Henderson County Prepares for an Influential 2026 Primary Election: New Developments and Key Insights

As Henderson County advances toward the March 3, 2026, primary election, the political landscape is more vibrant and consequential than ever. With expanded early voting, a highly competitive candidate slate, and a wide array of community-driven initiatives, residents face a pivotal opportunity to shape the region’s future across multiple sectors—from governance and infrastructure to environmental sustainability and public safety. Recent developments underscore the importance of active civic engagement as the county navigates a dynamic electoral season.

Expanded Early Voting and Community Engagement Efforts

To maximize voter participation, Henderson County has extended its early voting period from February 12 through March 2, offering increased flexibility and accessibility.

• Voting hours typically run from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m., with many polling stations offering extended hours on weekends and evenings to accommodate diverse schedules, including working residents, seniors, and students.
• Polling locations are strategically dispersed across the county, including the main election office, local libraries, community centers, and accessible venues.

Voters are encouraged to verify polling sites and hours through the Henderson County Board of Elections website. Ensuring current voter registration and bringing valid photo identification remain essential to streamline the process.

Community organizations are actively ramping up outreach—organizing registration drives, hosting candidate forums, and conducting door-to-door canvassing—with particular attention to engaging youth, marginalized communities, and first-time voters. These efforts aim to foster a more inclusive electorate, recognizing that every vote significantly influences Henderson County’s future trajectory.

A Broad and Highly Competitive Ballot

This primary features an unusually extensive and competitive slate of candidates, reflecting heightened political engagement within the region. Key races include:

Federal and State Races

• U.S. House of Representatives: Several districts are hosting high-stakes primaries, setting the stage for pivotal general elections that could reshape regional representation.
• Governor and Lieutenant Governor: Multiple candidates with distinct policy visions are vying for nominations, promising an intense campaign season.
• State Legislature: Races for the State Senate and House districts are highly contested, with incumbents challenged by emerging voices and organized grassroots efforts.

Local Races and Community Debates

• Henderson County Commissioners: Two open seats have attracted considerable attention, with candidates engaging voters through social media, public forums, and community events. Major issues include infrastructure development, economic growth, environmental sustainability, and public health.
• Municipal and Special Districts: Several city and district positions are on the ballot, with debates focusing on zoning, local services, and community initiatives.

Notable Candidate Entry: Josh Few

Adding momentum and diversity to the race, Josh Few, a prominent local businessman affiliated with Few Land and Timber, LLC, and F7 Cattle Co., has announced his candidacy for Precinct 4 County Commissioner. His platform emphasizes rural revitalization, local economic development, and sustainable land use, offering voters a compelling alternative amidst a crowded field.

Community Priorities and Policy Drivers

Education

• The Henderson County Schools Board recently held a significant meeting on February 16 to discuss school funding, curriculum updates, and infrastructure needs. Community input highlighted concerns over resource allocation, student support, and maintaining educational quality.
• Programs such as the Boys & Girls Club mentorship and early childhood literacy initiatives like the Imagination Library continue to promote positive youth development and long-term educational success.

Public Health and Safety

• The Community Paramedics program has demonstrated promising results by reducing emergency response times, improving health outcomes for vulnerable populations, and building trust in local healthcare services.
• The Hendersonville Police Department has launched a community survey to gather resident feedback, aiming to enhance transparency and strengthen police-community relations.
• Rising fire-related deaths in North Carolina in 2025 have raised safety concerns nationwide. Fire officials, including State Fire Marshal Brian Taylor, have emphasized fire prevention campaigns, particularly focusing on smoke alarm installation and maintenance. Nearly 53% of deadly house fires lacked functioning smoke alarms, underscoring the urgent need for increased awareness and safety measures.

Infrastructure and Climate Resilience

Henderson County continues to prioritize climate adaptation and infrastructure upgrades:

• The new Hendersonville water intake along the French Broad River, celebrated at the First Sip Ceremony, represents a major step toward drought mitigation and ensuring sustainable water supply.
• Over $456,000 in state funding has been allocated for flood resilience initiatives, including drainage improvements and infrastructure upgrades to protect communities from flood risks.
• The City of Hendersonville Stormwater Department has secured nearly $2.5 million for projects such as restoring over 2,000 linear feet of source streams, enhancing floodplain reconnectivity, ecological health, and climate resilience.
• Recently, Henderson County secured an additional $2.5 million for flood mitigation efforts, reinforcing its commitment to protecting neighborhoods from climate-related hazards.
• A landmark success was the recent awarding of $472 million to North Carolina for drinking water and wastewater infrastructure projects, aiming to modernize aging systems and bolster resilience against climate impacts.

Land Use and Environmental Initiatives

The community continues proactive efforts to address environmental concerns:

• The county is actively working to remove Bradford Pear trees, which are invasive and pose risks to infrastructure and native ecosystems. Incentive programs, in partnership with North Carolina State University, encourage residents to replace invasive trees with native species.
• Henderson County employs landslide mapping as an innovative tool to assess climate-related hazard risks, aiding residents and planners in identifying high-risk areas and implementing proactive land use strategies.

Recent Regional Economic Developments and Community Responses

A notable recent event involves Costco’s withdrawal from its planned development in Asheville, which has generated mixed reactions within the community. While some residents expressed disappointment, many emphasized resilience and adaptability:

"Sam’s is close enough," a common sentiment, reflecting optimism that other retailers or industries can fill the economic void.

In response, Henderson County officials have invited Costco to reconsider and are actively engaging with the retail giant to explore alternative site options within the region. The county’s economic development team remains diligent in attracting major investments to boost employment and regional prosperity.

Quote from a county official:
“While the withdrawal was unexpected, our commitment remains strong. We see opportunity in every challenge and are dedicated to positioning Henderson County as a prime location for major retailers like Costco."

Civic Resilience and Emerging Issues

Recent events have highlighted the importance of community resilience:

• Power outages caused by an extreme cold snap exposed vulnerabilities in regional power grids, prompting urgent discussions about upgrading infrastructure and enhancing emergency response plans.
• The Vision Henderson County civic leadership program, now in its 30th year, continues to foster leadership development and community involvement, especially among youth and emerging leaders.
• A recent lawsuit filed by a Henderson County US Forest Service worker against USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack over wrongful termination and employment discrimination has garnered local attention, raising broader issues about public land management and worker rights.

New Initiatives and Safety Measures

• The Henderson and McDowell counties have introduced special needs occupant decals aimed at improving emergency response and safety for residents with disabilities or special needs. These decals are part of an effort to enhance visibility and ensure quicker, more effective assistance during emergencies.

Title: Henderson, McDowell introduce special needs occupant decals
HENDERSONVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — Sheriff’s offices in two Western North Carolina counties are launching programs aimed at helping emergency responders identify residents with special needs quickly. The decals are designed to be affixed to doors or windows, providing critical information to first responders during emergencies.

Current Status and Future Outlook

Early voting continues with strong community participation, signaling high engagement ahead of the March 3 primary. The ballot's diversity of races and issues reflects Henderson County’s active civic landscape, with voters weighing critical concerns such as infrastructure modernization, environmental sustainability, economic resilience, and public safety.

The county’s proactive responses—be it through infrastructure upgrades, environmental initiatives, or community safety programs—underline its commitment to sustainable growth and community well-being. The ongoing efforts to attract investment, enhance safety, and empower residents position Henderson County as a resilient and forward-thinking region.

Key Takeaways for Voters:

• Verify your voter registration and confirm polling locations and hours via official channels.
• Vote early during the extended window or participate on Election Day, March 3.
• Engage with candidates and community forums to make informed decisions on crucial issues.
• Stay updated on local initiatives, safety campaigns, and policy debates shaping the county’s future.

Make your voice heard. Exercise your democratic rights. The future of Henderson County depends on it.