WAYNE COUNTY, N.C. — Wayne County voters headed to the polls Tuesday, November 3, for the 2026 midterm elections, with several closely contested races highlighting election night results.
From the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office to the Board of Commissioners and District Court, voters weighed in on several key positions that will help shape local government and public safety.
One of the closest races of the night was for North Carolina District Court Judge, District 9, Seat 1, where just 23 votes separated the two candidates in Wayne County. However, results from across the judicial district showed a larger lead for Sonya Davis.
Sonya Davis Leads District Court Judge Race Across District 9
In Wayne County, Sonya Davis narrowly led Roy A. Dawson in the race for North Carolina District Court Judge, District 9, Seat 1.
Davis received 19,243 votes, representing 50.03%, while Dawson received 19,220 votes, or 49.97%.
The Wayne County margin was just 23 votes, making it one of the closest contests on the local ballot.
However, when votes from across District 9 were included, Davis maintained a larger advantage.
According to the unofficial districtwide results, which include Wayne County voters, Davis received 32,667 votes, while Dawson received 31,502 votes.
That gave Davis a districtwide lead of 1,165 votes.
The reported districtwide percentages were 50.01% for Davis and 49.09% for Dawson, although those percentages do not match the supplied vote totals and will require verification.
Kevin Johnson Leads Board of Commissioners At-Large Race
In the race for the Wayne County Board of Commissioners At-Large seat, Kevin Johnson led Beatrice Jones.
Johnson received 20,394 votes, or 53.10%, while Jones received 18,016 votes, representing 46.90%.
Johnson’s lead of 2,378 votes placed him ahead in the countywide contest.
Sheriff Larry Pierce Leads Reggie Edwards
The race for Wayne County Sheriff was another closely watched contest.
Sheriff Larry M. Pierce received 19,726 votes, representing 51.40%, while challenger Reginald “Reggie” Edwards received 18,654 votes, or 48.60%.
Pierce led Edwards by 1,072 votes in the unofficial election night results.
District Attorney and Clerk of Superior Court Run Unopposed
Two Wayne County races featured candidates running without opposition.
In the race for District Attorney, District 9, Jeff Cannon ran unopposed and received 24,684 votes, representing 100% of the votes reported in the contest.
Wayne County Clerk of Superior Court Julie Whitfield also ran unopposed, receiving 24,933 votes, or 100%.
Soil and Water Conservation District Supervisor Results
In the Wayne Soil and Water Conservation District Supervisor election, Ronald Parks received 20,708 votes, representing 56.02%.
Phil Yelverton received 15,704 votes, or 42.48%.
Both Parks and Yelverton were elected to serve as supervisors, according to the reported election results.
Wayne County 2026 Unofficial Election Results
| Race | Candidate | Votes | Percentage |
|---|---|---|---|
| District Court Judge, District 9, Seat 1 — Wayne County | Sonya Davis | 19,243 | 50.03% |
| Roy A. Dawson | 19,220 | 49.97% | |
| District Court Judge, District 9, Seat 1 — Districtwide | Sonya Davis | 32,667 | 50.91% |
| Roy A. Dawson | 31,502 | 49.09% | |
| District Attorney, District 9 | Jeff Cannon (Unopposed) | 24,684 | 100% |
| County Commissioner At-Large | Kevin Johnson | 20,394 | 53.10% |
| Beatrice Jones | 18,016 | 46.90% | |
| Clerk of Superior Court | Julie Whitfield (Unopposed) | 24,933 | 100% |
| Wayne County Sheriff | Larry M. Pierce | 19,726 | 51.40% |
| Reginald “Reggie” Edwards | 18,654 | 48.60% | |
| Soil and Water Conservation District Supervisor | Ronald Parks | 20,708 | 56.02% |
| Phil Yelverton | 15,704 | 42.48% |
Election Results Remain Unofficial
Wayne County recorded a voter turnout of 50.04%, with 38,788 ballots cast out of 77,521 registered voters.
The Wayne County Board of Elections is scheduled to conduct its official canvass on Friday, November 13, 2026.
Until the canvassing process is completed, all election night results remain unofficial and are subject to change.
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