Whichard said he has lived in Halifax County for nearly 20 years and has been growing produce since he was about 13 years old. He said he began farming more seriously about eight years ago after starting his own farm.

“I have been growing produce since I was about 13 years old,” he said. “I got into it heavily about eight years ago when I got my own farm here in Littleton, located on North Carolina Highway 4.”

Farmer pushes to bring back county farmers market

Whichard said he has since become a certified market manager and noted that only three farmers are needed locally to accept the vouchers.

“And I don’t believe it will be a problem getting three farmers to sign up to take the vouchers,” he said.

John Whichard owns a farm in Littleton, where he grows produce. He is a certified market manager.

Farmer pushes to bring back county farmers market - RR Daily Herald

2026 North Carolina General Election

One thing Whichard made clear was that he is not out to try to hurt the Tractor Supply farmers market in Roanoke Rapids, which holds its event once a month.

“We’re also going to be in that farmers market this summer, and I want to help that farmers market, but we are not out by any means to hurt the farmers market held at Tractor Supply,” he said. “I think we can all work together, and the vendors can do both places, and we can be a great team. I am going to try my hardest to make the Roanoke Valley Farmers Market; if we get the OK to open it back up, that first year, the vendors’ fees will be waived, as I’m going to try to get sponsors to become sponsors of the market.”

Would you be willing to support a tax increase to fund county projects?
With rising prices and ongoing economic uncertainty, I do not support raising taxes. Many families are already struggling, and county government should not add to that burden. Halifax County deserves steady leadership that listens, works hard, and puts people first. Everything I have shared comes from years of service, not politics for show. I believe in safe communities, fair treatment, smart growth, good jobs, strong partnerships, and careful use of taxpayer dollars. I believe we can move Halifax County forward without losing sight of our values or placing more burden on families.

Halifax Board of Commissioners candidate questions: Chenoa Richardson Davis

Plans to waive vendor fees during the first year if the Roanoke Valley Farmers Market reopens, while seeking sponsors.

Opposes raising taxes to fund county projects.

- Plans to waive vendor fees during the first year if the Roanoke Valley Farmers Market reopens, while seeking sponsors.
- Opposes raising taxes to fund county projects.

Economy

Advocates reopening a county-run farmers market, with county funding for its first year.

He said he and his fiancée plan to open a market on their farm in May but believes a county-run market is needed.

“And we will be able to accept the senior vouchers once we get two more additional farmers in the area to sign up,” he said. “But you know, I shouldn’t have to put a market on my farm. We should have a county-run market, as most of the counties have. We’re a big county, and we have the population — we need to be serving the citizens of Halifax.”

Whichard said the biggest obstacle is securing county funding for the first year, with hopes of opening by July.

“And yes, you can do it by July 1, but the county would need to fund it 100% even if the agricultural center does not come on board,” he said.

As of September 2, 2026, John Whichard did not have a website or any information online.

Public Services

Housing & Urban Development

Do you support the proposed location of the new detention center at the courthouse complex on Ferrell Lane in Halifax or, as the town’s mayor has suggested, moving it to another location? Why or why not? 
I support the proposed location of the new detention center at the courthouse complex on Ferrell Lane in Halifax. Keeping the facility near the courthouse allows for easier coordination with the courts, law enforcement, and emergency services, which improves safety and day-to-day operations. The preliminary design plans also address important concerns such as secure fencing and proper water drainage, showing that these issues are being carefully considered. Building at this location avoids the need to purchase new land and allows us to focus our resources on constructing a safe, modern facility that meets the needs of Halifax County.

Supports building the proposed detention center at the Halifax courthouse complex on Ferrell Lane.

- Supports building the proposed detention center at the Halifax courthouse complex on Ferrell Lane.

Public Safety

Do you support the State Rail Plan? Do you support passenger rail service from Weldon to Raleigh? What would you do as a commissioner to see passenger rail service established in Weldon, and what do you see as its benefits?
I support the State Rail Plan and support passenger rail service from Weldon to Raleigh. Passenger rail would provide residents with another transportation option, support economic development, and make it easier for people to travel for work, education, healthcare, and tourism. As a commissioner, I would work with state and federal partners, support planning efforts, and advocate for funding to move the project forward. Passenger rail in Weldon would help connect Halifax County to larger markets and bring new opportunities to our area.

I support the State Rail Plan and support passenger rail service from Weldon to Raleigh. Passenger rail would provide residents with another transportation option, support economic development, and make it easier for people to travel for work, education, healthcare, and tourism. As a commissioner, I would work with state and federal partners, support planning efforts, and advocate for funding to move the project forward. Passenger rail in Weldon would help connect Halifax County to larger markets and bring new opportunities to our area.

Supports the State Rail Plan and passenger rail between Weldon and Raleigh, and plans to advocate for project funding.

- Supports the State Rail Plan and passenger rail between Weldon and Raleigh, and plans to advocate for project funding.

Transportation & Infrastructure

Energy & the Environment

John Whichard

- Opposes raising taxes to fund county projects.

As of September 2, 2026, John Whichard’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Isaac Brickman

Buket Urgen

Chenoa Richardson Davis

Chuck Hasty

Sammy Davis Webb

Tyus S. Few

Vernon J. Bryant

- 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.