Three Rutherford County Commissioners Will Not Seek Re-Election in 2026

All three incumbent members of the Rutherford County Board of Commissioners — Chairman Bryan King, Vice Chairman Alan Toney, and Commissioner Michael Benfield — have confirmed they will not seek new terms, marking a sweeping shift in county leadership ahead of the 2026 election cycle.

The announcements were made individually on their personal Facebook pages between Nov. 30 and Dec. 3, each citing personal reflection, prayer, and a desire for new voices to step forward. Candidate filing for the 2026 primary is underway, with several contenders already emerging for the soon-to-be-open seats.

Benfield: “This will be my final term.”

On Nov. 30, Commissioner Michael Benfield issued a lengthy reflection on his 11 years in office and his decades of public service in emergency medical care, nursing, law enforcement, and firearms training.

Benfield described how he first entered county politics after prayerful consideration in 2014 and said he never anticipated the “personal sacrifice yet, at the same time, the satisfaction of serving others” that came with elected office. He detailed his career as an EMT, ER nurse, state trooper, and firearms instructor, followed by three consecutive terms representing District 4.

“Now in my third term, my family and I have made a deeply personal decision: I will not seek reelection in November 2026,” Benfield wrote. “This will be my final term as your District 4 Commissioner.”

Benfield thanked county residents for their trust and praised the board’s work over the past decade, saying he was “proud to have worked with some of the most brilliant minds” and would continue to lead with integrity through the remainder of his term.

King: “New voices and fresh perspectives.”

On Dec. 2, Chairman Bryan King released an official statement announcing he, too, would not pursue another term after three cycles on the board.

“It has been an honor to represent our community,” King said, noting the decision came after “much thought about my personal priorities and the future of our county.” He said he believes it is time for new leadership to help guide Rutherford County forward.

King highlighted a series of long-term projects that unfolded during his tenure, including opioid litigation that secured millions for treatment efforts, broadband expansion, new public safety and educational facilities, airport improvements, economic development growth, and county budgets that avoided tax rate increases.

He also acknowledged the county’s extensive emergency management response over the past decade, from wildfires and major flood events to the COVID-19 pandemic and Hurricane Helene.

“I am proud of what we have accomplished and confident that Rutherford County’s best days are ahead,” King said.

Toney: “It has been an honor.”

Vice Chairman Alan Toney joined his colleagues on Dec. 3, writing briefly that after “much thought, prayer, and consideration,” he will not seek re-election in District 5.

“It has been an honor to have served Rutherford County and the citizens,” Toney wrote. “I am hopeful for the future of Rutherford County. It has been a privilege to serve our county.”

2026 Election Cycle Begins

The simultaneous departures mean three seats on the five-member board will be filled by new members after the 2026 elections — an uncommon turnover for Rutherford County. Commissioners Hunter Haynes and Donnie Haulk are not up for re-election until 2028.

With filing now underway for the 2026 primary, multiple candidates have already stepped forward to fill the openings. 

Visit the NC State Board of Elections website for more details about the upcoming primary and general elections. Registered voters can find their polling place and sample ballot here: Voter Search.