Longtime Judge Seeks Dare County Commissioner Seat

Edgar L. Barnes, a retired district court judge, is running for the Dare County Board of Commissioners, District 1.

Published on Mar. 2, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Edgar L. Barnes, a retired district court judge with over 29 years of experience on the bench, is running for the Dare County Board of Commissioners, District 1. Barnes has a long history of public service in the community, including roles as a church deacon, youth counselor, and president of the Manteo Lions Club.

Why it matters

Barnes' candidacy represents a transition from the judicial system to local government, bringing his experience and community ties to the Dare County Board of Commissioners. His priorities include preserving the quality of life for residents while guiding responsible growth, with a focus on issues like affordable housing and supporting the local workforce.

The details

After retiring from the bench, Barnes decided to run for the Dare County Board of Commissioners, District 1, because he cares deeply about the future of the community where his family has lived for decades. As a commissioner, he plans to personally interact with citizens, listen to their concerns, and be their voice on the board. His top priorities include addressing the issue of affordable and available housing for the county's adult children and essential workforce.

  • Edgar L. Barnes retired from his position as a district court judge in 2025 after serving for 29.5 years.
  • Barnes is running for the Dare County Board of Commissioners, District 1, in the 2026 election.

The players

Edgar L. Barnes

A retired district court judge with over 29 years of experience on the bench, including 10 years as the Chief District Court Judge. He is now running for the Dare County Board of Commissioners, District 1.

Michele Barnes

Edgar L. Barnes' wife of 40 years.

Graham Barnes

One of Edgar and Michele Barnes' two children.

Hannah Barnes

One of Edgar and Michele Barnes' two children.

Ezekiel

One of Edgar and Michele Barnes' two grandchildren, age 10.

Nellie

One of Edgar and Michele Barnes' two grandchildren, age 13 months.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“After retiring from the bench, I could have stepped away from public service. But I love this community. Dare County has been home to my family, my church, my friends, and my life's work. I am not running for a title. I am running because I care deeply about the future of Dare County, about responsible growth, strong public safety, safe schools, thriving children, watermen's rights and protecting all the things that make our community special.”

— Edgar L. Barnes, Candidate for Dare County Board of Commissioners, District 1 (thecoastlandtimes.com)

What’s next

The 2026 Dare County Board of Commissioners election, where Edgar L. Barnes is running for the District 1 seat, will take place on November 4, 2026.

The takeaway

Edgar L. Barnes' transition from the judicial system to local government represents an opportunity for Dare County to benefit from his decades of experience and deep community ties. As a commissioner, he plans to prioritize preserving the county's quality of life while responsibly guiding its future, with a focus on issues like affordable housing and supporting the local workforce.