NC GAZETTE / WBRT RADIO
STAFF REPORT
Wednesday, Dec. 31, 2025 — Ted Shields, the chief of the Northeast Nelson Fire Protection District, filed Wednesday as a Republican candidate for District 5 magistrate.
Shields is a Bloomfield native and resident. According to his social media page, he is a former employee of Nelson County EMS.
PREVIOUS FILINGS.
The following candidates filed earlier for local offices:
Nelson County Judge-Executive – Tim Hutchins (R) **
Nelson County Judge-Executive — Benjamin Corder (D)
Nelson County Clerk – Jeanette Hall Sidebottom (D) **
Nelson 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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