Kelly, In Her Own Words
Dec 30, 2025 - Kelly VanHorn attends a working session with fellow NCEOB candidats and organizers
WHY I’M RUNNING I decided to run for the NC House to give our community a thoughtful, solutions-focused voice. As an educator, I believe students deserve excellent teachers in every classroom, and families deserve schools with safe facilities, reliable infrastructure, and access to healthcare and transportation that supports daily life. Our community made plans together for growth, and I believe it’s time to follow through in ways that benefit everyone. MY EXPERIENCE IN EDUCATION I have spent 24 years as an educator in North Carolina, teaching middle and high school students across a wide range of subjects, including social studies, mathematics, AVID, and special education. I’ve also coached and mentored students through academics, robotics, athletics, and leadership programs. Much of my career has focused on working in Title I schools, helping teams raise student achievement through collaboration, high expectations, and targeted support. WHO I’VE SERVED I have worked with students who are gifted, students with learning differences, and students preparing to be the first in their families to graduate. Beyond the classroom, I’ve served on local committees supporting parks, transportation, and community development, and I’ve volunteered with organizations that strengthen neighborhood connections. These experiences have shaped how I think about schools as part of a larger, interconnected community. WHAT I’LL BRING TO THE NC HOUSE If elected, I will bring my experience as an educator and my commitment to follow-through. I believe in investing in strong public schools, accessible transportation—including the Silver Line that supports mobility for families, workers, and seniors—and workforce development that prepares students for meaningful careers close to home. I will listen, advocate, and work to ensure that decisions made in Raleigh reflect the needs and values of the people who call District 105 home.
Want to Vote for Kelly?
Here’s Exactly What to Do
Step 1:
Check or update your voter registration, right away
Kelly is running in the Republican primary.
To vote for her, you must be Registered Republican or Unaffiliated voter by the deadline.
➡️ Check or update your registration here: It's free, fast and easy!
Important registration deadlines
North Carolina requires voter registration changes 25 days before you vote.
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January 18 — last day to register or change your registration and vote early
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February 6 — last day to register or change your registration to vote on Primary Day, March 3
If you are currently registered as a Democrat and want to vote for Kelly, you must change your registration to Unaffiliated by one of these deadlines.
Step 2: Vote early or on Primary Day
You can vote in the Republican primary in one of two ways:
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Early voting: February 12 – February 28
(Available if you are registered Republican or Unaffiliated by January 18) -
Primary Day: Tuesday, March 3
(Everyone who is registered by February 6 can vote on this day)
➡️ Find early voting sites or your Election Day polling place:
Step 3 (Important): Ask for the Republican ballot
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Registered Republicans will automatically receive a Republican ballot.
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Unaffiliated voters must ask for a Republican ballot when they vote.
Note: Asking for a Republican ballot does not change your party registration.
Why March matters
The real decision in this race happens in March.
Kelly is running against Tricia Cotham in the Republican primary in March. The winner of that race advances to the November general election.
There is only one candidate in the Democratic primary, Ken McCool. Since no one is challenging him on March 3, he will automatically advance to the November election.
The winner of the November general election will become your representative.
If you want Kelly to be on the ballot in November, you must vote for her in March.
Quick checklist
✔️ Register Republican or Unaffiliated by Jan 18 (to vote early)
✔️ Or register by Feb 6 (to vote on March 3)
✔️ Vote Feb 12–28 or March 3
✔️ Ask for a Republican ballot
