Ray Russell
Candidate for County Commissioner, Watauga County, District 02
Background
- Campaign website
- rayrussellforwatauga.com
Founder of the weather site RaysWeather.com and a computer science professor at Appalachian State University for 30 years, where he was the department's first chair. He has served in the N.C. House of Representatives and on the Watauga County Commission.
Documented positions
Taxes & budget
Pledges fiscal discipline focused on core county services
Report2026 primary voter guide: Watauga County Board of Commissioners District 2 (Democrat)Candidate questionnaire · Watauga Democrat · wataugademocrat.com
“I approach budgets the same way I run a small business: balance the books, plan for the long term”
Housing
Pledges to increase the supply of affordable workforce housing
Report2026 primary voter guide: Watauga County Board of Commissioners District 2 (Democrat)Candidate questionnaire · Watauga Democrat · wataugademocrat.com
“First, increase the supply of affordable housing.”
Environment & parks
Supports steering growth to existing infrastructure and protecting farmland
Report2026 primary voter guide: Watauga County Board of Commissioners District 2 (Democrat)Candidate questionnaire · Watauga Democrat · wataugademocrat.com
“focusing growth where infrastructure already exists, protecting farmland and open space, encouraging workforce housing near jobs”
Health & human services
Pledges to expand access to affordable childcare
Report2026 primary voter guide: Watauga County Board of Commissioners District 2 (Democrat)Candidate questionnaire · Watauga Democrat · wataugademocrat.com
“Second, increase access to affordable childcare.”
All sources (3)
- 2026 General Election Candidate Listing
Election filing · North Carolina State Board of Elections · s3.amazonaws.com
- 2026 General Election Candidate Listing (Watauga County offices and districts)
Election filing · North Carolina State Board of Elections · s3.amazonaws.com
- 2026 primary voter guide: Watauga County Board of Commissioners District 2 (Democrat)
Candidate questionnaire · Watauga Democrat · wataugademocrat.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.