RAEFORD, N.C. — November 4, 2026 — Hoke County voters made their voices heard in the November 3 general election, selecting leaders to serve local government, public schools and other community offices. We Are Hoke congratulates the apparent winners and thanks every resident who participated in the election. Results remain unofficial until the election canvass and certification process is completed.
In the Hoke County Board of Commissioners election, the three highest vote recipients were Allen Thomas, with 9,372 votes; Deborah McMillan-Evans, with 8,955 votes; and Harry Southerland, with 8,390 votes. The reported results return Thomas and Southerland to the board and bring McMillan-Evans into county leadership.
The Hoke County Board of Education election also brought a combination of returning experience and new representation. Keisha Bronson-Gill received 5,335 votes, Gwendolyn Robinson received 4,898 votes, and Angela Southerland received 4,822 votes, placing them in the top three positions for the available seats. Bronson-Gill previously served on the school board, Robinson joins as a newcomer, and Southerland returns as an incumbent.
In two uncontested county races, Sheriff Roderick Virgil received 12,674 votes, and Clerk of Superior Court Evelyn M. McLeod received 12,408 votes, securing their reported reelection victories. Neill McKenzie and Pat Lyons also won the two available Hoke Soil and Water Conservation District supervisor positions.
Beyond the county offices, reported winners in races representing Hoke County included Garland Pierce for North Carolina House District 48, Danny Britt Jr. for North Carolina Senate District 24, and Richard Ojeda II for U.S. House District 9. Roy Cooper also led the statewide U.S. Senate results.
For We Are Hoke, this moment is an opportunity to recognize the responsibility that comes with public service and the residents whose participation makes representative government possible. Our congratulations go to the successful candidates as they prepare to serve the families, students, businesses and neighborhoods that make Hoke County home.
We also extend our appreciation to every candidate who stepped forward to run for office. Campaigning requires time, preparation and a willingness to listen to the community, and those efforts deserve acknowledgment regardless of the outcome.
Election workers, volunteers and voters also deserve thanks for their contributions throughout the voting process. A strong community depends on people who remain involved, ask thoughtful questions and take an interest in decisions that affect their neighbors.
As the election season gives way to the work ahead, We Are Hoke encourages residents to stay connected, attend public meetings and continue sharing their ideas. Congratulations to the winners, and thank you, Hoke County, for making your voices heard as we move forward together.
