2026 Local Candidate Information

2026 Local Republican Candidate Information

Disclaimer: Nothing on the webpage constitutes an endorsement of any candidate or candidates committee. This information is provided to assist you the voter. Candidates wishing to change or update their information please contact us at: [email protected]. The Republican Party of Forsyth County has no control over the nature, content, and availability of external sites. Inclusion of any links does not necessarily imply a recommendation or endorse the views expressed within them. The Republican Party of Forsyth County assumes no responsibility for the content, privacy policies, or practices of any third-party websites.

North Carolina State Senate District 31

  • Dana Caudill Jones

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DanaCaudillJonesforNCSenate

Website: https://www.danacaudilljones.com/

North Carolina State Senate District 32

  • Peter Antinozzi

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61585746607422

North Carolina House of Representatives District 74

  • Jeff Zenger

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063587307219

North Carolina House of Representatives District 75

  • Donny Lambeth

North Carolina House of Representatives District 91

  • Kyle Hall

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KyleHallNC

Website: https://www.kylehallnc.com

Forsyth County District Attorney District 31

  • Jim O'Neill

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/www.ncdistrictattorney.org

Forsyth County District Court District 31 Seat 03

  • Theodore (Ted) Kazakos

Forsyth County Sheriff

Ernie Leyba

Committed to Protecting Those Who Can't Protect Themselves

Ernie Leyba is a dedicated law enforcement professional with more than 20 + years of experience protecting and serving communities. Throughout his career with the Los Angeles Police Department, Kernersville Police Department, Durham Police Department, and the Forsyth County Sheriff's Office, Ernie has remained a true **boots-on-the-ground** law enforcement officer—leading from the front, working alongside fellow officers, and staying actively engaged with the people he serves.

From patrolling neighborhoods and protecting schools to serving in K-9, undercover operations, and gang enforcement, Ernie has witnessed firsthand the devastating impact of violent crime, gangs, drug trafficking, and the challenges facing today's law enforcement officers. Those experiences have strengthened his resolve to keep families safe and support the men and women who wear the badge.

Ernie believes the foundation of effective law enforcement is building trust through visibility, accountability, and community partnerships. He has always made it a priority to be present, listen to residents, and work collaboratively to solve problems before they become crises.

Guided by his faith, integrity, and commitment to service, Ernie is running for Sheriff to bring experienced leadership, restore public confidence, protect our schools and neighborhoods, and ensure the Forsyth County Sheriff's Office remains focused on serving every member of the community with professionalism, fairness, and dedication.

# Ernie Leyba's Top Priorities

**1. Protect Our Schools & Communities**
Ensure every child can learn in a safe environment by strengthening school security, supporting School Resource Officers, and building partnerships with educators, parents, and the community.

**2. Crush Violent Crime, Gangs & Drug Trafficking**
Take an aggressive, proactive approach to removing violent offenders, dismantling gangs, and stopping the flow of fentanyl and other dangerous drugs into Forsyth County.

**3. Transparency & Accountability**
Restore public trust by leading with integrity, open communication, and accountability while ensuring the Sheriff's Office remains focused on serving the people.

**4. Support Law Enforcement**
Recruit, retain, and invest in highly qualified deputies by providing strong leadership, competitive support, quality training, and the resources they need to protect our communities safely and effectively.

**5. Fiscal Responsibility**
Respect taxpayers by managing the Sheriff's Office budget wisely, eliminating wasteful spending, and ensuring every tax dollar is used efficiently to improve public safety.

**6. Strengthen Partnerships**
Work closely with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies to share intelligence, combat organized crime, and make Forsyth County one of the safest counties in North Carolina.

**A Promise to Forsyth County**
As your Sheriff, Ernie Leyba will be a boots-on-the-ground leader who is visible, accessible, and engaged with the community. With more than 20 years of law enforcement experience, he is committed to protecting every neighborhood, supporting those who wear the badge, and serving the citizens of Forsyth County with honor, integrity, and accountability.

Board of Commissioners At-Large

Chris Parker

Board of Commissioners At-Large

Terri Mrazek

Terri Mrazek is a retired businesswoman, community volunteer, and lifelong advocate for families, seniors, and responsible government. As a mother of five and grandmother, she understands the importance of strong communities, safe neighborhoods, and opportunities for future generations. Throughout her career in business, real estate, marketing, and community service, Terri has built relationships based on integrity, compassion, and common-sense leadership. She is committed to serving every citizen of Forsyth County with transparency, fiscal responsibility, and respect.
Three Key Points
● Experienced Community Leader – A lifetime of serving others through business, volunteerism, and community involvement.
● Faith, Family & Service – Guided by faith, dedicated to strengthening families and protecting the values that make Forsyth County a great place to live.
● Common-Sense Leadership – Committed to listening, working together, and making responsible decisions that benefit all residents.
Top Priorities
● Fiscal Responsibility – Protect taxpayer dollars through responsible budgeting, accountability, and transparent government.
● Safe & Strong Communities – Support public safety, strengthen local partnerships, and encourage smart growth while preserving our communities.
● Families, Education & Opportunity – Support quality education, workforce development, local businesses, and opportunities that help families succeed.
 
“My campaign isn’t about me. It’s about all of us working together to build a stronger Forsyth County.”
“I don’t promise to have all the answers, but I do promise to listen, work hard, and always put the people of Forsyth County first. Together, we can build a stronger, safer, and more prosperous future for every family.”

Board of Education District 1

Michael Klinetobe

Board of Education District 2

Allen Daniel

Jill Nelson Berlin

Website: https://www.jillrsvp.com/

Robert Barr

I’m a longtime educator, community member, and current school board member. I ran for this role to help protect students, support teachers, and make sure our schools are managed responsibly.

Saying the Hard Things On the Record

  • When it mattered most, Robert Barr spoke up for the people of our community.
  • Spoke up as budget gaps grew
  • Demanded accountability when funds were moved without board approval
  • Raised concerns about financial oversight and internal controls
  • Asked tough questions when audit findings revealed serious problems
  • Opposed tax increases to cover budgeting failures

Robert (Bob) Weiss

Profession

-US Army Retired officer 26+ years
-Corporate CEO & CFO 25 + years
-Multiple Corporate Board of Directors
-Salvation Army Board of Advisors
-United Says Military Academy association of Graduates Board of Directors and Board of Advisors
-West Point Association of Graduates President of the Florida West Coast Society
-West Point Class of 1971 Executive Committee
-High School Rowing Coach
-AAU Swimming Coach
-USRowing Referee

Experience

-Leadership, chief executive officer, chief financial officer, corporate board member, charity board member, K-12 coaching, Olympic trial referee

Statement

-I understand that restoring the public trust i.e the parents, teachers and taxpayers, will require exhaustive leadership, accountability , thoughtful planning, disciplined decision making and responsible stewardship not buzzwords.  

Board of Education At-Large

Jason Lucero

Mike Quinones

-Public school teacher in North Carolina from 2004-present
-US Army combat infantryman (82d ABN)
-Small business owner
Statement 
-I believe in creating and maintaining a physically safe, academically rigorous, and socially vibrant Winston-Salem Forsyth County School System. In order to do that we must elect highly capable and experienced school

Municipal Rural Hall Mayor

  • Terry M. Bennett

Municipal Rural Hall Town Council

  • Mark Lane

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Last information list update: 7/25/2026