NC GAZETTE / WBRT RADIO
STAFF REPORT
(Updated Dec. 30) Dec. 29, 2025 — A Bethlehem High School teacher filed Monday as a Democratic candidate for Nelson County Judge-Executive.
Benjamin “Ben” Corder filed his candidate paperwork Monday at the Nelson County Clerk’s Office.
According to the Bethlehem High School website, Corder is a math teacher at the school. His social media profile states he is a 2019 graduate of Bellarmine University.
PREVIOUS FILINGS.
The following candidates filed earlier for local offices.
Nelson County Clerk – Jeanette Hall Sidebottom (D) **
Nelson County Judge-Executive – Tim Hutchins (R) **
County Attorney – Arch C. “Chip” McKay (D) **
Nelson County Sheriff – Ramon “P-RO” Pineiroa (D) **
Nelson County Sheriff — William Jarren Culver (R)
Nelson County Jailer – Justin David Hall (R) **
Nelson County Coroner – Danielle Elizabeth Chladek (R) **
Nelson County Coroner — Kerry Monin (R)
Nelson County Property Valuation Administrator (PVA) – Jason “Jay” Williams (R) **
Magistrate District 1 – Ballard Keith Metcalfe (D) **
Magistrate District 2 – Adam Wheatley (R) **
Magistrate District 2 – Gary Coulter (R) former D2 magistrate
Magistrate District 3 — M.T. Harned (R) **
Magistrate District 3 — Cameron Richards (D)
Magistrate District 4 — Don Thrasher (R), a resident of Colonel Cox Road.
Magistrate District 4 — Brent Brey (R), a resident of Antler’s Trace
Magistrate District 4 – Frankie Cambron (D)
Magistrate District 5 — Robert Allen Chesser (R)
Nelson County Surveyor – no filings
Nelson County Constable – no filings
The filing deadline for the 2026 primary is 4p.m. Friday, Jan. 9, 2026.
Note: ** indicates incumbent candidate.
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