The Gist
State Senator, 1st District
Photo of Jerry Tillett
Jerry TillettOfficial portrait — North Carolina General Assembly

Jerry Tillett

Candidate for State Senator, 1st District

RepublicanIncumbent

Background

Occupation
State senator; retired Superior Court judge
Lives in
Manteo
Campaign website
tillettforsenate.com

Appointed state senator for District 1 on Sept. 3, 2026, after Sen. Bobby Hanig resigned; he won the March 2026 Republican primary for the seat. A retired Superior Court judge who served more than 32 years on the bench, he was earlier chief of staff and chief legal counsel to the Senate president pro tempore.

Report

Photo: Official portrait — North Carolina General Assembly

Documented positions

Public safety

Economy & jobs

  • Pledges to recruit light industry and local entrepreneurs.

    He also named tourism, agribusiness, working watermen and small-scale industry, and using existing rail, highway and port infrastructure.

    Standing-Room-Only Crowd Greets Jerry R. Tillett's Announcement for NC Senate District 1

    Campaign website · Tillett for Senate · tillettforsenate.com

    “I will work tirelessly to attract light industry”
    Report

  • Supports free enterprise with minimal government interference.

    Listed under "Free Enterprise" among his top priorities.

    Issues - Tillett for Senate

    Campaign website · Tillett for Senate · tillettforsenate.com

    “An economic system where individuals and businesses operate for profit with minimal interference from the government.”
    Report

Government & transparency

  • Pledges open, respectful debate across viewpoints.

    Issues - Tillett for Senate

    Campaign website · Tillett for Senate · tillettforsenate.com

    “Respect and civility are crucial for constructive discussions to promote the free exchange of ideas.”
    Report

Other issues in this race

Other candidates in this race addressed these topics. We found no documented position from Jerry Tillett on them.

  • EducationNo documented position found.

All sources (17)

Positions are summarized from the sources listed and are not inferred from party affiliation. Items marked “Provided by” were published by the candidate's verified campaign or party office under our campaign content standards. See something wrong? Use the Report link beside it, or contact us.