Adam Caldwell Unseats Commissioner Mike Rose In District 3 Republican Primary
SMITHFIELD, N.C. — Adam Caldwell pulled off a major upset Tuesday, defeating incumbent county commissioner Mike Rose and former commissioner Chad Stewart in the Republican primary for Johnston County’s District 3 commission seat.
Caldwell led the three-way race with 8,462 votes (48%), topping Rose’s 6,519 (37%) and Stewart’s 2,531 (15%) in unofficial results. With no Democratic challenger filing, Caldwell will be unopposed in November and is set to take office in December.
A Benson resident and member of the county’s Economic Development Advisory Board, Caldwell ran on protecting farmland and landowners’ rights, and against the property tax hike approved by commissioners in 2025. He also emphasized support for first responders, expanding broadband, and bringing higher-paying jobs to the area.
Rose, a Princeton businessman and former Princeton mayor pro tem, sought his first full term after his 2024 appointment to the seat, while Stewart, a Four Oaks native and Navy veteran, previously served eight years on the board, including as chairman.
In a statement Tuesday night Mr. Caldwell said, “My name may have been on the ballot, but tonight’s victory belongs to the voters and volunteers who put their faith in this campaign. The people of Johnston County sent a clear message tonight about the direction they want for our county. I look forward to working with my fellow commissioners in the months ahead to protect what makes Johnston County special while preparing responsibly for the future.”
“Thank you to everyone who knocked on doors, made calls, hosted events, and encouraged their friends and neighbors to get involved. Your support made this victory possible. I’m especially grateful to my family for their constant encouragement throughout this campaign. Now the real work begins. I’m ready to get to work for the people of Johnston County,” Caldwell said.
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Just remember the main reason we voted against incumbents is the egregious tax hikes they imposed on the citizens last year. We expect you to fight against these high taxes and spend money conservatively!
To me the voters remembered who voted to have our property taxes almost doubled…and now I hope they remember who is starting wars!!!!
Thank God
Yes I’m glad Mike didn’t get it. Thank you lord above.
I sure hope u gets these taxes back down to where we all do t lose our homes to the government..It is a shame the evaluations that was done and tripled the values that is not worth what they attached to them…
I am pretty sure the others on the board will be a bit worried about Adam. He may be the only NO vote for all the subdivision approvals, water and sewer extensions, more capital expenditures and more. (except for Bill Stovall). Those two should keep them in line!
@Sand: You really think he’s going to vote NO for subdivision approvals??!!?! When he was on the JoCo Planning Board, he voted 84% of the time to approve new subdivisions! You’ve been fooled. #SheepSayBaa