North Carolina District 36 Senate Election to Occur

Voters will decide the Senate seat in November 2026 as state tax and teacher pay policies remain a primary focus for households.

Updated on Oct. 31, 2026 in Secondary Education

Abstract editorial illustration of a geometric capitol dome silhouette in navy and cream, evoking state-level political discourse and fiscal policy. — North Carolina Senate District 36 voters prepare for the November 2026 election, weighing fiscal policy and teacher compensation between incumbent Eddie Settle and challenger Trevor Cole Hardwick. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Should your local government prioritize cutting personal income taxes to stimulate the local economy?

North Carolina Senate District 36 incumbent Eddie Settle faces challenger Trevor Cole Hardwick in the November 2026 election. The race highlights ongoing shifts in state fiscal policy, including changes to teacher compensation and personal income tax rates.

Why it matters

The election outcomes will influence future state-level budget priorities, directly impacting public school funding and household tax burdens. Voters in District 36 are weighing these legislative records against current economic trends.

North Carolina's personal income tax rate is currently 3.99%, down from 8% in 2010. The rate is scheduled to decrease further to 3.49% next year.

The players

Eddie Settle

The incumbent North Carolina State Senator for District 36 and business owner who leads the Senate's workforce development efforts.

Trevor Cole Hardwick

The challenger running for the North Carolina State Senate District 36 seat in the 2026 election.

The details

Eddie Settle, who serves as Chairman of Workforce Development, supports state economic initiatives that integrate private sector experience with public policy. His platform draws on his background owning the Settle Cattle Company and a meat processing facility in Wilkes County. Opponent Trevor Cole Hardwick is challenging the incumbent to determine the future direction of district representation in Raleigh.

1990: Eddie Settle began his career in the cattle industry.
2010: North Carolina personal income tax rate was 8%.
2022: Eddie Settle sold his printing and photography business.
Next year: North Carolina personal income tax is set to decrease to 3.49%.
November 2026: North Carolina Senate District 36 election takes place.

The Home Front

The race in District 36 reflects a broader state trend of adjusting personal income tax rates and public school educator compensation. These shifts in state-level fiscal policy directly influence the cost of living and quality of public services for North Carolina households.

Residents in Surry and Wilkes counties should review the proposed changes to state income tax rates as they plan their 2026 household budgets. Families with children in public schools should track upcoming budget cycles for further adjustments to educator salary and classroom support.

The takeaway

Voters should consider how legislative control of the state budget impacts long-term family finances and school funding levels. Keep records of your personal tax filings and local school board updates to monitor how these state-level shifts affect your household bottom line.