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Elizabeth City Today
By the People, for the People
Jerry Tillett Wins Republican State Senate Primary in Northeast N.C.
Former Superior Court judge faced accusations of using racist language in an audio recording.
Published on Mar. 4, 2026
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Former Superior Court Judge Jerry Tillett appeared to win Tuesday's Republican primary in the 1st Senate District, which spans several northeastern counties, despite allegations that he'd made racist remarks in an audio recording. Tillett was one of four Republicans campaigning for the solidly red seat held by Bobby Hanig, who vacated it to make a bid for Congress.
Why it matters
The allegations of racism against Tillett threatened to derail his state Senate campaign, raising concerns about the potential for divisive rhetoric and racial tensions in the election.
The details
Tillett's leading opponent was Jay Lane, an Elizabeth City farmer who is backed by top Republicans, including Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler and state Sen. Bill Rabon. Gates County Commissioner Dave Forsythe and Marine veteran Cole Johnson rounded out the field. Tillett has battled allegations of racism that had threatened to derail his state Senate campaign, with a 23-second audio clip posted to Facebook that seemed to capture a conversation between two men and a woman inside a car, in which the two men used the N-word and joked about shooting a Black man.
- The audio clip was posted to Facebook in December.
- The primary election took place on Tuesday, March 4, 2026.
The players
Jerry Tillett
A former Superior Court judge who won the Republican primary in the 1st Senate District despite allegations of using racist language in an audio recording.
Jay Lane
An Elizabeth City farmer who was Tillett's leading opponent in the Republican primary, backed by top Republicans including Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler and state Sen. Bill Rabon.
Richard Burrus
A Dare County resident who posted the 23-second audio clip to Facebook that seemed to capture a conversation between two men and a woman inside a car, in which the two men used the N-word and joked about shooting a Black man.
Briana Daniels
Tillett's former daughter-in-law, who was previously married to his son Jeremy Tillett.
Theodore Daniels
Briana Daniels' new husband, who was defeated in the Dare County sheriff primary on Tuesday.
What they’re saying
“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”
— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)
The takeaway
This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.
