Candidate filing continued into its third and final week on Monday, with two faces known to watchers of local politics throwing their hats in the ring for public office next year.

Republican Charles Taylor, who has served Ward 2 on the Sanford City Council since 2007, filed on Monday for the North Carolina House of Representatives in District 51, which covers all of Lee County and part of Moore County. Taylor’s filing means there will be a contested primary for the seat in March – Republican school board chair Sherry Womack filed for the seat on December 5.

The seat is currently held by Republican John Sauls, who until recently hadn’t made any public statements about whether he would seek another term. A press release sent by Taylor on Monday indicated that Sauls would not run again, and that he had endorsed Taylor in the race.

“It has been a privilege to serve the Sanford community for more than 18 years, and I am honored by the opportunity to continue John Sauls’ legacy,” Taylor said. “Representative Sauls has consistently demonstrated dedication and admirable service to Lee County and District 51. He has led with passion, earned the respect of his colleagues, and made significant contributions to our community. His endorsement and support mean a great deal to me—it is truly an honor to follow in his footsteps.”

The release included a statement from Sauls, who said “Charles has demonstrated unwavering commitment to our community, and his leadership on the City Council has brought meaningful progress. I have full confidence that Charles will represent the values and interests of District 51 with integrity and dedication. He is the right person to continue the work we’ve started, and I am proud to lend him my endorsement.”

Unaffiliated candidate April Montgomery is also collecting signatures to get on the ballot for the District 51 seat. No Democrat has filed.

The Lee County Board of Commissioners also got its first contested race when Democrat Jamey Laudate filed for that board’s District 4 seat on Monday.

Laudate is a former member and two time candidate for the Lee County Board of Education. Republican Eric Davidson, currently a member of the school board, filed for the seat on December 1. The seat is currently held by Republican Taylor Vorbeck, who isn’t seeking another term in the seat, which covers western Lee County.

On the school board, Davidson’s seat is up this year (Womack’s is not), and Republican Marc Mason filed for the board on December 8. A media sheet he filled out when filing lists his occupation as web administrator. Republican Chris Gaster also filed for re-election to the school board the same day.

Previous filings include:

North Carolina Congressional District 13: Incumbent Republican Brad Knott, Democratic challenger Paul Barringer, Democratic challenger Alexander Nicholi

North Carolina Senate District 12 (Lee, Harnett, parts of Sampson County): Incumbent Republican Jim Burgin, Republican challenger Tim McNeill, Democrat Jheri Hardaway

Lee County Sheriff: Incumbent Republican Sheriff Brian Estes

Lee County Clerk of Court: Incumbent Democrat Susie Thomas

Lee County Board of Commissioners District 1: Incumbent Democrat Robert Reives Sr.

Lee County Board of Commissioners District 2: Incumbent Republican Chairman Kirk Smith

Lee County Board of Commissioners District 3: Incumbent Republican Andre Knecht

Lee County Board of Education: Incumbent Republican Alan Rummel

Filing for the 2026 election cycle will continue through noon on Friday. The Rant will provide a full list of candidates after the period closes, and in our January 2026 print edition.