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Fifteen people have filed for candidacy two days into the filing period for the Nov. 5, 2024 general election. Nine days remain until the filing period closes on Friday, Dec. 15 at noon. 

Most candidates who have filed are running for re-election. 

Keith Kidwell is running to serve what could be his fourth term representing District 79 in the North Carolina House of Representatives. Kidwell assumed office on Jan. 1, 2019. He ran for re-election and won in the 2022 general election. His current term ends on Jan 1, 2025. His opponent is Democratic candidate Mary Beedle of Washington. Beedle ran in the 2023 municipal election for Washington City Council, according to a report from the Beaufort County Board of Elections. 

Carolyn Garris will campaign to remain as Beaufort County Register of Deeds. She was appointed in January of this year following Jennifer Whitehurst’s retirement. This will be Garris’ first time running for Register of Deeds. 

Beaufort County Board of Commissioners has the most candidates so far with five candidates. Republican incumbents Randy Walker, John Rebholz, Hood Richardson and Democratic incumbent Jerry Langley are running to retain their seats on the board. Steve Carawan and Tandy Dunn, both Republicans, are also running. Voters will select four candidates to serve on the board, per the county Board of Elections. 

Board of Education District 1 has two candidates running. Eltha Booth is running for re-election against Malissa Polk. 

T.W. Allen is running unopposed for re-election for Board of Education District 3. Ray Start is running for Board of Education District 7 which is currently held by Carolyn Walker.  Brian Wood and Daniel Hudson are running for Board of Education District 9 which is held by Terry Draper. District 5 is held by F. Mac Hodges. 

The only races that do not have a candidate as of Wednesday, Dec. 6 are North Carolina Senate Third District, Board of Education District 5 and Soil & Water. 

Filing for Soil and Water begins on Monday, June 10, 2024 at noon and ends on Monday, July 5 at noon. The filing fee is $5, according to the Beaufort County Board of Elections.