Brunswick County voters wrapped up the 2026 general election on Tuesday, and the results will shape how the fastest-growing county in our area handles new subdivisions, water and sewer, roads, and schools over the next four years. If you own a home in Leland, Southport, Shallotte, Holden Beach, Sunset Beach, or anywhere in between, or you’re thinking about buying here, this is worth a few minutes of your time.
Here’s what changed, what didn’t, and what we at Aspyre Collective will be watching on behalf of our buyers and sellers.
The Unofficial Results at a Glance
According to unofficial results reported by the State Port Pilot (Nov. 3, 2026), the StarNews (Nov. 3, 2026), and Port City Daily (Nov. 4, 2026):
- District 1 commissioner: Incumbent Republican Randy Thompson won another four-year term with about 56.6% of the vote. District 1 covers the county’s southern end, including Sunset Beach, Carolina Shores, Calabash, Ocean Isle Beach, and parts of Ash and Longwood.
- District 2 commissioner: Republican Patti Hewett, a retired sheriff’s office deputy, won with about 56.9%. District 2 includes Holden Beach, Shallotte, Supply, and Varnamtown. Hewett reached the ballot by defeating longtime commissioner Marty Cooke in the spring primary, so this seat changes hands.
- Board of Education: Republicans Paige Morgan (District 3) and Steve Gainey (District 5) won their races.
- School bond: The $349.6 million school bond passed with roughly 55% of the vote.
These numbers are unofficial until the Brunswick County Board of Elections certifies them at its canvass on Friday, Nov. 13, at 11 a.m. in Bolivia, as the Brunswick Beacon noted in its election-night coverage.
Why the Commission Race Matters for Homeowners
County commissioners make the final call on many of the decisions that affect property values day to day: rezonings in unincorporated areas, the county budget and tax rate, water and sewer expansion, and how impact fees and development rules are written. In Brunswick County, where a large share of new homes are built outside town limits, that reach is significant.
Growth management is front and center
In a StarNews candidate questionnaire, Thompson named development and growth management as top priorities and said he supports a moratorium on residential development in the county along with tighter ordinances. He also pointed to stormwater management, water and sewer capacity, overcrowded schools, fire department funding, and state road conditions as pressing issues.
A moratorium is a position, not a policy. Nothing has been proposed or voted on as a result of this election, and any such step would have to go through the full board and public process. Still, it’s a clear signal that the pace of new subdivision approvals will stay a hot topic in Bolivia.
A new voice for Shallotte and Holden Beach
Hewett replaces an 18-year incumbent in District 2. New commissioners often bring fresh priorities on how growth is handled along corridors like N.C. 130, N.C. 179, and U.S. 17. Watch the first few meetings after she’s sworn in to see where she lands on rezonings and infrastructure spending.
What It Could Mean for Buyers
- New construction supply: If the board tightens rules or slows approvals, projects already approved will likely carry more weight in the market. Buyers eyeing new communities near Leland, Bolivia, or the Ocean Isle Beach Road corridor may find that existing approvals matter more than future ones.
- Schools: With the bond approved, the State Port Pilot reports plans for a new northern elementary school, a new high school along the U.S. 17 corridor, and other upgrades. That’s good news for families worried about crowding, though new schools take years to open and attendance lines can change.
- Infrastructure: Water, sewer, and stormwater were common themes this cycle. If you’re buying in a fast-growing area, ask about utility capacity, septic versus sewer, and drainage before you commit.
What It Could Mean for Sellers
If you own a home in an established Brunswick County neighborhood, tighter limits on new subdivisions could make resale homes more attractive over time, especially those with sewer access, good drainage, and short drives to Wilmington or the beaches. That said, the market responds to many forces, including mortgage rates and insurance costs, so we wouldn’t price a home on election results alone. A current comparative market analysis is still the best guide.
What to Watch Next
- The Nov. 13 canvass, when results become official.
- The swearing-in of new board members and the board’s first meetings afterward.
- Any agenda items on development rules, impact fees, or a residential moratorium.
- Planning board and commission agendas for large subdivisions near your home or the area you’re shopping in.
You can find agendas and meeting schedules on the Brunswick County government website.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are the Brunswick County election results final?
Not yet. They’re unofficial until the county board of elections certifies them at its canvass on Nov. 13, 2026.
Did the county approve a building moratorium?
No. Commissioner Thompson has said he supports one, but no moratorium has been proposed or adopted as of this writing.
Will the school bond raise my property taxes?
That hasn’t been decided. Supporters have argued growth can cover the debt, as with a past bond, but tax rates are set each year in the county budget. Watch the budget process next spring.
Does this affect homes inside town limits?
Towns like Leland, Southport, and Oak Island handle their own zoning, but county decisions on water, sewer, schools, and taxes still affect everyone in the county.
Thinking About Buying or Selling in Brunswick County?
Local decisions move faster than headlines, and we follow them closely so you don’t have to. Whether you’re weighing a new build in Leland, a resale near Shallotte, or a second home by the beach, we’ll help you understand what’s coming and how it fits your plans. Reach out to Aspyre Collective to start the conversation.
