New Hanover County voters made some big changes on Election Day. According to unofficial results reported by WHQR on November 3, 2026 and WECT, Democrats Rob Zapple and LeShonda Wallace won the two open seats on the Board of Commissioners, and four Democratic candidates swept the Board of Education races. That shifts the five-member commission from a 3-2 Republican majority to a 3-2 Democratic majority when the new members are seated in December.
Whatever your politics, the county commission and school board make decisions that touch home values, development, taxes, and where kids go to school. Here is a practical, nonpartisan look at what changed and what homeowners, buyers, and sellers in New Hanover County should keep an eye on.
What the Unofficial Results Show
Per WHQR’s tally from the North Carolina State Board of Elections, Rob Zapple (an incumbent) received 56,259 votes and LeShonda Wallace received 51,063. Board chair LeAnn Pierce received 42,217 votes and Richard Collier received 39,369. WECT reports the winners will join Republicans Bill Rivenbark and Dane Scalise and Democrat Stephanie Walker on the board.
On the Board of Education, Jerry Jones Jr., Brittnei LaRue, Margie Gewirtzman, and Wendy Dale won the four seats on the ballot, according to WHQR. Voters also approved the county’s $320.5 million school bond by a wide margin, which we covered in our school bond and property tax amendment post.
One caveat: these numbers are not final. The county canvass is scheduled for Friday, November 13, according to the New Hanover County meeting calendar, and WHQR notes several close races in the region could fall within recount range.
Why the County Commission Matters for Real Estate
Most people think of the commission in terms of headlines, but for property owners its day-to-day work is very concrete.
Rezonings and new development
Commissioners vote on rezoning requests and special use permits in the unincorporated parts of the county, including areas like Ogden, Porters Neck, Castle Hayne, Masonboro, and Monkey Junction. Those votes decide whether a tract becomes a subdivision, apartments, a shopping center, or stays wooded. If you live near a large vacant parcel or are buying near one, the board’s approach to growth can affect traffic, views, and your neighborhood’s feel for years.
The comprehensive plan and housing policy
The county has been working through its 2026 comprehensive plan update, and workforce housing has been a recurring topic on the agenda. A new majority may set different priorities on density, affordability incentives, and where growth should go. We’d expect those conversations to continue into 2027, so it’s worth following how the new board handles them.
Budget and the property tax rate
The commission adopts the county budget and sets the property tax rate each year, typically by the end of June. With a new school bond to pay off and a new state constitutional amendment on property tax levies, next spring’s budget season will be one to watch for anyone budgeting for a purchase or holding rental property.
Why the School Board Matters Too
For many buyers, school assignment is near the top of the list. The Board of Education oversees attendance zones, school calendars, construction priorities, and how bond money gets spent. With four new members and the bond approved, expect discussion about which projects come first, including the work at New Hanover High School that WHQR noted is part of the bond plan.
If you’re buying with kids, always confirm the current school assignment for a specific address directly with New Hanover County Schools rather than relying on a listing or a past year’s map.
What Buyers and Sellers Should Do Now
- Buyers: Don’t hit pause. Local election results rarely move home prices overnight. Interest rates, inventory, and your own budget matter far more in the short term. Do look up any pending rezonings near a home you’re considering.
- Sellers: If your home is near a site with a pending rezoning, be ready for buyer questions. Good disclosure and local context help buyers feel confident.
- Investors: Keep an eye on any changes to short-term rental, workforce housing, or density policies, as well as the 2027 budget and tax rate.
- Everyone: Commission meetings are public and streamed. Agendas are posted in advance on the county’s website, which is the best way to see what’s coming before it happens.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do the new commissioners take office?
WECT reports the newly elected members join the board starting in December. Results are unofficial until the county canvass on November 13.
Does the commission control zoning inside Wilmington?
No. Wilmington City Council and the beach town councils handle zoning within their own limits. The county commission handles unincorporated New Hanover County.
Will my property taxes go up because of this election?
Nobody can say yet. The tax rate is set during the annual budget process, usually by late June. The new school bond and the newly passed property tax amendment are both factors the board will weigh.
Will this change home values?
Not directly or immediately. Over time, decisions on growth, roads, schools, and taxes can shape demand in different parts of the county, which is why it’s worth staying informed.
Talk With a Local Team That Follows This Closely
We track county agendas, rezonings, and school news across New Hanover, Brunswick, and Pender counties so our clients aren’t caught off guard. If you’re thinking about buying or selling and want to know how local decisions might affect a specific neighborhood, reach out to Aspyre Collective. We’re happy to help.
