Union County voters will choose three members of the Board of Commissioners in the upcoming March primary. While general elections often receive the most attention, this primary is likely to be the most decisive stage of the race.
Why the March 3 Primary Is So Important: Union County consistently votes Republican in countywide races. As a result, the Republican primary typically determines who ultimately serves on the Board of Commissioners. Historically, primary turnout is low—often because voters underestimate how much influence this election has on the final outcome.
In practical terms, the March 3 primary is where the future makeup of the Board is decided.
The Role of the Board of Commissioners: The Union County Board of Commissioners sets policy and direction on issues that affect daily life across the county, including:
- Growth and land-use decisions – development density
- Infrastructure and utility planning – sewer
- Public safety and budget priorities
- Long-term planning and governance transparency
The choices made by this board shape Union County for decades, not just election cycles.
Candidate Overview: Six candidates are seeking three open seats. Below is a brief, factual overview of each candidate’s background.
- Brian Helms
Incumbent commissioner seeking re-election. Has served on the Board and brings continuity and institutional experience to county governance. If you value institutional knowledge and steady governance, support Brian Helms. - Melissa Merrell
Incumbent commissioner seeking re-election. Known for experience with county operations and ongoing policy initiatives. If you value institutional knowledge and steady governance, support Melissa Merrell. - Sam Harris
Currently serves as Union County Soil and Water Supervisor. Brings an agricultural and land-stewardship background to county leadership. Comes from a land-management and agricultural background rather than development or municipal politics. Often viewed as a counterweight to rapid growth pressures, with an emphasis on soil, water, and infrastructure limits. Filling Clancy Baucom’s seat. Solid vote for Sam Harris. - Patrick Tyson
Owner of a residential construction company. His professional background is closely tied to development and building policy.- Non Neutral: Patrick Tyson’s career has been built in residential construction and real estate operations, including decades of experience building single-family homes and operating related businesses. Candidates with this background typically bring a growth-oriented perspective to county governance, emphasizing housing development, infrastructure expansion, and regulatory environments that support construction and private investment. Voters may reasonably expect development policy to be a central focus of his approach if elected.
- Wyatt Dunn
Former long-serving mayor of Stallings. Has experience in municipal leadership and involvement in annexation and development discussions.- Non-Neutral: Unable to manage stormwater issues for Stallings, routinely grappled with annexation proposals and infrastructure capacity, and coordinated heavily with private developers. For those concerned about the pace of growth in Union County, infrastructure capacity, and public transparency, Dunn’s history suggests a governing approach that may favor advancing development projects over slowing or reassessing them when community concerns arise.
- Elizabeth Lee
First-time Board of Commissioners candidate. Recently entered the race and is campaigning on public safety themes. Previously attempted to file for this seat two years ago but did not meet candidacy requirements due to her unaffiliated voter registration at the time.- Non-Neutral: Elizabeth Ann Lee is from Waxhaw, was a registered Democrat, became unaffiliated, and is now running as a Republican. She centered her campaign on public safety messaging, including claims that Union County doesn’t adequately support law enforcement. Those claims are not supported by historical funding data or current county budget allocations, leading some voters to question the accuracy of her platform and the clarity of her broader policy positions.
Voters may reasonably weigh candidates’ experience, professional backgrounds, and policy perspectives differently. Understanding these backgrounds is an important part of informed participation.
Why Primaries Matter – The Union County BOCC Partisan Race: Many voters skip primaries without realizing their impact. In Union County:
- The republican primary winner is very likely to win the general election
- Low turnout means a small number of votes can determine county leadership
- Primary elections shape policy direction long before November
- Local elections are MORE IMPORTANT than ever!
Participating in the primary ensures your voice is heard at the most influential stage of the process.
A Note on Civic Participation: This election is not about personalities or party labels alone. It is about how Union County manages growth, infrastructure, public resources, and transparency in the years ahead.
Healthy local government depends on informed voters who understand when their participation matters most. Local elections – your elections – are the most important lever you’ll pull.
Learn about the candidates. Mark your calendar. Vote in the March primary.
Your participation helps shape Union County’s future.
March 2026 Primary — Candidate Overview
Three seats are open.
| Candidate | Party | Current / Prior Role | Background Snapshot | Likely Policy Lens |
| Brian Helms | Republican | Incumbent Commissioner | Long-serving BOCC member with experience in county governance and budgeting | Continuity, measured growth, institutional knowledge |
| Melissa Merrell | Republican | Incumbent Commissioner | Experienced in county operations and long-term planning | Stability, fiscal oversight, gradual growth |
| Sam Harris | Republican | Soil & Water Supervisor | Agricultural and land-stewardship background | Conservation, infrastructure realism, rural interests |
| Patrick Tyson | Republican | Builder / Business Owner | Owner of Victory Builders; decades in residential construction and real estate | Pro-development, housing growth, builder-friendly policy |
| Wyatt Dunn | Republican | Former Mayor of Stallings | Longtime municipal leader with planning background and annexation involvement | Development-forward, annexation-friendly |
| Elizabeth Lee | Republican | First-time Candidate | New to county office; campaigning on public safety messaging | Unclear; messaging not aligned with budget data |