County
County Commissioner, Watauga County
District 02
- Vote for
- 1
- Term
- 4 years
- Candidates
- 2
- Election
- Nov 3, 2026
What this office does: A county commissioner is one of the members of the board that adopts the county budget, sets the property tax rate and oversees county government.
Elected by the district's voters (State Board March 3, 2026 primary precinct results).
Taxes & budget
Ray RussellDemocratic
- Pledges fiscal discipline focused on core county services
Savva KostisRepublican
No documented position found.
Housing
Ray RussellDemocratic
- Pledges to increase the supply of affordable workforce housing
Savva KostisRepublican
No documented position found.
Environment & parks
Ray RussellDemocratic
- Supports steering growth to existing infrastructure and protecting farmland
Savva KostisRepublican
No documented position found.
Health & human services
Ray RussellDemocratic
- Pledges to expand access to affordable childcare
Savva KostisRepublican
No documented position found.
Challengers are listed first and incumbents last; otherwise candidates appear in ballot order. The Gist does not rank, rate or endorse candidates. Only positions backed by a cited source are shown; 4 issues covered in this race.