GATESVILLE — Gates County Commissioner David Forsythe has taken the first formal step toward a possible run for the North Carolina State Senate, announcing the formation of an exploratory committee to evaluate a campaign for Senate District 1. The district covers the northeastern corner of the state, including a mix of rural counties that Forsythe says need a stronger voice in Raleigh.
Forsythe, a former service member, Air National Guardsman, and 30-year federal civil service employee, said the exploratory phase will allow him to engage directly with residents, business owners, and civic leaders before deciding whether to enter the 2026 Republican primary.
“Serving others has been at the heart of my life, from my time in uniform to my decades of federal service and now as a Gates County Commissioner,” Forsythe said in a press release announcing his plans. “Our rural communities deserve a strong, principled voice in Raleigh — one that stands up for conservative values, fiscal responsibility, and the hardworking families who make this region so special.”
If Forsythe formally jumps into the race, he would join two Republicans already seeking the seat: Jerry Tillett, a longtime Superior Court Judge who retired earlier this year, and Jay Lane, a farmer and small business owner. Both men announced their intentions earlier this fall, setting up a competitive GOP primary even before Forsythe’s potential entry. District 1 State Senator Bobby Hanig has tossed his hat in the ring to run in the Republican primary for the District 1 congressional seat. As yet, no Democrat has filed to run.
As a Gates County Commissioner, Forsythe has emerged as a visible advocate for rural development, transparent and cost conscious governance. Since taking office, he has been recognized for what county observers describe as consistent, level-headed decision-making and an emphasis on accountability in local government.
According to the announcement, Forsythe has prioritized infrastructure improvements, strengthened support for law enforcement and emergency services, and pushed for budgeting practices that “respect taxpayers.” Those themes are likely to form the backbone of any future campaign, especially as rural counties continue to grapple with rising service demands and limited financial flexibility.
But for now, Forsythe says his focus is on gathering feedback rather than campaigning. His exploratory committee plans to launch a listening tour across Senate District 1, holding meetings in multiple counties and inviting residents to share concerns directly with him.
“Before I make a final decision about running, I want to hear directly from the people of this district,” Forsythe said. “Eastern North Carolina is full of proud, patriotic communities that deserve effective, common-sense leadership. Together, we can ensure our values and priorities are represented in Raleigh.”
For now, Forsythe remains a potential candidate, not a declared one. The exploratory process, he said, is essential to making an informed choice about whether to pursue the seat. His decision is expected later this winter as the filing period for 2026 races approaches.
Forsythe emphasized that his focus remains on gathering input, not political jockeying. Forsythe says the committee’s outreach will help ensure that any campaign — or decision not to campaign — is rooted in the voices of those he hopes to represent.
“Eastern North Carolina is full of proud, patriotic communities that deserve effective, common-sense leadership,” he said again in closing remarks. “Together, we can ensure our values and priorities are represented in Raleigh.”
Saturday, Forsythe resigned as chairman of the Gates County Republican Party.
“This was a great opportunity to talk about campaign issues and experience with the various party chairpersons from across the many counties,” Forsythe posted to social media after attending the NC GOP 1st District Executive leadership conference — his last as Gates GOP chairman.
One response to “Gates County Commissioner Forsythe Forms Exploratory Committee for State Senate District 1 ”
[…] Gates County Commissioner John Forsythe is exploring whether to run for state senate — see our story here. He is sharp as a tack – fiscally conservative, cares about the community. Whether or not Forsythe runs for state senate, I think Gates County is well served by him asking tough questions about some of the issues facing our cousins to the north. […]