Ingrid Nurse, a Democrat, is running for the Cabarrus County Commission in the Nov. 3, 2026 general election. Three seats are on the ballot. Voters choose up to three candidates.
Asked why she is seeking office, Nurse said in our candidate questionnaire that she believes "CabarrUS County residents deserve a strong voice, transparent leadership, and someone who will listen to their concerns."
Six other candidates are in the race: Dan Redding and Phil Henry, both Democrats; Republicans Ian Patrick, James Bailey and Kristel Swayze; and Libertarian Thomas B. Hill.
Candidate information
Party: Democrat
Education: Nurse listed her education as "Barber-Scotia College - Bachelor of Science in Business Administration Accountng … Strayer University MBA - Master of Science in Business Administration … Winston-Salem State University MSRC — Master of Science in Rehabilitation Counseling."
Previous elected or appointed office: None, according to her questionnaire response.
Family: Nurse described her family as "The Johnson and Nurse Family Union Father (d), Mother, 4 Great Men of Standards my Brothers, 45 members strong and growing, etc."
Experience and public service
Nurse described her occupation as "Community Advocate, Educator, Tutor, and former Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor with experience in education, counseling, case management, 20 years of banking, and community outreach."
According to BallotReady profile data, her work history includes vocational rehabilitation counselor at the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services from 2014 to 2021. She also served as adjunct professor and program director for community outreach at Barber-Scotia College from 2021 to 2023 and SOAR adjunct instructor at Rowan-Cabarrus Community College from 2022 to 2023. BallotReady lists her as a group leader at KIDS Plus Cabarrus County Schools from 2025 to 2026. She is also listed as a math and English language arts tutor at Tutor Gigs and Varsity Tutors from 2022 to the present.
Nurse ran for the Cabarrus County Commission in 2024. She trailed Larry Pittman by 202 votes and submitted a formal request for a recount, according to the Independent Tribune.
Asked what has changed since that race, Nurse said in our questionnaire: "The 2024 election was a very close race 25.6% to 25.7% and it strengthened my commitment to serving CabarrUS County. Since then, I have increased my community outreach, spent more time listening directly to residents, and expanded my understanding of the issues affecting our county."
On the issues
What sets her apart: Nurse said her background is "rooted in vocational rehabilitation, education, counseling, banking, community outreach, and direct service to individuals and families." She added: "My approach is to listen first, examine the facts and finances, communicate openly, and remain accountable to all residents."
Accomplishments: Nurse said in our questionnaire: "As a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor with NC DHHS, I helped individuals with disabilities pursue employment and independent living by coordinating services, developing plans, and connecting clients with community resources." She also cited community service: "Through my community service, I have helped provide 600+ care and snack bags to elders, shelters, and people experiencing homelessness since 2019."
Disability services: Drawing on her counseling background, Nurse said she would "support stronger coordination between the county, employers, schools, transportation providers, and community organizations so residents can more easily connect with the resources they need." She added: "Most importantly, we should focus on ability, independence, and opportunity."
Best advice: Nurse said in our questionnaire that the best advice she received was: "Listen before you lead, and always remember the people you serve."
Nurse's campaign website lists her positions on housing, public safety, healthcare, education and the economy.
