Party Affiliation in Non-Partisan Elections
There has been one question, phrased several different ways by individuals, that I have received over and over again; the question about party affiliation and political leanings is something important to many of the voters this election.
The races for Mayor and Town Council of Winterville are what the Board of Elections call ‘Non-Partisan’-there is no primary and largely there is no endorsement by a political party, at least none to be expected. Candidates are perhaps informally expected to put their best ideas forth for the governance of their respective jurisdictions irrespective of any politics that may exist external to their particular race; but I have known that this is a rather naive approach. Citizens do care about the values and political preferences of candidates, whether it be for Town Council, State Representative, or Federal Office.
To bluntly answer the blunt question I have been consistently getting by citizens: I am a Conservative Republican.
However, I think it is important to caveat this piece of information you have with some context. I have not always been a registered Republican, in fact during the majority of my time in the Marine Corps, I was a registered Libertarian and even for awhile in the late 2010s, unaffiliated. I have though, always maintained Conservative principles and beliefs, the one variable being my views on the government’s role in our lives.
In my view, party affiliation and core beliefs are important considerations, even at the local level. My view is, that local government should be the level of government citizens interact the most with, and to a large extent this is the reality. It is at the local level, elected leaders can have real impact, for good or ill on the lives of their constituents.
Town Council Race 2025
Since party affiliation seems to be on top of mind for many citizens, I thought I would illuminate what the options are this November for Winterville Town Council.
Party Affiliation of Candidates
As you can see, there are four Democrat candidates, which includes the two incumbents, and one Republican (me) running for Town Council this cycle.
Party Affiliation of Current Town Council
When you look at the current party affiliation of our Town Council, you can see it is fairly one sided.
I encourage everyone to do their own research this election cycle and reach your own conclusions. However, if you, like me, wish we had more Conservative minded members of Town Council, who will advocate for Smart Development, a Safe Community, and Stellar Service, then please, consider me when you vote this November.