BY THE ALBEMARLE OBSERVER
Former Superior Court Judge Steps Down from Dare County Elections Board
Retired Superior Court Judge Jerry R. Tillett recently announced his resignation from the Dare County Board of Elections as he explores seeking the Republican nomination for North Carolina Senate District 1.
In a Facebook post, Tillett said he resigned from his elections board position “to explore other callings and options, including seeking to become your representative to the N.C. Senate for the 1st District.” The announcement comes after what he described as “several months” of prayer and consultation with stakeholders throughout the sprawling 11-county district.
Background on Judge Tillett
Tillett retired on May 1, 2025, ending a career as a Superior Court Judge that spanned more than three decades. He won election to the North Carolina 1st Superior Court Division Judicial District 1 in 2018 and previously served in the North Carolina House of Representatives, where he was tapped to become Chief of Staff and Chief Legal Counsel for the NC Senate President Pro Tempore.
During his judicial career, Tillett served as Senior Resident Superior Court Judge for the First Judicial District. He was instrumental in establishing Dare County’s recovery court program.
Beyond his judicial service, Tillett has extensive experience in both public service and business, as noted in his announcement where he emphasized his lifelong involvement in “public and community service, as well as business.”
The Political Landscape
Republican Senator Bobby Hanig currently represents District 1. Hanig announced his bid for the U.S. House of Representatives, seeking the Republican nomination for North Carolina’s 1st Congressional District to challenge two-term Democratic Representative Don Davis in 2026.
This congressional race covers 22 counties from the northern Outer Banks to the Raleigh metro area’s outskirts.
Hanig’s congressional campaign creates an opening in the NC Senate District 1 seat, making Tillett’s potential candidacy timely as he would likely face an open seat rather than challenging an incumbent.
District 1 Composition
NC Senate District 1 is composed of Bertie, Northampton, Hertford, Gates, Perquimans, Pasquotank, Camden, Currituck, Tyrrell and Dare Counties. This northeastern North Carolina district spans a vast geographic area, encompassing the Outer Banks and extending inland to rural counties along the Virginia border.
The district presents unique challenges and opportunities, spanning coastal tourism economies, agricultural communities, and rural areas with distinct needs and priorities.
Tillett’s Platform and Values
In his announcement, Tillett outlined his core priorities as “God, Family, and Country,” describing himself as “a Christian and a conservative.” He emphasized his desire to engage with constituents across the political spectrum, stating he would “love to hear your thoughts, both pro and con” and welcoming “the opportunity to listen to your concerns and ideas.”
The retired judge concluded his announcement with a quote from Edmund Burke: “The only thing necessary for evil to triumph is for good men to do nothing.”