Issues

The 2026 election offers a unique challenge and question for Brunswick County voters:

Will we continue the Founding Fathers vision embraced in the Declaration of Independence and enshrined in the Constitution, or will we change direction and embrace the socialism espoused by the Democratic party?  Will we no longer be a County, State, and Nation of the people, by the people, and for the people, under God?

The Brunswick County Republican Party respectfully asks for your vote for the 19 Republican candidates that embrace the values of our Constitution and that you vote the whole ballot, front and back, top to bottom.

Republicans believe in putting America First, backing the Blue, closing our borders to illegal immigration, and keeping boys out of girls’ sports and bathrooms. We support Judges that defend the Constitution, especially the Second Amendment, the rule of law, and keep criminals locked up to serve their full sentence.

Our candidates say No! to the Democratic Socialist Agenda-and will work to defeat their failed policies at all levels of government.

At the Federal level, 2026 provides a stark contrast in the race for the U.S. Senate. Voters will elect either a partner for Socialist Bernie Sanders and Chuck Schumer or Republican Michael Whatley who believes in placing America First, closing the borders, a strong National defense, and assuring that there will never be a tax on tips or your hard-earned Social Security. Congressman David Rouzer has championed these policies and deserves re-election.

Republicans are leading a well-managed County Government that is responsive to its residents, lives within the means provided by taxpayers, and keeps the property taxes imposed among the lowest in the State of North Carolina and the Nation.

Republicans don’t offer sound bites they deliver action. Our Republican commissioners have acted to invest in a state-of-the-art treatment facility that removes PFAS pollutants from our drinking water and funded the new conveyance piping needed to reach our residents’ households. Patti Hewett and Randy Thompson are the right choice for Commissioner.

The Republican Party recommends approval of the investment in our schools that will be provided by the 2026 Bond referendum. The “Brunswick Guarantee” begun in 2017, is another Republican led commitment to public education that enables all Brunswick County High School graduates to attend Brunswick Community College tuition free! Our School Board candidates, Steve Gainey and Paige Morgan, are not only campaigning for new capital improvements for our schools, but they also are committed to furthering the current Board’s accomplishments, such as increasing teacher pay from 35th to 9th in the state and raising overall district wide proficiency to its highest level in 13 years.

Republican legislators are responsive leaders with Senator Rabon, Representatives Miller and Iler overcoming opposition from developers to make our County Commissioners accountable and responsible for approving all new property development proposals. Prior to these brand new reforms, an unelected planning board decided the scope and feasibility of land use decisions in Brunswick County. Now those directly responsible to the voters are the decisionmakers.

Our delegation to Raleigh has the seniority and committee assignments that make a difference for our county. For example, Senator Rabon chairs the Transportation Committee, the Transportation Appropriations Subcommittee and the Rules Committee.  Representative Iler also Chairs the Transportation Committee and the Subcommittee on Transportation Appropriations. Representative Miller chairs the Appropriations Subcommittee on Justice and Public Safety and serves as Vice Chair of the Energy and Public Utilities Committee. While their opponents make unfulfillable promises to the world, these trusted leaders are already making a difference by leading the committees that impact the daily lives of Brunswick County residents.

Finally, but by no means last, North Carolina is unique in requiring our Judges to be accountable to the citizens by standing for election. This year, those that do vote will select Justices at all levels. Republicans have nominated candidates that stand for conservative jurisprudence, that interpret the laws as written by the people’s representatives, and do not rewrite laws that they do not like. This is especially important in the selection of a Supreme Court Justice. Sarah Stevens has served ably in the General Assembly and has the character and integrity necessary to faithfully execute the laws of North Carolina as a member of the Supreme Court. Her opponent embraces socialist policies, has a proven track record of extremism and judicial excess. The people deserve better.

The Brunswick County Republican Party recommends 19 candidates for election on the 2026 ballot. We urge all Brunswick County citizens to vote-because by voting you make your voice count. If citizens do not exercise their rights, they should not be surprised when those rights are trampled or are taken away!

Brunswick Beacon Guest Editorial by Mike Toohey, Chairman, Brunswick County Republican Party

“The problem with socialism is that you eventually run out of other people's money.”

― Margaret Thatcher

Northwest Water Treatment Plant