Karen Watford has a bachelor 27s degree in English from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. She has been married to her husband, Samuel Watford, for 40 years. They have two daughters and two grandchildren together. She attends Liberty Baptist Church in Thomasville.

Chair Karen Watford | Davidson County, NC

Karen Watford earned a bachelor 's degree in English from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. She lives with her husband, Samuel, in Thomasville and has two children and two grandchildren. She attends Liberty Baptist Church.

Karen is a retired teacher. She taught at Central Davidson Middle, East Davidson High, and North Davidson High schools from 1974 to 2011. 

Karen is a retired teacher. She taught at Central Davidson Middle, East Davidson High, and North Davidson High schools.

Karen is currently a member of the Davidson County Board of Commissioners. She is serving her second term.

Karen currently serves as a member of the Davidson County Board of Commissioners. She was first elected in 2018 and is serving her second term.

Opposes the construction of new Dollar General locations, citing concerns about cleanliness and disorganization at existing locations.

- Opposes the construction of new Dollar General locations, citing concerns about cleanliness and disorganization at existing locations.

Economy

As of January 2, 2026, Karen Watford did not have a website or any information online.

Public Services

Housing & Urban Development

Public Safety

Transportation & Infrastructure

Energy & the Environment

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Karen Watford

Davidson County's 2026 elections draw crowded GOP primaries ...

Primaries likely to determine key Davidson races | Thomasville ...

Filing complete, Local elections heat up — DavidsonLocal.com

As of January 2, 2026, Karen Watford’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Buket Urgen

Dana Michael Loomis

Dana Michael Loomis is from Lexington, North Carolina.

Dana Michael Loomis’s campaign for the Davidson County Board of Commissioners is his first time running for public office.

As of January 2, 2026, Dana Michael Loomis’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Dana Michael Loomis (Davidson County Board of Commissioners ...

Area sheriffs all have ballot challenges

Mike Loomis

Dana Michael Loomis lives with his wife, Lorie, in Lexington.

Dana is a co-founder of Race Against Drugs, a nonprofit dealing with drug addiction.

Dana Michael Loomis previously ran for Davidson County Commissioner in 2024, but did not win.

Dexter M. Short

Dexter is from Lexington, North Carolina.

Dexter M. Short's campaign for Davidson County Commissioner is his first entry into politics.

As of January 2, 2026, Dexter M. Short’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Dexter M. Short’s campaign for the Davidson County Board of Commissioners is his first entry into politics.

Dexter M. Short (Davidson County Board of Commissioners, North ...

BOE clarifies: March primaries will be held for slate of Republican ...

Dexter Short is married and lives in Lexington, North Carolina.

Dexter is a detective at Davidson County Sheriff's Office

Wants to offer more salary and benefit's to local county employees.

- Wants to offer more salary and benefit's to local county employees.
- Supports lowering taxes.

As of January 2, 2026, Dexter M. Short did not have a website or any information online.

Believes in "stronger development regulations" to reduce the "heavy strain on schools, agriculture, and quality of life—especially in rural areas."

- Believes in "stronger development regulations" to reduce the "heavy strain on schools, agriculture, and quality of life—especially in rural areas."

Believes law enforcement officers should have universal key-card access to school buildings.

Wants to increase jail capacity so offenders would be released "with little or no bond" less often.

- Believes law enforcement officers should have universal key-card access to school buildings.
- Wants to increase jail capacity so offenders would be released "with little or no bond" less often.

A lifelong resident of Davidson County, Dwight D. Cornelison graduated from East Davidson High School. He earned an associate's degree in general occupational technology from Davidson-Davie Community College (DCCC) and a bachelor's degree in management and ethics from John Wesley College. He is married and has two children.

Dwight was a program coordinator and instructor at Forsyth Technical Community College. Prior to that he owned and operated Cornelison Heat & AC. Additionally, Dwight served in the North Carolina National Guard, receiving an honorable discharge at the rank of E5 in 1991.

Dwight D. Cornelison's campaign for Davidson County Board of Commissioners.

Dwight D. Cornelison (Davidson County Board of Commissioners ...

Top Republicans selected in Davidson County 2024 primary ...

Dwight served as a member of the Thomasville City Council from 1999 to 2007.

As of January 2, 2026, Dwight D. Cornelison’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Opposes the proposed Sports Plex, arguing that it consumes too many resources at the expense of public safety and education.

- Opposes the proposed Sports Plex, arguing that it consumes too many resources at the expense of public safety and education.

Prioritizes public safety and advocates for building a new county jail.

Supports increased efforts for the recruitment and retention of law enforcement and first responders.

- Prioritizes public safety and advocates for building a new county jail.
- Supports increased efforts for the recruitment and retention of law enforcement and first responders.

Dwight D. Cornelison

A lifelong resident of Davidson County, Dwight D. Cornelison graduated from East Davidson High School in 1978. He earned an A.A.S. in General Occupational Technology from Davidson-Davie Community College (DCCC) and a B.A. in Management & Ethics from John Wesley College. He has been married since 1997 and has two children.

Cornelison is a small business owner and a former educator. He owned and operated Cornelison Heat & AC from 1991 to 2004. Following his time in private business, he spent nearly 20 years (2003–2022) as a Program Coordinator and Vocational/Technical Instructor at Forsyth Technical Community College (FTCC). He holds state licenses in Heating (Group 1 & 3) and Electrical (Limited). Additionally, he served in the North Carolina National Guard, receiving an honorable discharge at the rank of E5 in 1991.

Cornelison served as a member of the Thomasville City Council from 1999 to 2007. His platform for County Commissioner is built on over three decades of experience in business, education, and local government. He emphasizes transparency, open communication with citizens, and fiscal accountability.

- Cornelison is an outspoken opponent of the proposed Sports Plex, arguing that it consumes too many resources at the expense of public safety and education.

- He identifies public safety as a top priority and advocates for building a new county jail. He also supports increased efforts for the recruitment and retention of law enforcement and first responders.

Matt Mizell is from Midway, North Carolina. He has a bachelor 27s degree in political science from High Point University, a master 27s degree in education, and an MBA from Wake Forest University. He lives in the Arcadia community with his wife. 

Commissioner Matt Mizell | Davidson County, NC

Matt Mizell is originally from Midway. He earned a bachelor's degree in political science from High Point University, and a master's degree in education and master's degree in business administration from Wake Forest University. Matt lives in Arcadia with his wife.

Matt is a marketing professional. He previously taught history in the North Carolina public school system for four years. 

Matt currently works as a marketing professional. He previously worked as a history teacher.

Matt is currently a Davidson County Commissioner. He is serving his first term.

Matt Mizell (Davidson County Board of Commissioners, North ...

Matt currently serves as a Davidson County Commissioner. He was first elected in 2022 and is serving his first term.

As County Commissioner, voted against the Southmont Sportsplex.

Plans to "prioritize school renovations and support library initiatives."

- As County Commissioner, voted against the Southmont Sportsplex.
- Plans to "prioritize school renovations and support library initiatives."

Said, "Davidson County needs a full spectrum of housing options to fit varying budgets and preferences of its citizens. At the same time, we must protect the qualities that make our county a desirable place to live. Without careful planning, unchecked development can strain infrastructure, alter our natural character, and increase costs for taxpayers as more services are rendered to more people moving here."

Said, "[w]ithout careful planning, unchecked development can strain infrastructure, alter our natural character, and increase costs."

Opposes excessive growth of subdivisions.

- Said, "[w]ithout careful planning, unchecked development can strain infrastructure, alter our natural character, and increase costs."
- Opposes excessive growth of subdivisions.

Plans to retain public safety personnel with competitive pay.

- Plans to retain public safety personnel with competitive pay.

Supports increasing lot size and width requirements.

- Supports increasing lot size and width requirements.

As of January 2, 2026, Matt Mizell did not have a website or any information online.

Matt Mizell

- Opposes excessive growth of subdivisions.

As of January 2, 2026, Matt Mizell’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Robbie Beasley is from Thomasville, North Carolina.

Party Officers - Davidson County Republican Party

Robbie is originally from Lexington. He studied computer science and business at Davidson County Community College, He lives with his wife and two children in Thomasville.

Robbie has previously worked as a mail carrier with the U.S. Postal Service and in healthcare management. He served in the U.S. Army for 24 years.

Robbie Beasley is currently the 1st Vice Chairman of the Davidson County Republican Party.

Robbie's campaign for Davidson County Commission is his first run for public office.

As of January 2, 2026, Robbie Beasley did not have a website or any information online.

Supports preserving "as much [agricultural land] as possible."

- Supports preserving "as much [agricultural land] as possible."

Robbie Beasley

As of January 2, 2026, Robbie Beasley’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Shirley Algiere Byerly

Shirley Algiere Byerly earned an associate's degree in applied science in early childhood education from Davidson-Davie Community College. She lives with her husband in Thomasville.

Shirley is the president of God's Will Inc., a Christian nonprofit. She previously worked as an assistant teacher at Thomasville City Schools.

Shirley Algiere Byerly of Thomasville is a candidate for Davidson County commissioner.

Shirley Algiere Byerly's campaign for county commissioner is her first run for public office.

As of January 2, 2026, Shirley Algiere Byerly did not have a website or any information online.

LinkedIn

Shirely Algiere Byerley lives with her husband in Thomasville.

As of January 2, 2026, Shirley Algiere Byerly’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Davidson County 2026 Primary Candidates

Shirley's campaign for county commissioner is her first run for public office.

Steve Shell

Steve Shell is from the Friedberg Community in Davidson County, North Carolina. He attended Davidson County Community College and Forsyth Technical Community College upon graduating from high school, where he then went through special career training from instructors from the United States Department of Justice and the United States Secret Service. He lives with his wife, Linda Craver Shell, his two sons, and four grandchildren in the Friedberg Community. He is a proud Christian who believes that all the good happenings in his life are due to the blessings of almighty God.

As of January 2, 2026, Steve Shell’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Commissioner Steve Shell | Davidson County, NC

Shell’s professional career includes significant experience in law enforcement, business, and investigative services. He served with the Davidson County Sheriff’s Department and completed Basic Law Enforcement training. He received specialized career training from instructors at the U.S. Department of Justice and the U.S. Secret Service. In the private sector, he was the president of Shell Driving School Inc. and is the current president of A1A Company and East Coast Sureties. He is also a founding father and former governing board member of the North Carolina Bail Agents Association. Additionally, he was a licensed Private Investigator and Counter Intelligence Agent from 1980 until his retirement from those roles.

Shell has been a member of the Davidson County Board of Commissioners for over a decade. He represents the board on several key committees, including the Sewer Committee, Jail Committee, Facilities Committee, and the Opioid Settlement Funds Committee. He is also a member of the I-85 Corporate Center Committee and the Yadkin River Park Committee. He has served as the Chairman of the board and identifies as a staunch supporter of the US Constitution.

As of January 2, 2026, Steve Shell did not have a website or any information online.

Steve Shook

Steve Shook is from Lexington, North Carolina.

Steve Shook is a candidate for Davidson County commissioner.

As of January 2, 2026, Steve Shook’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Candidates File on Opening Day for 2026 Primary in Davidson County

Candidate filing kicks off for 2026 races

As of January 2, 2026, Steve Shook did not have a website or any information online.

Tim S. Bryan's campaign for Davidson County commissioner is his first time running for public office.

As of January 2, 2026, Tim S. Bryan did not have a website or any information online.

Tim S. Bryan

As of January 2, 2026, Tim S. Bryan’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Tony Downs

Tony Downs's campaign for Davidson County commissioner is his first time running for public office.

As of January 2, 2026, Tony Downs’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Tony Downs from Thomasville. He earned a bachelor's degree in economics from North Carolina State University. Tony lives with his wife, Tammy, in Thomasville.

Tony is a manager and co-owner of Downs Construction Company. He was previously a project manager for Darr Construction.

Tony's campaign for Davidson County commissioner is his first run for public office.

As of January 2, 2026, Tony Downs did not have a website or any information online.

Tony Downs is married and studied economics at North Carolina State University. 

Tony works at Downs Construction Company.

Tony Downs (Davidson County Board of Commissioners, North Carolina, candidate 2026)

Victor "Vic" Jones is from High Point, North Carolina. He now lives in Lexington.

Vic is the owner of Royal Limousine of Greensboro.

Former High Point councilman Victor Jones filed to run as a Republican challenger for the Davidson County Board of Commissioners.

Vic's campaign for county commissioner is his first run for public office.

As of January 2, 2026, Vic Jones did not have a website or any information online.

Vic Jones

As of January 2, 2026, Vic Jones’s website did not contain information on this issue.

- County Commissioners create and pass laws at the county-level. These laws show up in very tangible ways, such as determining how much you pay property and sales tax rates, public transportation, and maintaining infrastructure.
- County Commissioners are responsible for preparing and passing the county budget. The budget determines how much funding goes to various public services, such as public transportation, law enforcement, repairing roads, and maintaining infrastructure.
- County Commissioners oversee the administrative duties of your county’s government to ensure the safety, comfort, and well-being of county residents.
- County Commissioners can create, change, or abolish offices, positions, departments that are not required by law. 
- County Commissioners are elected to 4-year terms, with no term limits. Typically, you only vote for the County Commissioner that represents your county commission district.