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Gastonia, NC (WNN) - The NAACP Gastonia Branch #5394-B hosted The People's Candidate Forum on Monday, September 14, 2026, at 800 West Franklin Blvd, Gastonia, NC. The event consisted of 15 candidates running for local, state, and federal offices, providing an opportunity for the public to learn more about voter education and civic engagement.
WSOC-TV reporter Ken Lemon served as the evening’s moderator.
Justice Anita Earls is a civil rights attorney and experienced jurist seeking reelection to the North Carolina Supreme Court. Earls values justice, equality, and fairness overall. She has emphasized that courts should treat people equally regardless of wealth, race, gender, or social status.
Travis Page was raised in Cherryville, NC, and has been the District Attorney for over 5 years. As stated in his campaign, his goals are to seek justice with integrity and promote efficiency within the court.
LaKesha Womack is a leader and community advocate. Her campaign focuses on economic justice, strengthening families, and expanding opportunities for residents of North Carolina's 14th Congressional District.
Steve Rutherford is a Gaston County native and retired Navy senior chief. He is running for the state Senate and has emphasized dignity, honesty, and leadership as priorities for the district.
Donnie Loftis, the incumbent representative, says he is committed to representing conservative values and serving the residents of his district.
Mark Carver is also seeking the District 109 seat. He is campaigning for public education, housing affordability, and equal rights.
Rod Powell | The People's Candidate Forum hosted by the NAACP | September 14, 2026 | Gastonia, NC
Rod Powell spent 30 years working in North Carolina classrooms. He says his experience listening to students, parents, and families led him to pursue a seat in the state Senate. His campaign focuses on issues affecting everyday life in local communities.
Sydnie Hutchinson | The People's Candidate Forum hosted by the NAACP | September 14, 2026 | Gastonia, NC
Sydnie Hutchinson has worked as a paralegal, helping people navigate difficult circumstances. She says her professional experience has shown her how legislation and public policies can affect communities, motivating her to seek office and work toward changes she believes will help residents thrive.
Jessica Moreno, a candidate representing Gastonia Township, is a housing advocate and community leader. She says every family deserves stability, safety, and the opportunity to build a future in the community they call home.
Matt Buchanan, a candidate for Dallas Township, works in healthcare. He says his professional experience has shaped his focus on healthcare access, housing costs, infrastructure, public safety, and responsible use of county funds.
Charley Killian, a candidate for Riverbend Township, describes himself as an independent-minded write-in candidate. A working parent and longtime Gaston County resident, Killian says his campaign is centered on common sense and local government accountability.
Debra Johnson, candidate for the Dallas Township, believes in advocating for school funding, supporting teachers, and investing in students.
Chéz Adams, candidate for Gastonia Township, prioritizes her campaign on preserving arts, expanding mental health services, and supporting parental involvement in education.
Brenda Eskridge, running at-large, labels partnership, integrity, and education as the core values of her campaign. She emphasizes working with the community and supporting students through education.
Barbra Walls, a candidate for Riverbend Township, has 40 years of experience as an educator. With her experience, she plans to put students first.
WNN is a free news platform that offers in-studio interviews to all candidates in Gaston, Lincoln, and Cleveland counties who wish to discuss their campaigns before the upcoming election. If you are interested, please visit this article for more information or schedule your interview here.
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