Karen Stegman
Candidate for County Commissioner, Orange County, At-large
Background
- Occupation
- Nonprofit strategy and development consultant
A nonprofit strategy and development consultant and Orange County native who served eight years on the Chapel Hill Town Council. She won the March 2026 Democratic primary for the at-large seat Commissioner Sally Greene is leaving.
Photo: Courtesy photo via INDY Week
Documented positions
Taxes & budget
Supports fixing inequities in county property tax valuations
ReportOrange County Board of County Commissioners, At-Large: Karen Stegman (2026 primary candidate questionnaire)Candidate questionnaire · INDY Week · Feb 6, 2026 · indyweek.com
“I will address inequities in the County’s property tax valuation”
Supports continuing the Longtime Homeowners Assistance Fund
ReportOrange County Board of County Commissioners, At-Large: Karen Stegman (2026 primary candidate questionnaire)Candidate questionnaire · INDY Week · Feb 6, 2026 · indyweek.com
“I will also support continuing the Longtime Homeowners Assistance Fund”
Housing
Supports more affordable and “missing middle” housing in towns
ReportOrange County Board of County Commissioners, At-Large: Karen Stegman (2026 primary candidate questionnaire)Candidate questionnaire · INDY Week · Feb 6, 2026 · indyweek.com
“Increasing affordable, low barrier, and “missing middle” housing options in strategic locations.”
Economy & jobs
Supports an economic strategy to reduce reliance on residential taxes
ReportOrange County Board of County Commissioners, At-Large: Karen Stegman (2026 primary candidate questionnaire)Candidate questionnaire · INDY Week · Feb 6, 2026 · indyweek.com
“a balanced tax base so that we don’t overly rely on residential property taxes to fund our services”
Environment & parks
Supports focusing growth in towns to protect farmland
ReportOrange County Board of County Commissioners, At-Large: Karen Stegman (2026 primary candidate questionnaire)Candidate questionnaire · INDY Week · Feb 6, 2026 · indyweek.com
“Collaborate with the towns to ensure the county’s growth occurs primarily within our urban areas”
All sources (4)
- 2026 General Election Candidate Listing (Orange County offices and districts)
Election filing · North Carolina State Board of Elections · s3.amazonaws.com
- 2026 General Election Candidate Listing
Election filing · North Carolina State Board of Elections · s3.amazonaws.com
- McKee Trails in Razor-Thin Orange County Commission Race, While Blackwood Wins a Fourth Term as Sheriff
News coverage · INDY Week · Mar 4, 2026 · indyweek.com
- Orange County Board of County Commissioners, At-Large: Karen Stegman (2026 primary candidate questionnaire)
Candidate questionnaire · INDY Week · Feb 6, 2026 · indyweek.com
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.