Lanier, a lifelong resident of Davidson County and former member of the Lexington City Council, brings years of public service experience and a sincere commitment to her community. She currently works as a legal assistant for a Triad municipality and is known for her steady, thoughtful approach to local issues.

Tonya Lanier Announces Candidacy for Davidson County Board of Commissioners

She is married, with one son and two grandchildren, and is passionate about researching, writing, and preserving local history. Lanier also serves as a lay leader in her church, reflecting her dedication to service, faith and community support.

Tonya Lanier made history in 2014 when she was the first African American elected to serve as President of the United Methodist Women in the WNC Conference.

Ms. Lanier is an active member at St. Stephen UMC, Lexington. She has served as Church Council Chair, member of the choir, member of the UMW (now UWF), and the Historical Committee.

Celebrating Black History Month in the WNCC: Tonya Lanier

Tonya A. Lanier is a lifelong resident of Davidson County. She is married and has one son and two grandchildren. She is an active member of St. Stephen United Methodist Church in Lexington.

Tonya Lanier Announces Candidacy for Davidson County Board of ...

Tonya currently works as a legal assistant for a municipality in the Triad.

Tonya previously served on the Lexington City Council.

2026 North Carolina General Election

As of September 2, 2026, Tonya A. Lanier did not have a website or any information online.

Economy

1) How do you plan to increase collaboration with other municipalities within Davidson County?

Democrat

Tonya Lanier: Have meaningful conversation about joint ventures and the need for working together. Promote that there is more that unites us than divides us......and if this is not true, determine why.

May 5 #LocalElectionsMatter: Davidson County Commissioners Candidates — DavidsonLocal.com

Her key areas of focus include expanding access to safety; affordable housing; increasing transparency in county decision-making and Opioid Settlement Fund spending; strengthening health, recovery, and addiction support programs; and improving accessibility for residents with disabilities.

Calls for collaboration among Davidson County municipalities through joint ventures and meaningful discussion.

Prioritizes health, recovery, addiction-support programs, and accessibility for residents with disabilities.

- Calls for collaboration among Davidson County municipalities through joint ventures and meaningful discussion.
- Prioritizes health, recovery, addiction-support programs, and accessibility for residents with disabilities.

Public Services

3) What is your opinion on the best way to support our homeless population in the wake of increasing poverty due to the Covid-19 pandemic?

Democrat

Tonya Lanier: A way to support our homeless population is to maximize Davidson County resources and ascertain if all that can be done.....is actually being done. Is transportation needed?  Are citizens aware of what Davidson County has to offer?  Are all stakeholders invested?

Supports maximizing county resources to serve people experiencing homelessness and assessing transportation, public awareness, and stakeholder participation.

- Supports maximizing county resources to serve people experiencing homelessness and assessing transportation, public awareness, and stakeholder participation.
- Prioritizes affordable housing.

Housing & Urban Development

Public Safety

2) What improvements in infrastructure do you support that would help with the expansion of Davidson County?

Democrat

Tonya Lanier: I can support any infrastructure that's needed for the growth and progress of Davidson County, i.e. streets, roads, public utilities, stormwater, zoning, etc.

Supports infrastructure needed for Davidson County growth, including streets, roads, utilities, stormwater systems, and zoning.

- Supports infrastructure needed for Davidson County growth, including streets, roads, utilities, stormwater systems, and zoning.

Transportation & Infrastructure

Energy & the Environment

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Tonya A. Lanier

As of September 2, 2026, Tonya A. Lanier’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Lanier, a lifelong resident of Davidson County and former member of the Lexington City Council, brings years of public service experience and a sincere commitment to her community.

Lanier, a lifelong resident of Davidson County and former member of the Lexington City Council, brings years of public service experience and a sincere commitment to her community. She currently works as a legal assistant for a Triad municipality and is known for her steady, thoughtful approach to local issues. She is married, with one son and two grandchildren, and is passionate about researching, writing, and preserving local history.

Tonya A. Lanier is a lifelong resident of Davidson County. She is an active member of St. Stephen UMC in Lexington. She is married and has one son and two grandchildren.

Tonya A. Lanier currently works as a legal assistant for a municipality in the Triad.

Lanier recently entered the race for Davidson County Commissioner. When Lanier was approached by residents of her ward about running for city council, she was hesitant at first, but with prayer and careful consideration, she entered the race and was elected as a member of the Lexington City Council in 2008. She said she entered the commissioner’s race through a similar process of prayerful consideration.

Black History Month: Historian Tonya Lanier

Tonya was elected to the Lexington City Council in 2008.

Plans to pursue partnerships with municipalities in the county by discussing ways to work together.

Supports maximizing county resources and identifying unmet needs to assist people experiencing homelessness.

Supports infrastructure needed for county growth, including streets, roads, public utilities, stormwater, and zoning.

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- 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.

Creates new laws and passes the budget for your county.