ELIZABETH CITY — A standing-room-only crowd gathered Tuesday at a lively event hosted by the Pasquotank County Republican Party, where Jerry R. Tillett, retired Chief Superior Court Judge for North Carolina’s First Judicial District, officially announced his candidacy for the North Carolina Senate District 1. The district includes Dare, Currituck, Camden, Pasquotank, Perquimans, Gates, Northampton, Hertford, Bertie, and Tyrrell counties.
Judge Tillett, a well-known leader in the Albemarle region, delivered a passionate address to a diverse and enthusiastic audience of Republicans, Independents, Democrats, and Libertarians at his campaign kick off Tuesday at Big Daddy’s Pizza at an event organized by the Pasquotank Republican Party.
The energy in the room was electric as he shared his vision for economic growth, local prosperity, and constitutional protection across Eastern North Carolina — his speech is available by clicking here. Courtesy of Christina Williams, a gallery of photos from Tuesday’s campaign kick-off appears at the end of this story — she takes great pictures.
Tillett introduced himself not only as a candidate but also as a husband, father, and lifelong resident of the Albemarle region. He spoke openly about his Christian faith, his belief in the power of prayer and the Bible, and his deep respect for the U.S. Constitution—a document he has sworn to uphold for more than three decades as a judge.
“I love this country, and I love this community,” Tillett told the crowd. “I’ve spent my life defending the Constitution, and I’m stepping forward now to defend the values, freedoms, and future of our people.”
Throughout his remarks, Tillett emphasized his pro-business philosophy, drawing on his experience as an entrepreneur and small-business owner since the early 1980s. He spoke passionately about regional capitalism as a way to lift North Carolina families from minimum wage to a living wage, allowing the next generation to enter the middle class, build families, and live law-abiding, productive lives.
“If we support business at the local level—tourism, agribusiness, working waterman, and small-scale industry—we can create sustainable jobs that keep our young people here at home,” Tillett said. “I will work tirelessly to attract light industry, support local entrepreneurs, and make smart use of our existing rail, highway, and port infrastructure to move North Carolina products to market.”
When asked about the Second Amendment, Tillett was direct and unwavering.
“I support the Second Amendment as strongly as I support every other Amendment,” he said, earning applause. “Every individual has the right to defend themselves, their families, and their freedom.”
He underscored his belief that good governing must be restored through transparency, accountability, and leadership grounded in service—not politics.
Tillett’s announcement marks a significant moment in the political landscape of Eastern North Carolina. His message of faith, family, freedom, and fairness resonated across party lines, earning praise from attendees and leaving the audience energized for the 2026 campaign ahead.
As one attendee put it, “Judge Tillett speaks from the heart, not from a script. He understands this region because he’s one of us.”
Tillett was scheduled to speak at Albemarle Plantation Wednesday — next week too at the Veterans Day Honors ceremony that starts at noon at 1433 North Road Street, Elizabeth City.
Tillett will file in December to run for Senate District 1 for 2026.
2 responses to “Standing-Room-Only Crowd Greets Jerry R. Tillett’s Announcement for NC Senate District 1”
I was there – it was a very well attended event and Judge Tillett displayed an authentic desire to represent in the NC Senate the community that he knows so well, and has served (in other capacities) for so long. His knowledge of current events and the challenges they pose for north eastern North Carolina was a clear demonstration of a man in touch with his local community.
Regardless of your political stripes, I would encourage everyone to take a look at Jerry Tillett because I think we have a very fine Senator in the making here.
[…] Jerry Tillett, who is running for the N.C. Senate’s 1st District, delivered a thoughtful address reflecting on the sacrifices of American service members throughout […]