GOP Shares Meeting Plans

The Clay County GOP will host its regular monthly meeting on April 16th at 6:30 pm at the Clay County Community Center, in the 2nd Floor meeting room, at 25 Riverside Drive,  Hayesville, NC.

 Join us for light refreshments, snacks, and desserts at 6:30 PM, with the business meeting starting at 7:00 PM (please bring a covered dish snack or dessert to share).

Details regarding guest speaker(s) or other program highlights will be published later.

William E. (“Bill”) Carter

As required by state law and the NC State Republican Party Plan of Organization, the Clay County Republican Party Executive Committee met on March 30th, and selected William E. (“Bill”) Carter, Jr., to serve the remaining term of deceased County Commissioner Dwight Penland.

The GOP Executive Committee was required by state statute to first select someone to fill the “Interim” vacancy ending on the first Monday in December of this year.  Mr. Carter was the only nominee for that slot and was elected by acclimation.  Mr. Carter was subsequently sworn in as Interim Commissioner by the Clay County Board of Commissioners on Thursday, April 2, 2026, at the Commissioners' April meeting.

The other selection was for a candidate to appear on the November ballot in a special election to determine who will serve the remaining two (2) years of Commissioner Penland’s term ending in 2028.  In that selection process, Mr. Carter faced another GOP nominee, Christian Reagan, who was a primary candidate in the March GOP Primary Election, finishing fourth among Republican candidates.  Mr. Carter was selected to fill the November ballot candidacy as well.

Mr. Carter is a Clay County native, the son of the late William E. Carter, Sr., and Mrs. Leslie Carter.  He is a graduate of Hayesville High School, and Western Carolina University with a degree in Industrial Technology.  He had a nearly 40 year career in the transportation industry, ultimately retiring from FedEx in Atlanta after serving in a number of management roles.  He currently serves on the Clay County Water & Sewer Board as a board member.

The Clay County GOP salutes Mr. Carter for his willingness to step up and serve the Citizens of Clay County, and looks forward to vigorously  supporting his election campaign.