I was raised in Blowing Rock and am the son of an accountant and a librarian. I graduated from Watauga High School and went on to earn a History degree from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, a Master’s in Religion from Wake Forest University, and a Juris Doctorate (JD) from the University of Notre Dame. I began my career in public service as a federal law clerk in Charlotte and later served as Senator Elizabeth Dole’s Chief of Staff. Following President Trump’s historic 2016 victory, I was tapped to lead the Presidential Transition’s Energy, Environment, and Agriculture teams, overseeing development of the Administration’s Farm Plan and Energy Plan. These efforts helped deliver lower energy prices for families and businesses and contributed to a booming agricultural and rural economy. I previously had the honor of serving as Chairman of the North Carolina Republican Party and, at President Trump’s request, as Chairman of the Republican National Committee during the 2024 cycle. My wife, Suzanne, and I live in Gaston County. Our twin sons, Michael and George, attend Clemson and NC State. Our daughter, Mary Kate, attends UNC–Chapel Hill. I am proud to be President Trump’s endorsed candidate to represent the great state of North Carolina in the United States Senate.

Laurie Buckhout is a retired Army Colonel, combat commander, and business leader who has spent her life serving our country and delivering results. A veteran of the Iraq War, Laurie led troops in combat and built a career focused on national security, leadership, and mission-driven execution. After her military service, Laurie founded and grew a successful cyber and defense business, creating jobs and hiring primarily veterans while supporting America’s national security. She also served in the Trump administration in a senior role, shaping U.S. cyber policy as Acting Assistant Secretary of War for Cyber Policy and taking on threats from America’s adversaries. Laurie is running for Congress to bring that same decisive leadership to Washington. She is focused on implementing the America First Agenda, lowering costs for families, securing the border, strengthening our national defense, restoring accountability in government, and putting the people of eastern North Carolina first. Eastern North Carolina needs a fighter, not another career politician, and Laurie will be ready to deliver on day one. Laurie lives in Edenton with her husband of 30 years, a fellow Army veteran. They have two sons and are active in their community.

Administrative Law Judge Michael C. Byrne is running for the North Carolina Court of Appeals. He grew up in Wake County and earned his B.A. in English with university and departmental honors from North Carolina State University. He earned his law degree from Campbell University, where he served as editor of the Campbell Law Observer. After several years of trial and appellate practice in North Carolina’s state and federal courts, Michael focused his law practice on representing law enforcement officers and public employees. He represented clients before the North Carolina Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH), Superior Court, Court of Appeals, and Supreme Court. Between 2005 and 2020, Michael appeared in more than 270 cases before OAH and served as a referral attorney for multiple law enforcement organizations. Michael litigated more than 20 cases before the North Carolina Court of Appeals as an attorney, including cases involving law enforcement and correctional officers who were wrongfully terminated or otherwise disciplined. Cases Michael won on behalf of North Carolina law enforcement are regularly cited in similar cases by OAH and the Court of Appeals. He also submitted amicus, or friend of the court, briefs in Court of Appeals and Supreme Court cases on behalf of public employee and law enforcement groups. In June 2020, Michael was sworn in as an Administrative Law Judge. In just over six years on the bench, he has issued more than 400 decisions. Michael writes his decisions himself rather than delegating this important responsibility to others. His top priority is providing a fair hearing to every party who comes before him. Ten of Michael’s decisions have been appealed to the North Carolina Court of Appeals. All ten were unanimously affirmed by the Court of Appeals, most recently in June 2026. Michael’s judicial philosophy can be summarized by the one-sentence directive the Chief Judge at OAH gave him when he began serving there: “Get it right.” He believes passionately in due process, fairness, giving all sides an opportunity to be heard, and deciding cases strictly according to the law, without fear or favor. Michael lives in Cary with his wife, Brigette, and their dog, Tilda.

My judicial philosophy is simple: I follow the rule of law and administer justice impartially, without prejudice or bias. I believe people must be held accountable for their actions. As a judge, I have worked to keep our communities safe and have sentenced numerous violent criminals to life in prison without parole. Our cities face serious challenges from violent crime, including dangerous takeover events that threaten the safety of our communities. I have held criminals accountable, and I will continue to administer justice fairly and faithfully while working to ensure our local communities are safe from violent crime. I am proud to help keep North Carolina families safe, and I remain committed to the rule of law, accountability, and justice. Vote George Bell for Judge and “Ring the Bell for Justice.”

"Conservative judges matter now more than ever." Craig Collins. Education and Legal Background: B.A., University of Pittsburgh, 1994; J.D., Villanova University School of Law, 1997; Assistant District Attorney, 1997–2006; Owner, Law Office of Craig Collins, 2007–2016; District Court Judge, 2016–2024; Currently serving as a Superior Court Judge. Judge Craig Collins brings decades of legal and judicial experience to the bench. As an Assistant District Attorney, he prosecuted thousands of criminal cases on behalf of the State of North Carolina. In private practice, he represented thousands of clients through the Law Office of Craig Collins. During his judicial career, Judge Collins has presided over countless trials involving criminal, traffic, juvenile, and civil matters. His career includes experience as a prosecutor, private attorney, District Court Judge, and Superior Court Judge, giving him a broad understanding of North Carolina’s justice system.

Sarah Stevens believes the law should be applied as written and that judges should not create laws from the bench. On the North Carolina Supreme Court, Sarah will respect our state’s Constitution and apply the principles of conserving liberty to every case. After graduating from Mount Airy High School, Sarah attended the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and Campbell University School of Law. Sarah maintained a private law practice for more than 30 years and served as President of the Surry County Bar Association. Sarah and her husband, Edwin, live in Mount Airy. Together, they share five children. Sarah knows what it means to lead and what it takes to be a voice for North Carolina families. Her leadership experience includes: Republican Leader in the North Carolina House of Representatives, Chair of the House Elections Law Committee, Chair of a House Judiciary Committee, Chair of the Joint Legislative Administrative Procedure Oversight Committee, Former Speaker Pro Tempore of the North Carolina House of Representatives, Former Chair of the North Carolina Courts Commission. Sarah has worked to reform North Carolina’s child welfare system and advocate for those who cannot advocate for themselves. Her record includes: Passing Jessica’s Law to limit sex offenders from accessing locations primarily intended for minors, Supporting Marsy’s Law to strengthen victims’ rights in North Carolina, Chairing the Children, Youth and Families Committee, Partnering with the Social Services Working Group and the Child Well-Being Transformation Council.

Candidate for North Carolina Senate - District 3. Brief biography and campaign priorities will be added soon.

Steve Tyson is a proud native of Craven County, and except for his time on active duty in the Army, he has lived here his entire life. Steve currently serves as the N.C. Representative for District 3 and is the Deputy Majority Leader. Steve serves as Chairman of the Appropriations, Transportation Committee and the Transportation Committee, Vice Chairman of the Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) Committee and the Appropriations Committee, and he serves as Member of the Energy and Public Utilities Committee, Rules, Calendar, and Operations of the House, and the House Select Committee on Helene Recovery. Steve was elected and served 12 years as a Craven County Commissioner with two terms as Chairman. During his tenure, the County built a new jail, Creekside Elementary School, a new water treatment plant, and converted the old jail into a modern Emergency Center. Despite these much-needed capital expenditures (over $100 million), when he left office, Craven County had the 17th lowest property tax rate among the 100 Counties in N.C. Steve is a proud veteran, the father of a veteran, and the son of a WWII POW. He understands the importance of our military , and the challenges of our military families. He will be a strong advocate for our active duty service men and women, our Veterans, Cherry Point Marine Air Station as well as the Fleet Readiness Center. Steve has been a licensed General Contractor, a licensed Real Estate Broker, and a small business owner for over 35 years. He understands the challenges of not only our active small business community but also our larger industries. While on the County Board of Commission he helped oversee the complete restructure of the Craven County Economic Development Department.

Celeste lives in Emerald Isle, NC with her husband, Rob. She graduated from the University of Georgia with honors, earning a degree in business administration. Celeste began her career as a CPA with Deloitte, a multinational consulting and accounting firm, and then worked in the audit and consulting departments of Willis Corroon Corporation and HCA Healthcare Corporation. After many successful years in the private sector, Celeste and her family moved where the U.S. Army sent them. Celeste’s husband, coming from a family with a long history of military service, graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point and spent the majority of his 20+ years of service as a U.S. Army Special Forces Officer (Green Beret). Rob now works for the U.S. Marine Corps at Camp Lejeune. Both of their children, Nathaniel and Kathryn, are graduates of East Carolina University. Nathaniel earned a degree in GIS and has chosen a career in law enforcement. Kathryn (Katye) earned a degree in Exercise Physiology from ECU and a Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from Hardin-Simmons University. She accepted a commission into the US Army to serve our nation’s wounded warriors. Katye and her husband, Jake, gave Celeste and Rob their first grandchild in February 2025. 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 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.

Chip Hughes has served as the Sheriff of Craven County, North Carolina since 2018. His promise of serving the community he lives in with enthusiasm, integrity, professionalism, and transparency continues to drive him every single day. Chip Hughes started his public service career with the United States Air Force. He then joined the North Carolina State Highway Patrol where he became a Sergeant and served for 14 years. His work in law enforcement continued as an executive for a public safety technology company. With over 36 years experience in law enforcement, Sheriff Chip Hughes has every intention of continuing to serve this wonderful county with the skills and wisdom he has acquired over the years.

Candidate for Clerk of Superior Court. Brief biography and campaign priorities will be added soon.

I am a fourth-generation Craven County native and have lived in Ernul my entire life. I graduated from West Craven High School and earned an associate degree in Fire Protection Technology from Coastal Carolina. I have been married to my wife, Lindsay, for 13 years, and together we have two daughters. I have served with the City of New Bern Fire-Rescue for 18 years and currently serve as a Fire Specialist III. I have also been a member of the Little Swift Creek Volunteer Fire Department for 25 years. During my service, I have held several leadership positions, including Captain, Assistant Chief, and Chief, and I currently serve as the department’s President. I chose to run for office because the citizens of District 1 need a positive leader who will listen to their concerns, give them a strong voice, and work to find solutions.