Casey Walawender

Casey Walawender, a parent of two at Cullowhee Valley Elementary School

Casey Walawender earned a bachelor's degree in philosophy and a master's degree in social work from Western Carolina University. She lives with her two children in Sylva.

Casey previously worked as a student support specialist at Jackson County Public Schools, a transitions case manager with Communities in Schools of the Heart of Texas, a mental health professional with Haywood County Psychological Services, and a unit manager with Grandfather Home Community Services for Children.

Casey Walawender's campaign for Jackson County Commissioner, District 1, is his first entry into politics.

Casey's campaign for Jackson County Commissioner, District 1, is her first entry into politics.

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

- Opposed to the decision to remove Jackson County from the Fontana Regional Library system.

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Buket Urgen

Community asks for guidance on ICE | News | thesylvaherald.com

Who is running for election in 2026? - NCLocal

Economy

Jackson County votes to leave Fontana Regional Library system

Opposed to the decision to remove Jackson County from the Fontana Regional Library system.

Public Services

Housing & Urban Development

Public Safety

Transportation & Infrastructure

Energy & the Environment

German (Worm) Vivas

German (Worm) Vivas's campaign for Jackson County Commissioner in District 1 is his first entry into politics.

As of January 2, 2026, German (Worm) Vivas’s website did not contain information on this issue.

German (Worm) Vivas earned a Bachelor of Science in Marketing Management from Florida State University. He has a wife and child.

German worked in the Internal Revenue Service and as a middle school teacher.

German's campaign for Jackson County Commissioner in District 1 is his first entry into politics.

As of January 2, 2026, German (Worm) Vivas did not have a website or any information online.

John A. Herrera

As of January 2, 2026, John A. Herrera’s website did not contain information on this issue.

As of January 2, 2026, John A. Herrera did not have a website or any information online.

Opposes the closing of the Western Carolina University polling place.

- Opposes the closing of the Western Carolina University polling place.

Julie Extine Painter

Julie Extine Painter's campaign for a seat on the Jackson County Board of Commissioners representing District 1.

As of January 2, 2026, Julie Extine Painter’s website did not contain information on this issue.

'Julie Extine Painter's campaign for Jackson County Commissioner District 1 is her first entry into politics.'

Julie Extine Painter's campaign for Jackson County Commissioner in District 1 is her first run for public office.

As of January 2, 2026, Julie Extine Painter did not have a website or any information online.

Julie Extine Painter - Ballotpedia

Western North Carolina braces for 2026 races

- 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.

Jackson County Commissioner, District 1, Democratic Primary

Candidates (4)