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Karen Stegman wins Democratic primary for Orange County Board of Commissioners
Stegman projected to beat opponent Adam Beeman, will face Republican Jeffrey Hoagland in November
Published on Mar. 4, 2026
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Karen Stegman, a former Chapel Hill Town Council member, is projected to win the Democratic primary for the At-Large seat on the Orange County Board of County Commissioners, defeating opponent Adam Beeman. Stegman campaigned on increasing affordable housing, addressing tax inequities, and effectively using a recent school bond. Beeman, an electrical contractor and former planning board member, received around 23% of the vote. Stegman will face off against Republican candidate Jeffrey Hoagland in the November general election.
Why it matters
This race for the Orange County Board of Commissioners is an important one, as the board plays a key role in shaping policies around affordable housing, taxation, and education funding - all issues that are top priorities for many residents. The outcome of this primary and the November general election will impact the direction of the county for years to come.
The details
In the Democratic primary, Karen Stegman received 77.41% of the vote, beating her opponent Adam Beeman who received 22.59%. Stegman, a former Chapel Hill Town Council member, campaigned on increasing the county's affordable housing stock, addressing inequities in the tax valuation process, and effectively utilizing a recent school bond passed in 2024. Beeman, an electrical contracting business owner and former member of the Orange County planning board, centered his campaign on creating a skilled, affordable and fair Orange County.
- The Democratic primary election was held on March 4, 2026.
The players
Karen Stegman
A former Chapel Hill Town Council member who served for nearly eight years and is the projected winner of the Democratic primary for the Orange County Board of County Commissioners At-Large seat.
Adam Beeman
An electrical contracting business owner and former member of Orange County's planning board who ran against Stegman in the Democratic primary, receiving around 23% of the vote.
Jeffrey Hoagland
The Republican candidate who will face off against Stegman in the November general election for the Orange County Board of County Commissioners At-Large seat. Hoagland has previously run for Chapel Hill Town Council and the North Carolina House of Representatives, losing both races by significant margins.
What’s next
The general election between Karen Stegman and Jeffrey Hoagland for the Orange County Board of County Commissioners At-Large seat will take place on November 4, 2026.
The takeaway
This Democratic primary victory for Karen Stegman sets her up as the likely next member of the Orange County Board of Commissioners, where she will have the opportunity to enact her policy priorities around affordable housing, tax equity, and education funding - issues that are crucial for the county's future.
