The Guilford County Democratic Party Executive Committee (CEC) will hold a meeting October 16 to fill the unexpired term of Guilford County Commissioner James Upchurch, who resigned his seat October 2. Because Upchurch was elected as a Democrat, the Guilford County Democratic Party CEC will elect his replacement.

The meeting, which will be held via Zoom, will begin at 6:30 p.m. Only those members of the CEC who live in County Commission District 6 (Upchurch’s district) will be able to vote. The meeting will be livestreamed for those who do not live in District 6. Members will be notified by postcard and email.

Anyone interested in running, should email their intentions, along with a 100-word bio and photo, to gcdpchair@guilforddems.org.

Below is a list of declared candidates as of October 11:

Brandon Gray
I am a native of Guilford County, a small business owner, and a community activist. I currently serve on the North Carolina Democratic Party Executive Committee and have previously held the position of first vice-chair of the Guilford County Democratic Party. I announced I would run for this seat back in March and I am excited for an opportunity to serve our community even sooner. I have been working with Chairman Skip Alston and I am grateful for his endorsement. I am committed to creating a Guilford County that is welcoming and supportive to all its residents.

Khem Irby
Thank you District 6 for your support. In 2020 the Board of Education made tough decisions for the lives of children and educators. The experience of serving on the Board of Education has set me up to being successful as a member of the County Commissioners. Guilford County serves a diverse group of families. Public safety, community services and capital projects are all public goods that I care about given the experience of seeing who is impacted daily. How well we manage in these areas tells the story. Vote for experience, vision, and commitment for all of us to thrive.