Two candidates will be on the ballot for N.C. House District 16 in the Republican primary election set for March 3.
Incumbent Carson Smith is being challenged by newcomer Joshua Patti, and the winner will face Democratic candidate Jim Harris in the Nov. 3 general election. The House District 16 includes Onslow and Pender counties.
Patti is a member of the Holly Ridge Town Council with 20 years of professional experience in education, community leadership and public service.
He has two master’s degrees, in education and history. He and his wife, Nicole, have eight children, and their family is active in the community.
Smith, the former Pender County sheriff, was elected in 2018 and reelected to office in 2020, 2022 and 2024. He was not available for an interview regarding his plans and goals if reelected to a fourth term in office.
Patti said he is running for the N.C. House seat because he believes the district needs leadership that is practical, accessible and focused on results.
“Too often, people feel disconnected from state government and frustrated by decisions that seem removed from local realities,” he said. “I want to bring a grounded, community-based perspective to the legislature that reflects the needs of families, residents, small businesses and local governments.”
Patti said his background has allowed him to work closely with families, local organizations and government partners, while gaining a clear understanding of how policy decisions affect everyday lives.
As a Holly Ridge councilman, he said he’s worked directly on budgets, infrastructure planning, growth management, public safety coordination and long-term planning.
He said he’s not afraid to fight for what is right and that his experience has prepared him to be effective at the state level.
“I am not running to build a political career,” Patti said. “I am running to be a citizen-legislator who remains engaged with constituents, listens carefully and works across differences to solve problems and deliver real results.”
His priorities include fiscal responsibility, education and responsible growth.
He said government has a duty to be a careful steward of taxpayer dollars, which includes responsible budgeting and ensuring public funds are used where they make the greatest impact.
As for education, Patti said he supports public education but also recognizes that families choose different educational paths based on the needs of their children.
“State education policy should respect those options while ensuring accountability, transparency and responsible use of taxpayer dollars,” he said. “Education funding decisions should focus on improving outcomes for students, supporting educators and maintaining safe, effective learning environments across all settings.”
Patti also highlighted critical infrastructure that’s needed to keep pace with growth. He said smart infrastructure investment strengthens quality-of-life, supports economic opportunity and sets the stage for long-term success.
He said the upcoming election is about trust, accessibility and common-sense leadership.
“I believe representatives should be visible in their communities, responsive to constituents and willing to show up, even when conversations are difficult,” Patti said. “Public service should be about listening, doing the work and being accountable for outcomes.
“If elected, I will continue to approach this role as a citizen-legislator who stays connected to the district, communicates openly and focuses on practical solutions that strengthen families, support local governments and protect taxpayers.
“My goal is to serve with integrity, consistency and a genuine commitment to the people of District 16.”
Early voting for the March 3 primary begins on Thursday.
Residents can vote early Feb. 12-13, Feb. 16-20 and Feb. 23-27 from 8 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. and on Feb. 28 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Early voting locations include the Onslow County Board of Elections, at 246 Georgetown Road in Jacksonville; the Jacksonville Commons Recreation Center, at 100 Recreation Lane; the Onslow County Museum, at 310 S. Wilmington St. in Richlands; the Sneads Ferry Public Library, at 1330 N.C. 210; and the Swansboro Recreation Center, at 830 Main St. Ext.
