Candidates share priorities ahead of Duplin County primaries

KENANSVILLE —  As Duplin County’s primary elections draw near and early voting is underway through Ïeb. 28, voters will have the opportunity to weigh their choices among both long-serving incumbents and first-time challengers in several closely watched races. North Carolina’s primary elections give voters a direct role in deciding which candidates will advance to the general election ballot representing their respective political parties.

To help inform the electorate, Duplin Journal contacted candidates in contested primary races and invited them to participate in a Q&A designed to highlight their priorities, experience and vision for the district.

Inside this edition Duplin Journal will feature responses from the candidates who accepted Duplin Journal’s invitation, organized by each contested race.

In County Commissioner District 2, Tiffany Ferrell is mounting a challenge to the status quo, running against longtime Commissioner Dexter Edwards, who has served for more than a decade and has historically faced little opposition since his first term.

The Duplin County Clerk of Superior Court race includes a Republican primary contest between Amy Price and Crystal Strickland. Meanwhile, incumbent Sheriff Stratton Stokes faces two Republican challengers, Eric Southerland and Tony James.

At the state level, House District 04 will see incumbent Republican Jimmy Dixon competing against newcomer Marcella Barbour in the GOP primary. Legislative races continue in the North Carolina Senate as well, where Senate District 09 incumbent Republican Brent Jackson faces a primary challenge from fellow Republican William W. Barbour.

The 2026 statewide primary is on March 3.