The Shelby Independent announces its 2026 election endorsements

Editorial | The Shelby Independent

Elections are about more than campaign signs, political slogans and promises made along the campaign trail. They are about leadership, accountability, experience and, perhaps most importantly, the trust voters place in those seeking public office.

As an independent news organization serving Cleveland County and the surrounding communities, The Shelby Independent recognizes the responsibility that comes with covering the people, institutions and decisions that shape our community and our state.

That responsibility also includes recognizing that an editorial endorsement is different from news coverage. Our reporting will continue to be guided by fairness, accuracy and impartiality. Our editorial positions, however, reflect our judgment and the candidates we believe are deserving of voters’ consideration and support.

For the 2026 election, The Shelby Independent is pleased to announce its endorsements in the following races:

North Carolina House District 110: Caroline Eason

The Shelby Independent endorses Caroline Eason for the North Carolina House of Representatives, District 110.

North Carolina House District 111: Paul Scott

The Shelby Independent endorses Paul Scott for the North Carolina House of Representatives, District 111.

Cleveland County Sheriff: Alan Norman

The Shelby Independent endorses Sheriff Alan Norman for another term as Cleveland County Sheriff.

U.S. House of Representatives, North Carolina’s 14th Congressional District: Tim Moore

The Shelby Independent endorses Tim Moore for the United States House of Representatives, representing North Carolina’s 14th Congressional District.

Cleveland County Board of Commissioners: Wayne King and Doug Bridges

The Shelby Independent endorses Wayne King and Doug Bridges for seats on the Cleveland County Board of Commissioners.

North Carolina Court of Appeals: Craig Collins

The Shelby Independent endorses Judge Craig Collins for the North Carolina Court of Appeals.

A note about Board of Education races:

The Shelby Independent has also made a deliberate decision not to issue institutional endorsements in Cleveland County Board of Education races.

This decision should not be interpreted as a lack of interest in public education or the individuals seeking positions on the school board. Quite the opposite. Education remains one of the most consequential issues facing our community, and school board decisions deserve careful, consistent and sometimes difficult scrutiny.

We recognize that voters deserve information about the candidates, their qualifications, their positions and their vision for the future of Cleveland County Schools. We will continue providing that coverage.

However, maintaining an appropriate degree of editorial independence in our ongoing coverage of the school system and its elected leadership is important to us. For that reason, we believe it is best not to make institutional endorsements in these particular races.

SI’s responsibility to readers:

An endorsement is not a declaration that a candidate is perfect, nor does it suggest that those who support another candidate are wrong. Elections involve choices, and reasonable people can arrive at different conclusions.

What matters is that voters have access to accurate information, thoughtful analysis and independent reporting before making their decisions.

The Shelby Independent will continue to ask questions, examine decisions, challenge public officials when necessary and recognize good public service when it deserves recognition.

Our responsibility does not end when the votes are counted. In many respects, that is when it becomes even more important.

SI encourages Cleveland County voters to become informed, participate in the electoral process and exercise their right to vote.

An informed and engaged individual voter is essential to preserving the principles upon which our republic was founded.