Write-In Candidate Will Byrd Says Johnston County Residents ‘Need To Be Heard’

JOHNSTON COUNTY, N.C. — Lifelong Johnston County resident Will Byrd has announced a write-in campaign for the Johnston County Board of Commissioners District 5 seat, challenging incumbent Commission Chairman Patrick Harris of Smithfield in the November election.

Byrd, a Republican, said his campaign is rooted in concerns over the county’s direction and what he believes is a lack of meaningful public input on major decisions affecting residents.

In announcing his candidacy, Byrd said, “I am a devoted father, husband, and follower of Jesus Christ. My faith in what I believe leads to a desire to protect those near and dear to my heart.”

Byrd said his family’s history in Johnston County has shaped his desire to preserve the community’s character.

“My roots and generations of blood, sweat and tears on JoCo soil reflect a desire to live independently, raise an upstanding family, and an unwavering desire to protect the identity of our county,” he said. “Current proposals for the future of the next generations in this county have raised the eyebrows of many citizens and myself. However, it has mostly been felt that our interest in having input has fell on ears unwilling to listen to its own citizens.”

“That is why I have chosen to enter this race as a write-in candidate for District 5 — to lend an ear and be the voice for those who feel they have been silenced. It’s time to preserve what has made Johnston County the beacon of attraction that it has been and is today.”

Byrd was born and raised on Crantock Road between Smithfield and the Cleveland community and continues to live in the Cleveland area.

For much of his life, Byrd worked in agriculture before changing careers.

“For most of my life, farming was my occupation until housing sprawl pushed my family out,” Byrd said. “For the last seven years, I have worked in corporate sales as a Territory Sales Manager for a heavy construction equipment dealer.”

His educational background includes studies at Carolina Bible Institute in Pine Level, where he earned certificates in Bible Chronology and Biblical Hebrew.

Although Byrd has not previously held elected office, he has served in several agricultural leadership roles. He is a former officer in the Johnston County Cattlemen’s Association, served as an N.C. Future Farmers of America State Officer, and has been active in 4-H livestock programs and the N.C. Angus Association.

Byrd said he has been a registered Republican throughout his adult life.

“I have been a registered Republican my entire life and hold conservative values near and dear to my being,” he said.

While his campaign will challenge Harris, Byrd said his decision to run is about larger issues facing Johnston County.

“My choice to enter this race is not based solely on an individual, but rather to address an underlying issue facing our county,” Byrd said. “This main issue has led to a multitude of others: the unwillingness to listen to and act upon the concerns of its citizens.”

Asked to identify the county’s biggest challenges, Byrd pointed to taxes, infrastructure and long-term planning.

“The top three issues facing Johnston County are:

‘Tax issues and the unfair burden placed on agriculture and business to foot the bill for other sections of the community, such as housing and development.

Water and infrastructure. We cannot continue steamrolling down the county’s current path. We are not prepared, and lifelong residents are most affected by these decisions.

Future planning and the overall direction of the county.'”

Byrd said the county’s proposed Unified Development Ordinance ultimately convinced him to enter the race.

“My choice to enter this race is not based on a desire to be in politics, but rather a need,” Byrd said. “We have all been guilty of mumbling and discussing county decisions with neighbors or at local gathering spots.”

“The introduction of the first draft of the Unified Development Ordinance (UDO) was the tipping point for myself and many others. Development standards are one thing, but the fact that no one sounded the alarm to citizens about the potential attack on personal property rights was deeply concerning.”

“It has created disappointment and distrust toward our elected officials, which needs to be repaired. These feelings have only been amplified by what seems to be an unwillingness to allow the true stakeholders—the citizens—to have continued input on our future.”

District 5 includes portions of the Smithfield and Cleveland areas. Harris, who currently serves as chairman of the Johnston County Board of Commissioners, is seeking reelection to the seat.

Byrd is running a grassroots campaign focused on meeting voters across Johnston County and sharing his message through social media. Additional information about his campaign is available on his Facebook page

As a write-in candidate, Byrd’s name will not appear on the printed ballot. Voters wishing to support his candidacy must write in his name when casting their ballots in the November election.