Moore County School Board candidate releases a list of supporters and endorsers

Institutions and individuals support Jim Pedersen in his campaign for the Moore County School Board. The candidate’s campaign supplied the following list.

The Moore County Republican Party endorsed Pedersen for the 2026 Moore County Board of Education At-Large seat. The GOP officially supported Pedersen as a preferred conservative, despite the nonpartisan school board race.

“Jim has proven his mettle to our community and nation as a whole through his personal sacrifice and service. I have seen him actively attend school board meetings and know that he is tracking the issues. Jim will continue to ask the hard questions, and I happily endorse him for school board,” Dan Bonillo of Carthage wrote.

“We are incredibly fortunate to have someone of Jim’s caliber championing our military community and now our children as he runs for board member here in Moore County. I know he will take that same dedication to our kids that he has shown our veterans,” Valarie Thomas Mahmud of Carthage wrote.

“Jim Pedersen was very instrumental in getting my VA benefits. He helped me cut through the confusing governmental roadblocks because he genuinely understood my needs. Jim’s concern for this community is the reason he is the best person for the job,” Al Butler wrote.

“Jim Pedersen is an honorable man with strong values and a deep desire to make things better. Jim has helped countless veterans in Moore County in multiple ways, and I am one of them. His knowledge as a VSA is irreplaceable, and his determination with every veteran’s case is clearly visible. Jim is a great American, a great Marine, and I’m glad to be able to call him friend. Moore County needs more dedicated people like him,” Lee Chriscoe of Carthage wrote.

“I am proud to support Jim Pedersen for Moore County School Board. Having served our country as a Marine, Jim Pedersen understands the importance of leadership, responsibility, service, and putting others before oneself. Those qualities are just as valuable in our schools as they are in the military. I believe Jim Pedersen will bring integrity, discipline, leadership, and commitment to our students, teachers, and families. Most importantly, Jim understands that serving on the school board is not about personal recognition; it is about serving the community and helping ensure our children have the opportunity to succeed. As a military wife for 28 years, my husband and I have personally worked closely with Jim Pedersen while he worked at the Veterans Service office in Carthage. We have personally seen Jim’s character and dedication and trust him to approach this responsibility with honesty, respect, and integrity. Jim Pedersen has always gone above and beyond with regards to his treatment of veterans. We feel we know Jim well after working with him for 15 years. Character counts! He will serve our community with the same dedication he served our country,” Sandi Carl of Seven Lakes wrote.

Oct. 15, 2026

This list was submitted by the candidate’s campaign.

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