North Carolina will hold primary elections on March 3, and early voting begins on Thursday, running through February 28. Democrats and Republicans in Lee County both have multiple races on the primary ballot in 2026. We asked the candidates a series of questions about their platforms, and their answers are printed here as submitted and without edits. (Editor’s note: Some candidates didn’t send responses in time for our print deadline, but were allowed to submit prior to publication of the February edition of The Rant Monthly. Those candidates’ answers are included here)
CONGRESS:
Incumbent Republican Brad Knott of Raleigh faces primary challenger Sid Sharma (Morrisville) in his first re-election bid in North Carolina’s 13th Congressional District. There’s a primary on the Democratic side, too, with Sanford native Paul Barringer facing off against Alexander Nicholi and Frank Pierce, both of Raleigh. The 13th Congressional District is rated R+9 or “solid Republican” and includes all of Lee, Harnett, Johnston, Franklin, Person, and Caswell counties, and parts of Wake and Granville counties.
Describe your background, education, work experience, and any experience you have in public service. What makes you qualified for the position you’re seeking?
Knott (R): No response.
Sharma (R): My name is Sid Sharma. I’m a Christian, born and raised in NC and have been a lifelong resident of District 13.
Im an Accountant and have worked at my father’s firm since I was 9 years old. While accounting is a private service to clients, it is very much a public service in nature since I save people’s taxes from the IRS. Congress runs on tax dollars and what makes me qualified is that, as an accountant, I understand how to save taxes for all Americans, cut waste/fraud, all while restoring fiscal sanity to Washington.
Paul Barringer (D): I’m an attorney, tree farmer, and health care consultant with a career focused on public policy and practical problem-solving. I hold degrees from Davidson College, Princeton University, Victoria University in New Zealand (as a Rotary Scholar from the Sanford Rotary Club), and a Juris Doctor from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. I’m a third generation Lee County native.
Professionally, I have worked as a health lawyer and operations leader. For most of the last decade I worked with state agencies to improve Medicaid and other health and human services programs. That work has involved translating federal policy into practical solutions that improve outcomes and use public dollars responsibly. I provide pro bono legal assistance to disabled individuals seeking Social Security benefits.
I manage my family’s timberland and started a clothing brand to make apparel in the USA using organic and recycled materials. I have served on nonprofit boards, worked on trails and park access in Lee County, been a Boy Scout leader, and taught Sunday School for many years. These experiences have prepared me to serve thoughtfully, independently, and effectively in Congress.
Alexander Nicholi (D): I come from a long-line of West Virginian Democrats. My family were labor Democrats fighting big coal companies for the unions. My recently-passed uncle was in the West Virginian state legislature for 24 years. I moved to NC in 3rd grade to Johnston County and have been here since. My main work is in informatics, but I’ve also worked in many blue collar jobs in my district. Having been in these two different worlds, I see the stark divide between the people wining and dining in the tech industry and the regular worker breaking their backs trying to make ends meet. Just like my family before me, I notice just how much they care about us, but while the West Virginian fight was more intuitive with coal extraction, the fight against the tech mafia is a lot more complex for everyone to understand. My work is in bare-metal computing, and I can tell you that their claims of AI supremacy and quantum computing are nothing more than lies. The science just doesn’t gel with their claims, yet Congress keeps writing them checks for their fake “AI Arms Race” with China. I’m here to be your voice to stop this.
Frank Pierce (D): Small business owner. College graduate from Mount Olive College. 12 years was General Manager or Area Director for multiple Restaurants in NC. Last 12 years owned my own landscaping company. I am the only person running for this seat who has extensive work on policy writing. I am also the only one who spends time all across this district helping in any way the people need. Policy is how you create change.
What are some ways in which the federal government could help Lee County specifically? What issues do you believe are important to people here that you would specifically focus on in Washington, D.C.?
Knott (R): No response.
Sharma (R):1.) Infrastructure, especially in rural areas in Lee County – such as making/rebuilding roads, new water/sewer systems, broadband, etc.
2.)Lowering taxes for citizens and businesses.
3.)Deporting illegals, jailing politicians that harbor sanctuary cities, jailing/penalizing companies that hire illegal aliens, allowing the federal government to sue/raid sanctuary cities, allowing financial recompensation to victims who had crimes committed upon them by illegal aliens.
4.) Federal grants for 1st responders.
Barringer (D): People in Lee County care about affordability, access to health care, infrastructure, and economic opportunity that actually reaches working families. In Washington, I would focus on lowering everyday costs, especially health care, housing, and energy, while supporting small businesses, farmers, and landowners.
The federal government can help Lee County by protecting and strengthening rural health systems, including Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act; investing in infrastructure like broadband, transportation, and outdoor recreation; and ensuring federal programs work for rural communities rather than burdening them with unnecessary red tape. I would also support policies that encourage domestic production, responsible land stewardship, and conservation efforts that align economic growth with long-term sustainability.
Equally important, I would work to restore Congress’s role in budgeting and oversight. Communities like Lee County feel the consequences when Washington dysfunction leads to shutdowns, uncertainty, and waste. Responsible governance matters locally.
Nicholi (D): As the federal government is increasingly taken over by the interest of the rich, the effects of their far-reaching deficit spending affects all of us. I’m here to turn the spigot off from the party they are having with your money. I know Lee County is like Johnston and Wake County where there are many laborers out there who are struggling to make ends meet. For those who work professionally and entrepreneurs, I know you are also squeezed by rising costs for your businesses as well. All of these costs rose due to the direct impact of your tax dollars being handed to the most corrupt companies in the world who want nothing but control over your lives. Recently, they used the money they earmarked from you to buy 40% of all computer memory in the world. That’s not 40% of existing memory, but 40% for everything they make every year. If you’re not computer-savvy, every computer including ones inside your phone, the POS system, your car, all need memory to function. Have those things among others become more expensive lately? What about your groceries? The logistics need computers to have them delivered to store shelves. Everything gets more expensive because everything run on computers, and I’m the only one who can stop them because they rely on your ignorance to be able to do this.
Pierce (D): Lee County just like a few other counties I have need many things done. Building better infrastructure so we can bring back businesses to the area. Bring education thru workforce labor as well as schools for trades. We also have issues with broadband and cell phone service in many areas across my counties increasing access and lowering cost is important and needs to be done. We also need to be expanding and cleaning water access across my counties with this growth and future projected growth need to make sure have what we need for the future. Lowering the cost of Home Owners Insurance by increasing the number of Fire stations in my district we are about 100 short.
The federal government is under full control of the Republican Party. Not everyone is happy about threats made to SNAP, unemployment benefits, veterans benefits, and more. What can you do to reassure the families who rely on the assistance these programs provide?
Knott (R): No response.
Sharma (R): Largely, these threats were propogated by democrats to force the longest shutdown in American history all on the pretext to extend ACA subsidies for illegal aliens – and remember, democrats did not get what they wanted and caved in.
The BEST thing to do to reassure families is that, in the event of another shutdown, an “emergency fund” should be created so that essential services can still be given so that no family will be held hostage while politicians squabble over “politics.” How do we pay for this?? Easy: cutting out foreign aid is a beautiful start.
Barringer (D): Programs like SNAP, unemployment insurance, Medicaid, and veterans’ benefits are lifelines for millions of Americans, including families here in North Carolina. My commitment is to protect these programs from reckless cuts and political brinkmanship that create fear and instability. Stability matters. Families should not have to worry that essential support will disappear because Congress fails to do its job. At the same time, protecting these programs means managing them responsibly – by improving outcomes, reducing waste, and ensuring long-term sustainability.
I would work to restore regular order in Congress by passing budgets on time, avoiding shutdowns, and using oversight to strengthen, rather than undermine, the programs people rely on. Good governance should not be partisan; it is a responsibility. My goal is to provide predictability, accountability, and respect for the people these programs are meant to serve.
Nicholi (D): It is quite appalling how they threaten these benefits because a lot of Republicans rely on these benefits. Yet, they would siphon funds from them in order to fund organizations like ICE or on scam projects such as The Genesis Mission and Stargate Project. The Big Beautiful Check was basically an effort for them to steal money from you. But I believe pointing out the fact to Republicans that they are also taking money from their own constituents and giving it to the rich is the first step. They were duped, and the people who voted for them who relied on these benefits were duped as well. I stand here to tell them that we must find against the robber barons and safeguard these benefits that we work hard to earn. They belong to us and not to the elites!
Pierce (D): I have already started reaching out to republicans in other states with similar areas to mine to highlight increasing these needs not only helps my community but there’s as well. I traveled to Alabama and Tennessee to similar districts and got testimony from constituents there to show how it will help them and attached to my emails and contact with them.
Across the country, there have been numerous verified reports that American citizens and other immigrants who are here legally – including young children – have been caught up in enforcement actions by ICE. What are your plans for addressing this?
Knott (R): No response.
Sharma (R):I’m going to give an answer that BOTH parties hate, and that is: nothing. In the case of wrongdoing by federal officials, private citizens have a recourse through the courts via the FTCA (Federal Tort Claims Act).
Remember, former president Obama still remains the king of deportations and, while he was still president, he got on national news and said that there will be tragic/heartbreaking events, such children in cages. It must also be remembered that Obama hired Tom Homan in his administration and gave him the Presidential Rank Award for Distinguished Service.
Barringer (D): What we are seeing across the country is deeply troubling. Border security and immigration enforcement must operate within the Constitution and the rule of law. When American citizens and people with legal status, including children, are caught up in enforcement actions, it reflects a serious failure of oversight and accountability.
If elected, I would push for strong congressional oversight of immigration enforcement agencies, including transparent investigations into incidents where lawful residents or citizens have been harmed. I would support clear standards, better training, and real consequences for misconduct, rather than relying on internal reviews that lack credibility.
We can enforce immigration laws without abandoning due process or human dignity. Congress has the authority to rein in executive overreach, but only if members are willing to use it. I am running because I believe Congress must once again assert its constitutional role and protect the rights of the people it serves.
Nicholi (D): ICE has turned from immigration enforcement into an arm of domestic terrorism for the federal government. Currently, there have been calls from both parties at the aftermath of the shooting of Alex Pretti to impeach Kristi Noem, and I believe that’s the right call. While I’d support impeachment endeavors towards POTUS himself on a solid ground basis, as long as the Republicans controls the Senate, I think it is near impossible for such endeavors to succeed. That being said, the fact that even Congress Republicans are speaking out against the administration’s actions means that there is common ground between us that could help us check this abuse of power by the executive branch. I know that both parties have their own extreme opinions about immigration, but now we’re getting into where there are unjustified murders in the streets that are defended reflexively by the admin before any of the facts are released to the public. This is not okay, and even the Republicans think it is not okay. A novel legislation to make these ICE agents accountable such as body cams among other things may be possible now because the Republicans and the admin need them too for their own sake.
Pierce (D): Policy. The only way you can change things is by creating policy. We need true reform to our policy for immigration and we have to start over. We also have to hold our officers accountable for their actions if they break the law. I have begun writing a new policy it is 22 pages right now but needs more and working hard to have ready by day one.
NORTH CAROLINA HOUSE:
Republican Rep. John Sauls is retiring after seven terms in the North Carolina House of Representatives District 51 seat. The district includes all of Lee County and part of Moore County and is rated R+11, or “safe Republican.” A primary to determine Sauls’ place as the GOP standard bearer for the district features Sanford City Councilman Charles Taylor and Lee County Board of Education chair Sherry Womack. The winner will face Democrat Tashera Nichols McDuffie and unaffiliated candidate April Montomery.
Describe your background, education, work experience, and any experience you have in public service. What makes you qualified for the position you’re seeking?
Taylor: Eagle Scout 1987. 1991 Graduate of Campbell University BA Communications, Print Journalism. TV Producer August, 1988-Present Major Collegiate and Professional Sporting Events.
Work includes: Apple TV, Raycom Sports, Fox Sports, Fox Sports South, CBS, NBC, ESPN, Comcast, CW as well as regional and local distribution.
Various Roles in Manufacturing Including Global Market Manager (3M), Sales, Media and Lobbyist roles at Static Control Components 1993-2016.
I have been blessed to serve the citizens of Sanford as a City Councilman since 2007. At the midway point of my fifth term, I have served several roles including Mayor Pro Tempore as well as liaison roles including ABC Board, Parks Commission, Opioid Task Force, S3 Connect which I was one of the three founders.
I have served 5 terms as Chair of the Sanford-Lee County Joint Planning Commission where I was instrumental in leading a rewrite of UDO and Land Use Plan for Lee County. Appointed to North Carolina State Mining & Energy Commission (2012) Chair-Local Government Study Group North Carolina State Mining & Energy Commission. CUOC board of directors 2023-2025
Womack: I am a native North Carolinian, born and raised in Rockingham County. I entered the United States Army at 17 and served 33 years on active duty, retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel. My career began as an enlisted combat medic, progressed through service as a warrant officer, and concluded as a commissioned medical officer. I was among the early generations of Army Physician Assistants in the 1990s.
I deployed to Afghanistan in 2002 and Iraq from 2007 to 2008, including service with the 101st Airborne Division. I retired after serving with U.S. Army Forces Command. My education includes a Master of Physician Assistant Studies from the University of Nebraska, a Bachelor of Science in Physician Associate Studies from the University of Oklahoma, and an Associate Degree from Austin Peay State University. I also completed the Army Command and General Staff College and an Emergency Medicine Fellowship at Madigan Army Medical Center.
After retiring, I settled in Sanford and became active in my church and community. I served four years as a North Carolina State Social Services Commissioner and have served ten years on the Lee County Board of Education, currently as Board Chair, focusing on fiscal accountability and student achievement.
I am qualified to serve in the North Carolina House because I have spent my life leading people, managing complex organizations, and making decisions under pressure.
My 33 year Army career included senior staff service at FORSCOM Headquarters at Fort Bragg and completion of the Army Command and General Staff College. That experience taught me how large systems function and how to work across organizations to get results.
At the state and local level, I bring ten years of elected experience on the Lee County Board of Education, including service as Board Chair, where I worked to improve student performance, manage budgets responsibly, and eliminate ineffective programs. I also served four years as a State Social Services Commissioner with responsibility for policy and oversight impacting vulnerable families.
Together, my military leadership, healthcare background, and elected experience prepare me to provide disciplined leadership, fiscal responsibility, and practical solutions for North Carolina families and communities.
The Rant reported in 2025 on the Grace Christian School in Sanford being North Carolina’s top recipient of state-funded tuition vouchers. Even as the school brought in millions in government subsidies, the cost of tuition has risen, and the administration has shown a willingness to exclude certain students without explanation beyond “administrative prerogative.” This is a pattern that has been shown to exist across the state. In light of these facts, what purpose do you think the so-called Opportunity Scholarship program has served in North Carolina? Should it be changed in any way?
Taylor: In 2025, 1,670 students from Moore and Lee Counties received an average of $5,399 each in NC Opportunity Scholarship funding. Public school students received an average of $12,504 per student (state, federal and local funds).
Funding for the NC Opportunity Scholarship is currently underfunded compared to public schools. I support equal funding for children as well as parents’ rights to choose the school program and environment that is best for their children.
Currently, Private schools have the authority to set tuition and admission policies-in that I follow what is current policy set forth by the state. Likewise, parents have the right to make decisions about the costs and rules associated with the private school before deciding to enroll. I am pro-student and pro-parent. We should be working together for the best interests of children as they are the future of our community. I will not engage in attempts to pit private schools against public schools. Children are children, and should be equally valued, regardless of where they attend school.
My experience with constituents is wide ranging and an overwhelming majority of parents believe they should have the choice to send their children to the school that is best for them and I will fully support parent’s rights to do so, I also believe that we should do away with tiered system.
At the same time, I will engage and work for adequate funding for all areas of education, public or private. Children are not a political football to be used to get votes, I value them, and I will work for them and for their futures.Let us work together to do what is best for the student.
I commit to reviewing all programs such as the Opportunity Scholarship Program-all programs can be improved, and we must be flexible enough to allow improvements to be made.
Womack: I strongly support public schools, which educate the majority of North Carolina children and anchor our communities. I also support school choice, including the Opportunity Scholarship Program, because parents know their children best and deserve options.
The program’s purpose is clear. It expands educational choice and allows parents to direct education funding to the setting that works best for their child. That structure was intentional and established by law.
It is premature for me to pass final judgment on the program before closely examining funding allocations, student performance data, and how funds are administered by DPI. Like any program, it should be evaluated based on results, transparency, and fairness.
Education should prepare students for the real world, whether that path includes college, skilled trades, military service, or entrepreneurship. Strong academics, career and technical education, and workforce aligned training are essential.
The focus should always be on students. Choice should complement strong public schools, not weaken them. When parents are empowered, teachers are supported, and students come first, education works.
North Carolina is the only state in the country without a budget, blocking new investments in critical services and creating uncertainty about the future. If you’re elected, how important will it be for you to ensure the state gets a spending framework in place? What concrete steps will you take to make sure this happens?
Taylor: The lack of a budget for the State of NC is troubling in so many ways. I support the cautionary approach by House Republicans to ensure a responsible budget that does not create a deficit in years to come. We need to be fiscally responsible and accountable for all expenditures, but we also have a responsibility to be balanced in our approach, especially with a potential Medicaid shortfall.
In addition, the lack of budget keeps mutually agreed upon policies supported by both House and Senate from being implemented. Raises that are needed to close the gap in employees’ salaries are also vital to presented in a timely fashion.
Lack of a budget affects many departments such as Department of Insurance whose department has a team of 50 investigators that had a workload of over 7600 cases. In an 8-year period this team recovered over $76 million for people who fell victim of insurance fraud.
The tenacles are far reaching affecting from the classroom to essential services. With the magnitude of growth in the last year it is vital that we identify the synergies between the two budgets early and work to resolve the issues that keep us from moving on as a unified state.
Another area of concern is that of the NC Education Lottery. Sales have been enormous in the last year with over $1 billion going to public education. Despite increased sales, the original percentage of 35% in 2005 by law has shrunk to 16% going to education, which is in contrast to what was promised in 2005 when it was passed on a split vote. We also need to be more transparent in how lottery money enters the state budget. Currently money is used to support traditional appropriations not for new expenditures for schools.
Womack: Running North Carolina without a budget is like trying to drive a car blindfolded. Families, schools, and businesses are left guessing, and critical investments are delayed. I recognize the challenges of passing a budget. It is normally a negotiation between the Governor and the General Assembly, and recent divisions over public education, Medicaid, and the Children’s Hospital have made the process more difficult.
While I will be a junior member, I bring hands on experience in both public education and healthcare that many legislators do not. I will engage directly with House leadership and committee chairs, work with Senate colleagues to identify realistic compromises, and coordinate with legislative staff to evaluate programs based on performance and accountability.
My goal is a balanced, timely budget every biennium, with responsible updates in the second year. North Carolinians deserve stability, predictability, and responsible governance from their state government.
NC SENATE:
Republican Jim Burgin of Angier has represented North Carolina’s 12th Senate District since 2018. He faces a primary challenge from former Harnett County Commissioner Tim McNeill of Cameron. The winner will face the winner of a Democratic primary between Tanya White Anderson (Angier) and Jheri Hardaway. N.C. Senate 12 is rated R+9, or “likely Republican,” and includes all of Lee and Harnett counties, and part of Sampson County.
Describe your background, education, work experience, and any experience you have in public service. What makes you qualified for the position you’re seeking?
Burgin (R): No response.
McNeill (R): I served for 12 years as a commissioner with 4 as Chairman we built schools without raising taxes kept the Campbell Medical School in Harnett County brought the ECu Dental Clinic to Lillington assisted in getting a Hospital built in Lillington and Built a state of the art Medical School for CCCC and I served as a trustee for 12 years we worked with State and Federal officials to get the necessary funding
Anderson (D): I am honored to address these pressing issues.
I am Tanya White Anderson, Democratic Candidate for NC State Senate District 12 and former 2024 State Senate candidate. As a retired federal worker, veteran, labor advocate, educator, mother, and grandmother, I bring a distinct perspective. My academic credentials include a Master of Arts degree in HR from Webster University, a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology with honors from Campbell University, and two Associate of Arts degrees in Paralegal and Arts. My professional experience spans various roles at the United States Postal Service, the United States Army (specialty skills-Recruiter, Career Counselor, Personnel, Logistics and Administration), teaching, and leadership positions in National Alliance of Federal and Postal employees (NAPFE) Local 316 former Vice-president and labor representative, HCDP 1st Chair, HCDP 1st Chair Military and Veterans Caucus, African-American Caucus, Chair, of Stewart Creek Precinct, and Harnett County’s Leading Ladies. Additionally, I am a member of NCNW and serve on the Board of Directors for the Center for Free Thought. I have Over 42 years being a Public Servant for the communities and country.
Hardaway (D): No response.
North Carolina is the only state in the country without a budget, blocking new investments in critical services and creating uncertainty about the future. If you’re elected, how important will it be for you to assure the state gets a spending framework in place? What concrete steps will you take to make sure this happens?
Burgin (R): No response.
McNeill (R): The State should have a budget but the leaders in charge control the process I would work to the best of my ability to accomplish a budget
Anderson (D): I am aware of the existing proposal for 2025 -2026 regarding this issue. I support the Democratic legislators’ stance on tier revenue to triggers to prevent a state deficit and protect essential services. Furthermore, I will work to help advocates and endorse the emergency mini-budget to safeguard critical services. The absence of a state budget puts hospitals at risk of closure, teachers at risk of not receiving pay, children at risk of hunger, and essential services at risk of being cut, which will negatively impact families.
Hardaway (D): No response.
The Rant reported in 2025 on the Grace Christian School in Sanford being North Carolina’s top recipient of state-funded tuition vouchers. Even as the school brought in millions in government subsidies, the cost of tuition has risen and the administration has shown a willingness to exclude certain students for vague reasons. This is a pattern that has been shown to exist across the state. In light of these facts, what purpose do you think the so-called Opportunity Scholarship program has served in North Carolina? Should it be changed in any way?
Burgin (R): No response.
McNeill (R): On tuition vouchers I think it needs to be modified to make sure that the recipients are held accountable to the parents and students for their education I think they have lost site of their responsibility
Anderson (D): Initially, the program served its purpose by providing lower-income families with educational choices. Nevertheless, the presence of numerous loopholes has compromised its effectiveness. Private schools can offer quality education, but government subsidies should prioritize those who need them most, not the wealthy. Yes, it requires targeted modifications, specifically the implementation of a non-discrimination clause, cessation of tuition hikes, protection against price gouging, and increased academic and admission transparency, it needs to reflect back to its original purpose.
Hardaway (D): No response.
UNAFFILIATED CANDIDATES:
Three unaffiliated candidates for various offices in Lee County are seeking ballot access for the 2026 election. Doing so requires a certain number of petition signatures by the March 3 primary. The Rant offered each – business owner April Montgomery is running for the North Carolina House of Representatives District 51 seat, and nonprofit director Yanira Scott and retired educator Katie Eddings, herself a Democratic candidate for North Carolina superintendent of public instruction in 2024, are seeking seats on the Lee County Board of Education – the opportunity to talk about their candidacy and tell interested voters how to sign their petitions.
Tell us about yourself, including your education, professional background, and any public service/community involvement. What qualifies you for the office you’re seeking?
Eddings: My name is C.R. “Katie” Eddings, I am a retired Lee County Schools Teacher and a parent to a Lee County Schools student. It was my honor to serve my country in the United States Air Force and I am a product of a public school education. I have seen firsthand what a staffing shortage does to a school, teacher morale and student achievement. It will be my goal to be an advocate for Lee County Schools, school personnel, students and the significant adults in the lives of our students. It will be a priority to create a working relationship with the Board of County Commissioners that is based on mutual respect and the desire to enhance the lives of the people in Lee County. I bring a perspective to the school board as someone who has worked almost every job in a school, cafeteria worker, custodian, bus driver, coach, teacher and school administrator. It is this experience that makes me uniquely qualified for the Lee County Board of Education. I was a registered democrat and I continue to have democratic values. I don’t agree with everything the democratic party stands for nor do I disagree with everything that republicans stand for, so I believe that as an unaffiliated candidate I can represent all citizens of Lee County. As an educator it is imperative that I speak for all children in Lee County Schools regardless of their parents political beliefs.
Montgomery: My husband, David, and I moved to Sanford in 2003 and have raised our three sons—Eli, Forrest, and Cyrus—all graduates of Lee County public schools. We chose to raise our family here and are deeply connected to serving this community.
I hold a bachelor’s in history and a master’s in urban planning. I began my career in public service, working with local and state government agencies, before starting my own consulting business. From 2001 to 2019, I built a firm that evolved from historic preservation and environmental permitting into renewable energy development. I sold the business to a national firm in 2019 and continue to work in energy development today.
Throughout my career, my focus has been navigating federal, state, and local regulations and helping public and private projects move from ideas to reality. That experience gives me a practical understanding of how policy decisions affect communities on the ground.
I have also served on numerous local boards, including Lee County Parks & Recreation, the Arts Council, the Environmental Affairs Board, and the Sanford Area Growth Alliance—often as chair. I’m known for listening carefully, weighing competing interests, and finding fair, workable solutions that serve the whole community.
Scott:I am a nonprofit executive director, community advocate, and a MBA graduate from Wake Forest University who has spent the past several years working at the intersection of education, family engagement, and community development in Lee County. I currently lead El Refugio, a community agency serving immigrant and working families through ESL education, youth literacy programs, health outreach, and cultural engagement initiatives.
In addition, I serve as the Juntos Coordinator for Central Carolina Community College, working directly with students and families to improve graduation outcomes, college readiness, and career pathways.My professional background includes law enforcement and extensive collaboration with Lee County Schools, local nonprofits, churches, and government partners.
Through my work, I manage multi-year budgets, grants, staff teams, data reporting, and community partnerships while staying directly connected to families and classrooms. I see daily the barriers students face, from transportation to language access to academic support, and I also see the critical importance of equipping educators and school staff with the resources, respect, and support they need to succeed.
My education, leadership experience, and deep relationships across Lee County uniquely position me to advocate for student success, fiscal responsibility, and community-centered solutions on the Board of Education.
“Unaffiliated” tells voters that you’re not a part of either major political party, but not much else. Tell us about your political beliefs, and how they’ll translate into action if you’re elected.
Eddings: No response.
Montgomery: Unaffiliated” is less about ideology and more about how I believe public service should work. Too often, political beliefs have become labels that divide people into “us” and “them.” What began as a functional two-party system has, over time, put party interests ahead of the people they’re meant to serve. I’m running to focus on community priorities, not partisan identity.
Being an unaffiliated public servant means listening first, grounding decisions in facts, and putting people ahead of politics. My approach is rooted in problem-solving, transparency, and respect for the diverse communities that make up District 51. In action, that means:
·Prioritizing strong public schools as the foundation of strong communities
·Demanding fair funding for non-urban districts, including Pre-K
·Addressing the teacher shortage, and the need for competitive pay
·Growing local economies by supporting small businesses, downtowns, and infrastructure investments that help communities attract and retain jobs
·Supporting all-of-the-above energy solutions that balance affordability, reliability, economic growth, and environmental responsibility, with close attention to local impacts
These challenges aren’t unique to District 51, and solutions don’t belong to one party. Being unaffiliated gives me the independence to support good ideas wherever they come from and the freedom to collaborate widely—always with our community’s needs first.
Scott: Being unaffiliated reflects my belief that students and families should always come before political agendas. I believe in strong public education, accountability with taxpayer dollars, support for teachers, and policies that address the whole child — academically, socially, and emotionally.
There are ideas I can agree with from across the political spectrum, but I also believe both major parties have increasingly allowed ideology to overshadow practical problem-solving. In schools, that has too often resulted in added pressure on teachers and distractions from the core mission of education.
My focus is on evidence-based decisions, transparency, and community input. That means investing in early literacy, expanding career pathways, improving family engagement, supporting mental health resources, and ensuring rural students have equal access to opportunities.
As a board member, I would evaluate issues based on what improves outcomes for students and educators. Not party alignment. My approach is collaborative, data-driven, and grounded in what I see working in our community every day.
Being unaffiliated can sound good, particularly to voters who take a dim view of “both parties.” But public service outside of the political party system can mean the relationships and legislative structure that make results easier are harder to tap into. How will you work with other members of the body you’re seeking to join in a way that will assure your priorities are heard and addressed?
Eddings: No response.
Montgomery: Being unaffiliated doesn’t mean being disconnected—it means being accountable first to constituents, not a party. I understand that effective public service depends on relationships, trust, and knowing how decisions are actually made. My approach is to build those relationships early and intentionally across party lines by showing up prepared, listening carefully, and focusing on shared goals rather than labels.
I will work with other members by finding areas of common ground and by doing the steady, often behind-the-scenes work that moves priorities forward: active committee participation, stakeholder engagement, and consistent follow-through. Credibility matters. When colleagues see that you are informed, constructive, and willing to work, your priorities are heard regardless of party affiliation.
There is real value in being a bridge when discussions become polarized. I can support good ideas wherever they come from and push back when proposals don’t serve the community—without party pressure shaping my decisions. Some of the most durable outcomes come from people who can collaborate without being constrained by party dynamics.
My goal is to be independent in judgment, collaborative in practice, and focused on results. That combination—strong relationships, clear priorities, and a willingness to work with anyone in good faith—is how I will ensure the voices and needs of my constituents are addressed.
Scott: While I am unaffiliated, my career has been built on collaboration. In the nonprofit and education sectors, results only happen when diverse partners work together — schools, government agencies, businesses, faith organizations, and families. I regularly bring people with different perspectives to the table to solve complex challenges.
On the Board of Education, I would use the same relationship-focused approach: listening first, finding common ground, and keeping discussions centered on student outcomes. Most education issues are not partisan — they are about funding responsibly, supporting teachers, improving achievement, and preparing students for life after graduation.
I plan to build strong working relationships with fellow board members, district leadership, and community stakeholders by being prepared, respectful, and solution-oriented. When priorities are supported by data and community need, they can gain bipartisan support.
Being unaffiliated allows me to act as a bridge-builder — someone focused on progress rather than politics — and to advocate effectively for students in a way that brings people together instead of dividing them.
You have to get a large number of petition signatures in order to appear on the ballot. How have your conversations with voters in this regard gone? How can people get in touch with you to sign your petition if they’re interested?
Eddings: No response.
Montgomery: In talking with constituents as I gather signatures, I have learned that many are frustrated with a system that no longer works for them. We all share a love for this community and believe that we can do better. The process is humbling and inspiring, as public service should be. We are very close to reaching our goal of 2,500 signatures and will accept all the help we can get from those willing to sign before March 3rd. You can request a petition on our website www.aprilmontgomeryfornc.com and follow us on social media for updates on where you can find us around the district.
Scott: The petition process has been an incredibly encouraging experience. I’ve had meaningful conversations with parents, educators, students, and community members across Lee County who are eager for more community-driven leadership in education. Many people are surprised to learn about the additional barriers unaffiliated candidates face, and those conversations have opened broader discussions about civic engagement and local involvement.
The response has been positive, with people expressing appreciation for a candidate focused on students rather than party labels. It has also allowed me to listen directly to concerns about transportation, academic support, teacher retention, and communication between schools and families.
Anyone interested in signing my petition or learning more can connect with me through my campaign Facebook page, community events, or by messaging me directly.
Facebook page: Yanira Vanegas Scott for Lee County Board of Education
I welcome conversations with anyone who wants to help strengthen education in Lee County.