Departures of Faircloth, Hardister create open seats in Guilford County state House races

Many Guilford County residents will get new representation in the state House with the departures of two long-serving members.

Republican state Representative Jon Hardister opted to run for state labor commissioner and Representative John Faircloth is retiring.

In Hardister’s 59th District, the Republican candidates are Alan Branson and Allen Chappell.

John Dinan, professor of politics and international affairs at Wake Forest University, says elected experience can be a big factor in these down-ballot races.

“The foundations of local elections are who already has significant name recognition with voters through holding or running for elected office,” he says.

Dinan says that would appear to give Branson an edge in the GOP primary, as he previously served as a Guilford County commissioner.

Faircloth’s retirement has drawn five GOP primary candidates: John Blust, Michelle Bardsley, Jaxon Barber, Ann Schneider and Britt Moore. 

Faircloth was first elected in 2010 and earlier in his career served as High Point’s police chief. Hardister was first elected to the state House in 2012 and serves as majority whip. 

Dinan says replacing leaders with that kind of experience could have an impact on Guilford County when lawmakers are wrangling over issues like the state budget.

“Folks who are elected and become freshman members, they’re just as capable of becoming advocates for those causes for Guilford County," says Dinan. "But they won't have quite the same pull or — put another way — it will take them a few years to build up the pull and influence that some of the retiring members hold currently.”

The GOP primary winner of the 59th District will face Democrat Tanneshia Dukes in the November election and in District 62 will face Democrat Marjorie Benbow.