Rob Zapple
Candidate for County Commissioner, New Hanover County
Background
- Occupation
- New Hanover County commissioner; general contractor
New Hanover County commissioner since 2014, reelected in 2018 and 2022. A licensed general contractor, he owns Rob Zapple Design and Build Inc.
Documented positions
Taxes & budget
Supported a modest tax increase over one-time reserves
He opposed using the Revenue Stabilization Fund or other one-time money to cover recurring expenses.
ReportDemocrat Rob Zapple is running for reelection to the New Hanover County Board of CommissionersCandidate questionnaire · WHQR Public Media (WECT, Port City Daily, WHQR and The Seahawk questionnaire) · Sep 21, 2026 · whqr.org
“During the 2026 budget process, I supported looking at a modest tax increase rather than relying on one-time money or additional borrowing.”
Public safety
Supported canceling the county's Flock license-plate camera contract
He would not rule out such technology later if it came with clear safeguards on data access and retention.
ReportDemocrat Rob Zapple is running for reelection to the New Hanover County Board of CommissionersCandidate questionnaire · WHQR Public Media (WECT, Port City Daily, WHQR and The Seahawk questionnaire) · Sep 21, 2026 · whqr.org
“I supported the board's Sept. 8 decision to cancel the county's Flock contract.”
Education
Supports the $320.5 million school bond
ReportDemocrat Rob Zapple is running for reelection to the New Hanover County Board of CommissionersCandidate questionnaire · WHQR Public Media (WECT, Port City Daily, WHQR and The Seahawk questionnaire) · Sep 21, 2026 · whqr.org
“I support the $320.5-million school bond because New Hanover County has significant needs involving aging facilities, deferred maintenance, safety and capacity.”
Housing
Supports the county's Workforce Housing Development Fund
ReportDemocrat Rob Zapple is running for reelection to the New Hanover County Board of CommissionersCandidate questionnaire · WHQR Public Media (WECT, Port City Daily, WHQR and The Seahawk questionnaire) · Sep 21, 2026 · whqr.org
“I support the Workforce Housing Development Fund and the approach of using public dollars to leverage additional private investment”
Roads & infrastructure
Opposes a toll to fund the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge
ReportDemocrat Rob Zapple is running for reelection to the New Hanover County Board of CommissionersCandidate questionnaire · WHQR Public Media (WECT, Port City Daily, WHQR and The Seahawk questionnaire) · Sep 21, 2026 · whqr.org
“I do not support putting the entire burden of replacing this regional bridge on local residents through a toll.”
All sources (4)
- 2026 General Election Candidate Listing (New Hanover 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
- Rob Zapple | New Hanover County, NC
Government record · New Hanover County · nhcgov.com
- Democrat Rob Zapple is running for reelection to the New Hanover County Board of Commissioners
Candidate questionnaire · WHQR Public Media (WECT, Port City Daily, WHQR and The Seahawk questionnaire) · Sep 21, 2026 · whqr.org
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.