Chad Stewart Announces Candidacy For Johnston County Commissioner

JOHNSTON COUNTY — Chad Stewart, a former chairman of the Johnston County Board of Commissioners, filed Thursday for the District 3 seat on the Board of Commissioners.

Stewart officially filed at the Johnston County Board of Elections office in Smithfield.

A Four Oaks native, small business owner, Navy veteran, and Campbell University graduate, Stewart previously served eight years on the Board of Commissioners, including as vice chairman in 2019 and 2020 and chairman in 2021. He was first appointed in 2013, elected in 2014, and re-elected in 2018.

“It is with great excitement and a deep sense of responsibility that I announce my candidacy,” Stewart said. “Serving Johnston County has been one of the greatest honors of my life, and I believe my experience and commitment to this community will allow me to continue making a positive impact.”

During his tenure, Stewart helped maintain a revenue-neutral property tax rate, adopt balanced multi-million-dollar budgets, secure clean financial audits, and refinance county debt—saving taxpayers millions. He also served eight years as Johnston County Fire Commissioner, working to support fire, EMS, and law enforcement services.

Stewart said Johnston County’s rapid growth requires steady leadership focused on protecting quality of life, supporting education, and planning for future infrastructure while preserving the county’s character.

A lifelong resident of Four Oaks, Stewart is married to Ursula, a Johnston County public school teacher, and they have three sons.

Stewart resigned from the Board of Commissioners in 2021 after accepting the role of general manager of the Johnston County ABC Board, citing a desire to avoid any appearance of conflict of interest. He resigned from that position in 2024.

Stewart will face incumbent Mike Rose of Princeton and Adam Caldwell of Benson in the District 3 race. The filing period remains open through noon on Friday, December 19.