Robert Mitchener, candidate for Wake County commissioner
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Seven candidates are seeking the Democratic nomination for two at-large seats that will expand the seven-person Wake County Board of Commissioners to nine. The winners of the March 3 primary will face Republicans Gary Dale Hartong and Kyle Stogoski in the Nov. 3 general election.
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The News & Observer is publishing questionnaires for candidates on the Wake County Board of Commissioners primary ballot to help voters learn where they stand on important policy issues.
Seven candidates are seeking the Democratic nomination for two at-large seats that will expand the seven-person board to nine. The winners of the March 3 primary will face Republicans Gary Dale Hartong and Kyle Stogoski in the Nov. 3 general election.
The Democratic primary is open to registered Democrats and the more than 380,000 unaffiliated Wake County voters. Early voting runs through Feb. 28 at a dozen locations.
Here are responses from Robert Mitchener.
- Name: Robert Mitchener
- Age: 55
- Occupation and employer: Capitol Police Department
- Education: 30 years in law enforcement
- Endorsements (limited to three): n/a
- Previous political or civic experience (limited to three): Law enforcement
- Campaign website: facebook.com/profile.php?id=61574788539598
- What is your favorite locally owned restaurant in Wake County? Birdies
- What is a piece of media (podcast, TV series, video game, book) that you recently finished and enjoyed? Making Youth Matters, self-published book
How do you identify your political ideology?
Community service
What perspective or life experience would you bring that’s missing from the Wake County Board of Commissioners now?
Real life hands-on experiences with public safety, affordable housing, mental health as a police officer for the last 30 plus years.
What issue personally motivated you to run for office, and what would you do about it if elected?
Being a native I have had experience being in the community as law enforcement and I wanted to take those experiences (and) help in a different way.
Are there specific programs or services Wake County should add? If yes, please provide examples.
Wake County has good programs currently. Just need to be expanded.
Are there specific programs or services that should be cut? If yes, please provide examples.
No.
Is there something Wake County should be doing to support K-12 students and teachers that it’s not doing right now?
Yes, teachers should be increased in pay and more resources for the students, especially in underserved communities. More mental health resources.
What specific changes would you recommend to increase access to affordable housing in the county?
Better technology access to the resources in one place, more vouchers, nonprofit resources coming together and restrictions on builders.
What separates you from your opponents and makes you the best choice for Wake County voters?
Being a native I genuinely care about the residents and currently having a youth program I have shown through my service as well as in law enforcement service.
This story was originally published February 16, 2026 at 3:29 PM.
