News Report, Watts challenges incumbent Burroughs for District 5 seat

Brent graduated from South Columbus High School, then went to Southeastern Community College to complete its forestry and electrical programs. Brent is married to his wife, Jennifer. They have 2 children together.

Brent is a farmer and contract grower for Smithfield Foods. He is also a small business owner, and has his own hog farm operation. He was previously a member of the Cape Fear Farm Credit Advisory Board.

Small challenges Watts for District 5 commission seat; filing period ends

Brent is the current county commissioner for Columbus County's District 5. He was elected in 2020. Brent was previously elected to the North Carolina Farm Bureau as a board member, as well as the Southern States Advisory Board.

Advocates for bridging the gap between the county commissioner's office, the sheriff's department, state officials, and the school board in order to create a more harmonious, smooth-running county.

- Advocates for bridging the gap between the county commissioner's office, the sheriff's department, state officials, and the school board in order to create a more harmonious, smooth-running county.

Public Services

Wants to expand the county's industry so that "our children will have opportunities to return to our county as adults."

Intends to allow the county to expand business-wise as well as let external businesses come into the county so that the economy can grow.

- Wants to expand the county's industry so that "our children will have opportunities to return to our county as adults."
- Intends to allow the county to expand business-wise as well as let external businesses come into the county so that the economy can grow.

Economy

Believes that "Our children are our future and our number one priority; therefore, our school systems must have the resources to excel."

- Believes that "Our children are our future and our number one priority; therefore, our school systems must have the resources to excel."

Education

As of June 9, 2025, Brent Watts’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Public Safety

Housing & Urban Development

Transportation & Infrastructure

Brent Watts

As of February 8, 2024, Joseph (joe) Small’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Wants to establish a homeless shelter in Columbus County.

- Wants to establish a homeless shelter in Columbus County.

As of June 9, 2025, Joseph (joe) Small’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Joseph (joe) Small

- County Commissioners create and pass laws at the county-level. These laws show up in very tangible ways, such as determining how much you pay property and sales tax rates, public transportation, and maintaining infrastructure.
- County Commissioners are responsible for preparing and passing the county budget. The budget determines how much funding goes to various public services, such as public transportation, law enforcement, repairing roads, and maintaining infrastructure.
- County Commissioners oversee the administrative duties of your county’s government to ensure the safety, comfort, and well-being of county residents.
- County Commissioners can create, change, or abolish offices, positions, departments that are not required by law. 
- County Commissioners are elected to 4-year terms, with no term limits. Typically, you only vote for the County Commissioner that represents your county commission district.

Columbus County Commissioner, District 5

Election results

Candidates (2)