and share what is important to me. Here are my answers:
1. Short biography — My name is Harlan McGillem, but I have been called Bear since I was two years old due to a dog bite. I am the only son of a single mother who proudly served in the USMC for over 26 years. Born in Havelock 42 years ago, it has always been my home, but the way I see it today, it’s being slowly challenged. In my youth, I worked as a CNA in local senior care facilities until my heart could no longer take it, moving into construction for decades—masonry, carpentry, and more. I am OSHA 30 certified on my own accord, USACE CQM certified, AWS Welding I & II certified, and hold a CDL-A with hazardous materials and tanker endorsements. I also ran a home repair LLC until COVID hit. I essentially studied safety, human health, and infrastructure my entire life, and I gave up $70k a year to come home and care for my elderly veteran mother and her husband. Today, I’m also an adult student at Craven Community College studying Cybersecurity & Networking, building independent 3D games and tools on the side. My tech work portfolio: Forbidden Cheese — Bear
2. What books/documents/sources form your core personal principles and beliefs? My books are very dear to me. An easy list: Marcus Aurelius’ Meditations, The Divine Comedy, the entire Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy saga, and The Bible—more of a pursuit than a read, really. Lately, I also spend a lot of time reading hacking books as part of my extracurricular studies in my AAS program at CCC.
3. What are the top few issues you would want to address and why?
- Neighborhood Safety & Traffic: The NCDOT and city commissioners have allowed heavy commercial motor vehicles onto my residential road, adding needless risks to a school walking route and our neighborhoods to save drivers 60 seconds. There are two much better alternative routes. Using existing NC statutes, a Board of Commissioners can directly challenge a road’s classification, and I seek to stop this.
- Ordinance Enforcement: We have a startlingly low enforcement rate of quality-of-life laws and ordinances in Havelock. I plan to bring consistent deterrence back to protect our town from the common degenerated social norms that often accompany a bypass rerouting a city—something I learned firsthand as an over-the-road truck driver.
- Jobs, Jobs, Jobs: We need real, natural growth instead of just more housing units. We need to attract higher-tier careers like cybersecurity and data systems administration to serve our local bases and doctors so our young men have options beyond Cherry Point, retail, or fast food. Seeing our youth passed over enrages me in a political way.
4. Where do you see yourself in five and ten years in the future? In five to ten years, I would like to be working on a sequel to my pet project, Forbidden Forge Wrestling™, while still taking care of my ma and her husband. I want to be able to leave my door open in the fall without intrusive, contentious noise, watching the neighborhood kids run back and forth safely without dodging 16 tons of hurried traffic. It shouldn’t be this hard to keep them safe, but here I am.
5. Why should I vote for you and how would you make yourself available to the public? You should vote for someone you sincerely believe will go to bat for you and stand his ground. Well, fellas, I already have been for eight months—completely by myself and at my own expense. I learned laws and statutes I never set out to learn because they ignored me into an academic rage. Now I am armed with proof and statutes; I just want you to see what it looks like when you have a real fighter in the ring, instead of a yes-man fall guy. As for availability, I vow to respond to every constituent email within two weeks (barring unforeseen life emergencies), because I know what it feels like to be ignored. My email and website are both public. Trusted sources will receive the phone number.
6. Are there qualities that immediately distinguish you from other candidates? Yes. I am a native son who cared for your parents and grandparents in local facilities, built and repaired your homes, and never stopped learning and contributing. If you want a yes-man fall guy, I’m not your candidate. If you want a bulldog who was inspired by Teddy Roosevelt and won’t back down, I’m ready to serve.
With greatest respect,
Bear McGillem
Tyrone Cantey Contest: – CITY OF HAVELOCK MAYOR
704 IRONWOOD DR
HAVELOCK, NC 28532
Email: CANTEYT@GMAIL.COM
Phone: 2524444201
Party:
Contest: – CITY OF HAVELOCK MAYORREP.
CCTA & GCCA General Questions –
TYRONE CANTEY
CANDIDATE FOR MAYOR
OF HAVELOCK
CCTA & GCCA Questionnaire:
1. Short biography – (200 words or less, please)
I grew up in South Carolina and after high school, I enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. I served in 13 different commands both domestically and overseas: including multiple deployments to Afghanistan and Iraq in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. I retired from the Marine Corps after 30 years in the second largest military occupational field, providing communication needs to the commands I was serving. May 2014, I graduated Cum Laude from Park University with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Management/Human Resource. I have supported the community of Havelock through my church with its outreach programs. I serve as a Band parent that supports all the Marching Band functions: Band Competition and high school football games they are required to perform at. As a retired veteran, I am a member of the Montford Point Marines at Cherry Point, where I serve as the Chapter Secretary and Scholarship Director. I was ordained as Deacon in 2008 at New Beginnings Ministry of Faith where I continue to serve. My wife and I have been married for 26 years with four children and a daughter-in-law. After the Marine Corps, we decided to make Havelock home.
2. What books/documents/sources form your core personal principles and beliefs?
o My core personal, and principle’s beliefs are guided by the Bible and the Constitution of the United States. Then I review my city ordinance and codes manual to find common ground for a response.
3. What are the top few issues you would want to address and why?
Our current tax rate has continued to increase every year. o Our Utility Bill has increased due to our water and sewer usage.
4. Where do you see yourself in five and ten years in the future?
If elected as Mayor, I expected to be serving the city of Havelock as Mayor for at least three terms or until the citizens Havelock decides otherwise.
5. Why should I vote for you and how would you make yourself available to the public?
My leadership, my forward vision and my belief in moving this community forward. It will take the citizens and the local government working together and agreeing as we Advance. It is written, can two walk together except they be agreed! o Availability will be made upon request and as my schedule permits to all citizens.
6. Are there qualities that immediately distinguish you from other candidates?
Being able to view a problem and come up with multiple courses of action to resolve the situation. Additionally identifying shortfalls that may occur (if any) and allowing members of the board to choose the least course of resistance. =======================================
John Nyberg Contest: – CARTERET COUNTY SHERIFF
813 SEA CHASER CT
BEAUFORT, NC 28516
Email: NYBERG5@EC.RR.COM
Phone: 2522410286
Party: Republican
Contest: – CARTERET COUNTY SHERIFF
Sheriff John Nyberg Voter Guide
1. Short biography – (200 words or less, please)
I have lived in Carteret County for the past 22 years. I raised my three children here with my wife of 36 years, Ann, a retired Carteret County elementary school teacher. Living along the beautiful Crystal Coast and being part of such a welcoming community convinced us to make this our permanent home. Our family is very involved with our church and youth sports. I have in the past coached youth girls’ basketball in the ‘Upwards’ (Faith Based) program and at the middle school level. I also coached middle school boy’s baseball and high school boy’s golf. Our family has enjoyed spending time together boating, fishing and playing golf. We have built relationships in this community that will last the rest of our lives. I hold a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from East Carolina University. I joined the State Highway Patrol in 1987 and was stationed in New Bern. I retired in 2015 at the rank of Captain. After retiring I was honored to join the Carteret County Sheriff’s Office, first as a volunteer and later as the Assistant Jail Administrator. After seven plus (7+) years of working in the Jail and improving the processes, I was asked to move into the role of Chief Deputy. In June of 2026, I was honored to be nominated and sworn in as the Sheriff of Carteret County.
2. What books/documents/sources form your core personal principals and beliefs?
My core personal beliefs were formed early in my life from my parents, through the church, and my higher education. My faith, initiative, integrity, accountability and hard work are my core beliefs and these have guided me through my entire life and my professional career. The Bible is the book that I hold in the highest regard and the U.S. Constitution, and my oath to uphold it, are the documents that I hold in the highest regard.
3. What are the top few issues you would want to address and why?
My top three issues are the on-going illegal drug problem, the Mental Health crisis and the protection of our children. The drug problem continues to plague our families and communities. I have continued our approach of being firm with distributors and traffickers and helping low level offenders struggling with addiction get the treatment they need. Along with these efforts, we’ve partnered with the District Attorney’s Office to prosecute Death by Distribution cases and the county Post Overdose Response Team, to reduced overdose deaths by more than 70% in our county. The mental health crisis throughout our nation is also present in our county. We have partnered with Correctional Behavioral Health Services to provide help to inmates in need of assessment. When they are released, they are referred to Trillium Health service for follow up assessment and treatment. This is a voluntary program and only part of the system to assist people in mental health crisis. I continue to protect our children with School Resource Officers in our schools and they serve as mentors and positive role models. Promoting positive involvement in the school environment and participating in community programs is vital to the success of our children. We have continued our efforts to remove child predators from our communities utilizing our partnership with the State Bureau of Investigation and our Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Unit.
4. Where do you see yourself in five and ten years in the future?
Five years from now I see myself as the head of our Sheriff’s Office that remains one of the most respected in the state. Our staff will continue to receive first line supervisor and management training that will set them up for success and allow them to move into vacancies created by retirements. At ten years we will have set a solid foundation that will continue well into the future focusing on serving our citizens with professionalism, integrity and transparency.
5. Why should I vote for you and how would you make yourself available to the public?
I have been in public service my whole adult life. Carteret County is my home and I have worked with all our public safety partners to keep it one of the safest counties in the state. Together we can continue to build a county where families feel safe, businesses can thrive and every resident knows they matter. I am currently available to the public by email, telephone and in person. I have met with citizens in our office and traveled to them to discuss community issues and concerns.
6. Are there qualities that immediately distinguish you from other candidates?
My leadership qualities are extensive. I have supervised, managed, coached, mentored and lead my co-workers since 1999. Along with my Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice, I successfully completed the Administrative Officers Management Program (AOMP), a semester long, graduate level course of study offered by NC State University. I served my final 8 years with the State Highway Patrol as a Troop Commander in Greenville, overseeing 20 counties in eastern North Carolina, with 140 uniformed and civilian personnel, a radio communication center, troop vehicle garage and a radio technician shop. While working with the Carteret County Sheriff’s Office, I was the assistant administrator in the Jail for over 7 years. From November of 2023 until June of 2026, I served as the Chief Deputy for Sheriff Asa Buck. During this time, I oversaw the day-to-day operations of all the divisions within the Office and successfully completed the Chief Deputies Leadership Institute offered by the N.C. Sheriff’s Association. For the past 3 years I have worked with our hard-working administrative assistants, Sheriff Buck and the County Manager to create and manage our Office budget. In June of 2026, I was sworn in as Sheriff to finish Sheriff Buck’s term. I am committed to leading a Sheriff’s Office that continues to be transparent, professional and accountable to the citizens of Carteret County. This is proven leadership, focused on service and I will work tirelessly to keep our Office one of the most respected in the state.
Jennifer Dacey Contest: – CRAVEN COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION DISTRICT 04
139 TRENT SHORES DR
NEW BERN, NC 28562
Email: JENNIFERDACEY93@GMAIL.COM
Phone: 2523490450
Party: Republican
Contest: – CRAVEN COUNTY BOARD OF EDUCATION DISTRICT 04REP.
CCTA & GCCA General Questions –
1. Short biography – (200 words or less, please)
Jennifer Dacey and her husband, Scott, have called New Bern home for the past 24 years. They chose eastern North Carolina because they wanted to raise their two children close to family and in a community that shares their values. Jennifer believes that “to whom much is given, much is required,” and that conviction has guided her professional life, her volunteer service, and her work on behalf of Craven County families.
Education has shaped Jennifer’s life from the beginning. As the daughter and granddaughter of high school teachers, she grew up with a deep respect for learning and the opportunities it creates. She carried that commitment with her to Duke University, where she earned degrees in Public Policy Studies and History before beginning her career in Washington, D.C., working in the U.S. House of Representatives. She later graduated with High Honors from the Antonin Scalia Law School at George Mason University and built a legal career representing clients in both Virginia and North Carolina. Most recently, she practiced trusts and estates law in the New Bern office of Ward and Smith, where she helped families navigate some of life’s most important decisions.
2. What books/documents/sources form your core personal principals and beliefs?
The Bible, the Constitution of the United States, and the North Carolina Constitution are the primary sources from which I draw my core personal principles and beliefs. I also read extensively on education topics from a wide variety of authors.
3. What are the top few issues you would want to address and why?
Put School Safety and Discipline First — Even in the face of severe budget pressures, I have consistently prioritized school safety and will continue to do so. I have strongly supported the allocation of more than $3.1 million per year to School Resource Officers (SROs) and have advocated for other physical security upgrades, including metal detectors when necessary. I have also been a stalwart supporter of the need to keep a nurse in every school in order to ensure the health and safety of students and staff alike.
Empower and Support our Teachers and Staff — Like other school districts across our state, our district is facing ever increasing fixed costs for utilities, insurance, retirement benefits, and fuel. Despite these challenges and in the face of declining state revenue, I remain committed to protecting core instructional programs and maintaining competitive teacher salary supplements for our teachers.
Protect and Respect Parents’ Rights — Throughout my tenure, I have focused on restoring excellence in education through the Board’s policy choices. I will continue to be a leading advocate for increasing parental oversight and involvement in our schools. In my first term, I was the primary supporter of a board resolution backing the “Parents’ Bill of Rights” (Senate Bill 49), which was a vital tool to reconnect families with the school system following pandemic-era school closures. Once the Parents’ Bill of Rights became state law, I worked diligently to ensure it was fully enacted in our local board policies. More recently, I championed a resolution designed to encourage a return to traditional character education in our district, removing references to social and emotional learning from our materials.
Update and Modernize our Aging Facilities — Despite our system’s budget challenges, we must remain focused on updating and modernizing our facilities to provide our students and families with the school buildings they deserve. To that end, during my tenure as board chair in the spring of 2024, with the assistance of former state senator Jim Perry, Representative Steve Tyson and other elected officials, to include our county commissioners, I helped to secure more than $15 million in needs based grant funding to expand Tucker Creek Middle School. In order to make CCS the first choice in education in our county, we must provide students and families with the up to date facilities our competitors provide. I’m excited to say that construction on that project is well under way, and we are on track to open a new expanded school in the fall of 2027 on time and under budget. This is the first step of many needed to bring our facilities up to snuff after too many years of deferred maintenance.
Prioritize School Attendance District Wide — While working to ensure the Parents Bill of Rights was fully implemented in the policy of our district, I also led the charge to aggressively improve the district wide absenteeism problem. If reelected, I will continue my focus on that issue to ensure that as many children as possible in Craven County are reading at grade level by third grade. In the wake of COVID, absentee rates had skyrocketed to 25 and 30% locally and nationally. Working with our staff to continue to fund school social workers has been critical to addressing this challenge to learning. With staff filing the necessary paperwork with the district court, our district is aggressively combating the chronic absenteeism problem, and this effort is yielding dramatic results in improved attendance rates and end of grade scores. As a system, we know that we can feed kids, keep them safe and ensure they learn if we get they come to school.
4. Where do you see yourself in five and ten years in the future?
Lord willing I will have some grandchildren that I will be enjoying by that time!
5. Why should I vote for you and how would you make yourself available to the public?
I have been and will continue to be a stalwart advocate for common sense conservative values on the Craven County Board of Education. We have accomplished a great deal in four years but so much more remains to be done. When I ran for the seat four years ago, I promised to host monthly office hours ahead of each board meeting and have been true to that promise. All are welcome, and I have a number of regular attendees to include retired educators and other interested parties. I am also easily reachable by email and phone. My phone number is 252-349-0450, and my email address is jennifer.dacey@cravenk12.org.
6. Are there qualities that immediately distinguish you from other candidates?
Yes! Not only do I have a legal background that is helpful in interpreting, editing and drafting board policies that impact our district, I have chaired our board and am acutely aware of ongoing challenges and successes. In addition, I serve on the North Carolina School Boards Association Board of Directors. In that capacity, I have the privilege of representing the views of our board and others in the southeast region regarding issues that impact school districts statewide. I serve on both the Association’s Legislative Committee and its Budget and Finance Committee, and intend to serve a second term on that Board if re-elected. On the Legislative Committee, I have been able to advocate for legislative priorities that are important to Craven County Schools and those we serve.
Thank you!
Jennifer
Shannon W. Bray Contest: – US SENATE
375 MATTHEWS MILL POND RD
ANGIER, NC 27501
Email: SHANNONBRAYNC@OUTLOOK.COM
Phone:
Party: Libertarian
Contest: – US SENATE
Thank you for inviting me to participate in the CCTA and GCCA candidate questionnaire. Please use the following responses for your voter guide.
1. Short biography
Shannon W. Bray is a disabled U.S. Navy veteran, enterprise architect, cybersecurity professional, author, and North Carolina technology entrepreneur. He has spent his career building secure, accountable systems and helping organizations solve difficult technology and governance problems. A Microsoft-certified expert and author of two SharePoint books, Bray is running for the United States Senate as the Libertarian candidate to bring independent, evidence-based leadership to Washington. His priorities include constitutional liberty, accountable government, patient-centered healthcare, veterans’ services, economic opportunity, secure elections, and responsible governance of artificial intelligence and surveillance technologies.
2. What books, documents, or sources form your core principles and beliefs?
The U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights are the foundation of my political beliefs. I am also influenced by the Declaration of Independence, the Federalist and Anti-Federalist debates, military traditions of duty and service, the civil-rights movement’s insistence on equal dignity and equal protection, and practical systems thinking that requires claims to be tested against evidence and outcomes. I do not believe any party platform or single author should replace independent judgment.
3. What are the top issues you want to address, and why?
My priorities are protecting constitutional rights consistently; making healthcare affordable and centered on patients rather than corporations or bureaucracies; improving veterans’ and disability services; restoring fiscal and institutional accountability; expanding opportunity for workers, entrepreneurs, and rural communities; securing elections while preserving access; and governing artificial intelligence, surveillance, and automated decision systems before they become unaccountable instruments of power. These issues affect whether citizens can live freely, support their families, trust public institutions, and challenge decisions that harm them.
4. Where do you see yourself in five and ten years?
In five years, I expect to be continuing public service, technology research, and advocacy for accountable institutions, whether as a senator or as an independent citizen holding government and industry to a higher standard. In ten years, I want to be able to point to durable systems, laws, organizations, and future leaders that give ordinary people more power to verify consequential decisions. My objective is not simply to hold an office; it is to leave institutions more transparent, trustworthy, and respectful of individual liberty.
5. Why should I vote for you, and how will you remain available?
Voters should choose me if they want a senator who is not owned by either major party, has served the country, understands emerging technology and national-security risks, and will explain decisions rather than hide behind talking points. I would conduct regular forums across North Carolina, publish plain-language explanations of major votes, disclose meetings and conflicts, maintain accessible digital and telephone constituent services, and publish measurable service standards. Citizens should be able to see what I promised, how I voted, why I voted that way, and what happened afterward.
6. What immediately distinguishes you from the other candidates?
I combine military service, cybersecurity, enterprise architecture, artificial-intelligence experience, authorship, entrepreneurship, and lived experience as a disabled veteran. My professional work focuses on complex systems, failure modes, evidence, and accountability. I am also willing to say when evidence is incomplete, resist party pressure, and apply constitutional principles even when doing so benefits people who disagree with me.
Michael C. Byrne Contest NC COURT OF APPEALS JUDGE SEAT 01
Michael C. Byrne
PO BOX 97275
RALEIGH, NC 27624
Party: Republican
Email: MICHAEL@MB4NC.COM
Phone: 9193246606
General Questions -– (Primary answers)
1. Short biography – (200 words or less, please)
I have a combined 30 years of trial, appellate, and judicial experience. In almost 6 years as a NC Administrative Law Judge, I’ve authored almost 400 opinions. Nine were reviewed by the Court of Appeals and all were unanimously affirmed. I have never been reversed by the Court of Appeals. As a lawyer I personally did more than 20 cases in the Court of Appeals and Supreme Court and served as an amicus for multiple groups in others. Additionally, I litigated hundreds of trials, including 272 cases alone in the Office of Administrative Hearings, where I am now a judge. I am a lifelong registered Republican who was raised in North Carolina. I went to NC State and Campbell Law School. I live in Cary with my wife and our rescue dog, Tilda.
2. What books/documents/principles/sources form your core personal beliefs?
The Constitution of North Carolina, Michael Barone’s Our Country, and Alexis de Tocqueville’s Democracy in America.
3. What are the top three issues you want to address and why?
I cannot comment as a judicial candidate on matters that may come before me. However, I can share that while I am lifelong North Carolina Republican, there is no such thing as Democrat or Republican justice. I do not have a “side” when it comes to the law. Judges who take partisanship into account in their work undermine public trust and confidence in the fairness of the legal system. I apply the law equally and without fear or favor. I also have a passion for due process and fairness.
4. Where do you see yourself five and ten years in the future?
Hopefully on the Court of Appeals!
5. Why should I vote for you?
I am experienced, conservative and fair. I also am the only primary endorsed Court of Appeals candidate by the National Association of Police Organizations (241,000 sworn officers and 1,000 police organizations nationwide), the North Carolina Fraternal Order of Police (part of the nation’s largest police fraternal organization) and the North Carolina Police Benevolent Association (NC’s largest law enforcement organization). This combination of endorsements is unprecedented in a NC judicial primary. And I have more endorsements coming – so check my website for updates: https://mb4nc.com/endorsements.
6. Are there qualities that distinguish you from other candidates?
I have argued more than 20 cases in the Court of Appeals, and I can find no evidence that my opponent—in his entire career—did more than one.
