Meet NC's new elections chief

Exactly two months ago, Sam Hayes took as executive director of the State Board of Elections, an agency that has become a political football over the years.

NCSBE Executive Director Sam Hayes sits at his desk on May 28, 2025.

The North Carolina State Board of Elections has become a political football in recent years, as Republicans have worked to shift the makeup of the board.

Two months go, Sam Hayes became the agency’s executive director. I profiled him for The Assembly, sharing what he brings to the NCSBE and what areas of concern people have for the future of election administration under his leadership.

Here’s seven things you need to know about Hayes’ ascent, what he’s already done and what lies ahead for the elections board:

#1: Hayes didn’t want the job