Melissa M. Merrell, a Republican Union County commissioner, is seeking reelection on Nov. 3, 2026. The county election notice lists her alongside Republicans Brian W. Helms and Sam Harris and Democrat Christina Dupont in the regular county commission contest.
Experience
Her official county biography records her election to the commission in November 2022 and prior service as chair and vice chair. It lists eight years on the school board in 2014–22, including six as chair.
Merrell earned an architecture degree from UNC Charlotte and worked in project management before entering public office. The county biography describes her service as a legislative liaison and appointment to the K-12 Education F.A.C.T.S. Task Force in 2021.
It says she moved to Union County in 2005 and began volunteering in schools and community organizations.
Priorities
Merrell’s county biography identifies low taxes, strong schools and managed growth as her priorities. This profile does not infer additional policy commitments from her professional background.
