Last Updated: 2/18/26
The Gates County Chamber of Commerce is proud to host the 2026 Candidate Forum. As the voice of business and community in Gates County, our goal is to provide a non-partisan platform where citizens can meet the individuals seeking to lead our county and schools.
Bookmark this page and check back often. As candidates confirm their attendance and headshots are received, this hub will be updated in real-time.
Event Details
- Date: Thursday, February 19th
- Time: 7:00 PM
- Location: Historic Courthouse, 202 Court St, Gatesville, NC
- Admission: Free and open to the public.
Follow our YouTube Channel for the Livestream.
Board of Education - Meet The Candidates
Below is the current list of candidates invited to the forum. Profiles will be updated as headshots and bios are submitted.
|
Candidate Name |
Contest Name | Seat Name | Party |
Status |
Profile Link |
Campaign Phone |
Campaign Email |
|
Brian Silvers |
Gates County Board of Education District 01 |
⏳ Invited |
[Pending] |
(757) 751-4989 |
|
|
Sallie J. Ryan |
Gates County Board of Education District 01 |
✅ Accepted |
[Pending] |
(252) 339-7935 |
|
 Lola N. Rountree |
Gates County Board of Education District 03 |
✅ Accepted |
(252) 287-1005 |
||
 Danny Hale |
Gates County Board of Education District 03 |
✅ Accepted |
(252) 202-6975 |
||
 L. Ray Brothers |
Gates County Board of Education District 05 |
✅ Accepted |
(252) 267-4838 |
||
 Nick Lolies |
Gates County Board of Education District 05 |
✅ Accepted |
(252) 297-2150 |
NICK.LOLIES@YAHOO.COM |
|
 Shari Earhart |
Gates County Board of Education District 02 (unexpired) |
✅ Accepted |
(252) 287-7424 |
||
 Adam Williams |
Gates County Board of Education District 02 (unexpired) |
✅ Accepted |
(252) 398-7112 |
||
 Angela (JoJo) Legg |
Gates County Board of Education District 02 (unexpired) |
✅ Accepted |
(252) 532-0691 |
Questions Provided in Advance
To ensure a thoughtful and substantive discussion, all candidates have been provided with the forum questions ahead of time. This allows each candidate to prepare meaningful responses. Our goal is to create an environment where voters can hear well-considered answers that reflect each candidate's values, experience, and commitment to our students and community.
(Note: Questions will be screened for civil discourse and to ensure they apply to all candidates in this race.)
Stay Connected
For real-time updates and "Candidate Spotlight" videos, follow us on our social platforms:
The Gates County Chamber of Commerce is a 501(c)(6) non-profit organization. This forum is strictly educational and does not constitute an endorsement of any candidate