Klinetobe Remained on District 1 School Board Ballot
Despite pausing campaign activities, the candidate will still appear on the ballot for local voters.
Updated on Oct. 8, 2026 in Administration

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Republican candidate Mike Klinetobe has announced he is pulling back on his campaign for the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County school board. His name will remain on the ballot for District 1 voters despite his change in campaign status.
Why it matters
The change in campaign status occurs as the school district navigates shifts including a new interim superintendent and a fresh audit advisory committee. Klinetobe cited these improvements as factors in his decision to step back while maintaining his candidacy.
Klinetobe is one of 1 Republican newcomer candidate in District 1 running against 2 Democratic incumbents. While he has paused promotion, his name remains on the ballot for the upcoming election.
The players
Mike Klinetobe
A Republican candidate for the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County school board who has paused his campaign activities.
Trevonia Brown-Gaither
A Democratic incumbent on the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County school board seeking re-election.
Alex Bohannon
A Democratic incumbent currently serving on the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County school board.
The details
Klinetobe communicated his decision to stop promotional activities through a mass email sent in October 2026. He expressed an intent to serve if elected, even while endorsing Democratic incumbents Trevonia Brown-Gaither and Alex Bohannon. The candidate cited an alleged dispute with another unnamed participant in the race, a claim the other individual has denied.
Timeline
October 2026: Klinetobe sent a mass email detailing his change in campaign status.
The Home Front
The school board election occurs against the backdrop of recent administrative changes, including the installation of a new interim superintendent and an audit advisory committee. These structural shifts in district leadership remain a central focus for families monitoring school board outcomes.
Local families should review the District 1 ballot carefully before voting, as the candidate's name will still appear despite his decision to stop campaigning. Check your local registration status to ensure you are prepared for upcoming election days.
The takeaway
Candidates may pivot their campaign strategies even after their names are finalized on official election materials. Voters should verify current candidate platforms and endorsements to understand which individuals are actively seeking to serve on the school board.
Further reading
Learn more about the latest updates in Administration regarding our local school district.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WHQR.
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