North Carolina State Senate District 1

Current seat holder: Jerry Tillett.

Melissa Zehner

Melissa Zehner The Democratic primary for this office on March 3, 2026 , was canceled.

Campaign site

“After graduating from Randolph-Macon Woman’s College I worked in Minor League Baseball and held management positions. I loved my work. Once we started a family, we made the choice that I would be a stay at home parent. It was a decision that many families have had to make because childcare is simply not affordable. And now I see people across Eastern North Carolina with even more basic needs that are not being met.” (Campaign website (accessed Oct 23, 2026))
Invest in your schools:: “And as more responsibility for education continues shifting to the states, you need a legislator who will fight for investment in our teachers and students.” (Official campaign website)
work for working families:: “We are experiencing a cost of living emergency.” (Official campaign website)
Not Raleigh’s Voice - Yours:: “It’s about widening the circle of who gets a seat at the table in our district.” (Official campaign website)

Jerry Tillett

Jerry R. Tillett earned a bachelor's degree and a law degree from Wake Forest University.

Campaign site

“I seek your vote as your next Senator for District 1. I am a Christian, conservative, proud American, father, grandfather, husband, businessman, and public servant.” (Campaign website (accessed Oct 23, 2026))
“My parents instilled in me a decent respect for America and all of its finest institutions including: a divinely inspired system of government, adherence to rule of law, personal accountability, fiscal responsibility, FREE ENTERPRISE, religious freedom, defense of and adherence to our Constitutions, US and State, as well as the importance of family.” (Campaign website (accessed Oct 23, 2026))
“Previously, I worked with the Legislature at the highest levels, chaired local projects and legislative endeavors, as well as district and statewide innovations.” (Campaign website (accessed Oct 23, 2026))

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