JacQuez Johnson (Mayor of Thomasville, North Carolina, candidate 2025)

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JacQuez Johnson
Image of JacQuez Johnson

Nonpartisan

Candidate, Mayor of Thomasville

Elections and appointments
Next election

November 4, 2025

Education

Bachelor's

Appalachian State University, 2023

Personal
Birthplace
Thomasville, N.C.
Religion
Christian
Profession
Teacher
Contact

Campaign website

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JacQuez Johnson is running for election for Mayor of Thomasville in North Carolina. He is on the ballot in the general election on November 4, 2025.[source]

Johnson completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. Click here to read the survey answers.

[1]

Biography

JacQuez Johnson provided the following biographical information via Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey on July 30, 2025:

Elections

General election

The general election will occur on November 4, 2025.

General election for Mayor of Thomasville

JacQuez Johnson, Wendy B. Sellars, and Raleigh York Jr. are running in the general election for Mayor of Thomasville on November 4, 2025.

Candidate
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JacQuez Johnson (Nonpartisan) Candidate Connection
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Wendy B. Sellars (Nonpartisan)
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Raleigh York Jr. (Nonpartisan)

Incumbency information for this election was not available.

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Endorsements

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Campaign themes

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

Candidate Connection

JacQuez Johnson completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Johnson's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

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I’m JacQuez Johnson a son of Thomasville, a proud product of our public schools, and a firm believer in the power of service. I lost my parents young, but I found purpose in giving back to the city that raised me. From becoming a teacher at my alma mater to serving as the youngest elected City Councilmember in our city’s history, my life has been about turning pain into purpose. I’m a man of faith, a community builder, and a visionary leader who believes that real change starts with showing up. I’ve led efforts to invest in youth, clean up neglected parts of our city, and bring new energy to local government.
  • Affordable Housing & Community Revitalization I’m committed to expanding affordable housing and transforming vacant or blighted properties into vibrant spaces for families and small businesses. Everyone deserves a safe, dignified place to call home and it’s time our city prioritizes that.
  • Youth Investment & Opportunity Our young people are the future of Thomasville. I will fight for more after-school programs, job training, internships, and mentorship initiatives that empower our youth and keep them off the streets and on the path to success.
  • Economic Development That Works for Everyone We need to bring new life to our city not just with businesses, but with the right businesses. I’ll focus on attracting diverse, community-driven development that creates good-paying jobs, supports local entrepreneurs, and builds a stronger downtown.
I’m passionate about policies that reflect real people and real struggles because I’ve lived them. I know what it’s like to grow up with limited resources and no safety net, so I fight for the policies I wish existed when I was younger.

I believe in affordable housing because no child should have to wonder where they’ll sleep at night. I believe in youth investment because our young people deserve opportunities, not obstacles. I believe in economic development not just managing growth, but actively attracting new businesses that create good-paying jobs, expand our local economy, and give our residents the chance to thrive right here in Thomasville.

To me, public policy is about more than paperwork it’s about the people.
One person I deeply look up to is Congressman John Lewis. He was a man of unwavering courage, quiet strength, and relentless purpose. He didn’t chase headlines. He made history through service, sacrifice, and his commitment to what he called “good trouble.”

What inspires me most about John Lewis is that he never lost sight of the people he was fighting for. Whether he was on the Edmund Pettus Bridge or on the floor of Congress, he carried the weight of justice with humility and hope. He believed in the power of young people, the necessity of bold leadership, and the moral responsibility to stand up even when it’s uncomfortable.

I hope to follow in his footsteps by leading with heart, by speaking truth with love, and by never being afraid to fight for what’s right, even when it’s not easy. His legacy reminds me that real change doesn’t come from titles. It comes from conviction, consistency, and community!
I would recommend “The Souls of Black Folk” by W.E.B. Du Bois. It’s more than just a historical text. It’s a powerful reflection on identity, struggle, and the fight for dignity in a world that too often ignores the voices of the marginalized. That balance between truth and hope, pain and progress reflects how I lead.

I also draw a lot from Dr. King’s Letter from Birmingham Jail. His words on the urgency of now, the power of nonviolent pressure, and the responsibility of leaders to act boldly in the face of injustice continue to shape how I serve. He believed in loving people enough to challenge systems and I carry that with me every day.

My political philosophy is rooted in faith, service, and a deep belief that government should be a tool to lift people up not hold them back.
An elected official should be more than just a decision-maker they should be a servant, a listener, and a bridge between people and progress.

For me, the most important characteristics are:
• Integrity – Say what you mean, do what you say, and stay grounded in your values, even when it’s inconvenient.
• Courage – The willingness to lead boldly, challenge the status quo, and speak up for those who often go unheard.
• Transparency – The people should never be left in the dark. Accountability and open communication are essential.
• Empathy – You have to feel what people feel. Understand their struggles, hopes, and fears. That’s how you lead with heart, not ego.
• Vision – Leaders should be forward-thinking, not just reactive. It’s not enough to manage problems, we have to imagine solutions and build toward them.

At the core, I believe the best elected officials serve with humility and never forget who they work for…the people.
I lead with vision, heart, and grit. I know what it means to struggle, to fight for a seat at the table, and to keep going even when the odds are against you. That’s given me a deep sense of purpose and a passion for creating opportunity for others.

I’m not afraid to roll up my sleeves and do the work. I’m hands-on, accessible, and deeply connected to the people I serve because I’ve walked in their shoes. My resilience allows me to push through challenges, and my integrity ensures I never lose sight of who I’m fighting for.

As a former teacher, a city councilman, and someone who has experienced both loss and triumph, I bring empathy, discipline, and the ability to bring people together. I know how to listen, how to lead, and how to turn vision into results.

What sets me apart is that I’m not in this for power, I’m in it for purpose. That’s the kind of leadership our city deserves.
The Mayor’s role is more than just cutting ribbons or running meetings. It’s about casting vision, building trust, and delivering results.

The core responsibilities include:
• Being a voice for the people-Listening to the needs of our residents and ensuring those voices guide every decision.
• Setting a clear, bold vision – Working with council, staff, and the community to move Thomasville forward with purpose and direction.
• Driving economic development – Attracting new businesses, supporting local entrepreneurs, and creating real opportunities for our residents.
• Building community partnerships – Collaborating with schools, churches, nonprofits, and civic organizations to strengthen our city from the ground up.
• Ensuring transparency and accountability – Keeping the public informed and involved in how decisions are made and resources are used.

Above all, the Mayor should be someone who shows up, follows through, and leads with both courage and compassion. This office isn’t about titles, it’s about trust. And I take that responsibility seriously.
I want to leave a legacy of service, hope, and transformation. The kind that proves you don’t have to come from privilege to make a difference. I want young people in Thomasville to look at my journey and believe that no matter where you start, you can lead, you can serve, and you can change the world around you.

I want to be remembered as someone who showed up, who spoke up, and who stood up. Especially for those whose voices weren’t always heard. Someone who turned struggle into strategy, and pain into purpose. A leader who didn’t just hold office, but opened doors.

At the end of the day, I hope my legacy is that I left this city better than I found it and that I inspired others to do the same.
The first historical event I remember is the election of President Barack Obama in 2008. I was 8 years old. I vividly remember going to school the next day and watching the inauguration coverage on TV with my classmates. Even at that young age, I could feel the weight of the moment. Something about it just felt different.

Seeing a Black man become President of the United States wasn’t just powerful, it was personal. It showed me that leadership could look like me. That moment sparked something in me, and it’s a big part of why I believe so deeply in service, in purpose, and in what’s possible when we lead with vision.
My very first job was working as a suit salesman during my junior and senior year of high school. I worked there for about two years, helping people look and feel their best for job interviews, church, and special events. That job taught me early on the power of presentation, professionalism, and how to connect with people from all walks of life. Even then, I took pride in serving others and I carry that same mindset with me today.
My favorite book is Just Mercy by Bryan Stevenson. It moved me in a way that few books ever have. It’s a powerful reminder that justice isn’t always just and that real change requires courage, compassion, and a willingness to stand up for the voiceless.

As someone who believes in servant leadership, that book affirmed so much of what I feel called to do: advocate for the overlooked, fight for fairness, and never give up on people, no matter their past. It taught me that mercy isn’t weakness, it’s strength guided by empathy. And that’s the kind of leader I strive to be every day.
I’d be Black Panther not just because of the suit or the strength, but because of what he represents. T’Challa led with wisdom, honor, and a deep love for his people. He balanced tradition and innovation, and he wasn’t afraid to challenge systems for the greater good.

As a Black leader, his story resonates with me. He showed the world that you can lead with heart and power. That you can be royal and rooted at the same time. That’s the kind of leader I strive to be: one who protects, uplifts, and builds a legacy for the next generation.

Wakanda may be fictional, but the responsibility to lead with vision and purpose is very real.
“Boots on the Ground” it’s more than just a song, it’s a mindset. As someone who leads from the front, that track reminds me why I do what I do. I’ve got boots on the ground every day for my city, for my people, and for the future we’re building. The beat hits but so does the message.
One of my greatest struggles has been growing up without my parents. I lost my father to gun violence when I was just 3 years old, and my mother passed away from a when I was a Junior at Appalachian State. That kind of loss could’ve broken me, but my faith in God carried me through.

I’ve had to learn how to keep going when I felt alone, how to lead even while healing, and how to turn pain into purpose. My faith gave me strength when I had none left. It reminded me that my story wasn’t over and that even the darkest moments can lead to light if you walk with God.

That struggle shaped who I am today: a man of resilience, compassion, and conviction. It’s why I serve. It’s why I lead. And it’s why I’ll always fight to uplift others, no matter what they’re facing because I know what it’s like to face the storm and still stand tall.
To me, being Mayor means being the heartbeat of the community. It means showing up, not just for photo ops. But for the hard conversations, the neighborhood clean-ups, the youth programs, and the everyday people who make our city great.

A mayor sets the tone. You have to lead with vision, but also with compassion. You have to listen as much as you speak, serve as much as you direct, and always remember that leadership is a responsibility not a title.

It means being the first one to roll up your sleeves and the last one to walk away from the table. It’s about fighting for those who feel forgotten and making sure every voice from City Hall to the back streets is heard and valued.

For me, being Mayor isn’t about power it’s about purpose. It’s about building a city where people don’t just survive, but belong and believe in what’s possible.
In a system like ours, where the mayor doesn’t vote unless there’s a tie and the city manager oversees daily operations, the mayor’s most important responsibility is to be a visionary ambassador someone who unites the community, builds relationships, and casts a clear direction for where the city is headed.

The mayor should be out front attracting new businesses, fostering community partnerships, advocating for funding and resources, and ensuring that the needs and values of our people are represented in every conversation, whether it’s with local stakeholders or state leaders.

Even without a vote, the mayor sets the tone. That means bringing people together, inspiring confidence, and making sure city government is accessible, responsive, and accountable to the people it serves. The top priority should be building trust, building momentum, and building the future our city deserves.
While that’s not the structure in Thomasville, I believe the ideal relationship between a mayor and city council regardless of the setup. Should be built on trust, communication, and a shared commitment to the people.

Even when responsibilities differ, collaboration is key. The mayor should respect the council’s legislative role and work to create an environment where ideas are heard, priorities are aligned, and decisions reflect the will of the people, not politics.

In any government, unity at the top leads to progress on the ground. That’s the kind of leadership our communities deserve.
What I love most about Thomasville is the spirit of the people. We’re a city full of resilience, heart, and hometown pride. No matter the challenges we’ve faced. Whether economic downturns, tough transitions, or being overlooked, this city has never lost its fight.

I love that in Thomasville, neighbors still wave, folks show up for one another, and tradition matters. I love the grit of our history and the promise in our future. This is a place where everyday people do extraordinary things, where kids still dream big, and where community still means something.

Thomasville made me who I am and I’m proud to fight for it every single day.
Over the next decade, Thomasville’s greatest challenge will be managing growth in a way that’s inclusive, intentional, and sustainable. As we work to attract new businesses and opportunities, we must ensure that long-time residents aren’t left behind or priced out. Development should uplift communities, not displace them.

We’ll also face challenges around affordable housing, youth engagement, and revitalizing neglected areas of our city. We have to reimagine what equity looks like in education, public safety, and economic access.

Lastly, we must overcome the lingering impacts of disinvestment, rebuild trust in local government, and modernize how our city operates. Without losing our small-town identity.

The next decade will require bold leadership and deep community collaboration. But I believe if we center people in every plan, Thomasville can not only rise but lead.
The ideal relationship between a city and the state government should be one of partnership, respect, and shared responsibility.

Cities are where policy meets people, and state leaders should see municipalities like Thomasville as allies in progress, not as afterthoughts. Our city needs a seat at the table when decisions are made that impact our residents, and we need open lines of communication to bring local concerns to state-level conversations.

As Mayor, I would work to build strong, respectful relationships with state officials, advocate fiercely for our city’s needs, and collaborate on issues like infrastructure, economic development, public safety, and education.

When local and state government work together with transparency and trust everyone wins.
The ideal relationship between our city and the federal government is one rooted in access, advocacy, and alignment.

Thomasville deserves its fair share of federal resources. Whether it’s infrastructure funding, housing support, small business grants, or community development investments. That requires strong leadership at the local level to not only seek out federal opportunities, but to also advocate for policies that uplift small cities like ours.

As Mayor, I believe in building relationships with our congressional representatives, staying informed on federal initiatives, and ensuring that Thomasville is never left out of the conversation. The federal government should be a partner, not a distant bureaucracy. And it’s our job to make sure that partnership delivers real impact for our people.
Why did the candidate bring a ladder to the debate?
Because he heard the stakes were high.
I believe the mayor’s office and law enforcement should work hand-in-hand. With mutual respect, open communication, and a shared commitment to protecting and serving the community.

As a hands-on leader, I won’t just shake hands at ceremonies. I’ll be present in the streets, in the neighborhoods, and in the conversations that matter. I believe in supporting our officers while also ensuring accountability, transparency, and trust between law enforcement and the community they serve.

The mayor should work closely with the police chief to make sure we’re not only addressing crime, but also the root causes of it. Through youth programs, mental health resources, and community-based initiatives.

Public safety is a partnership and the mayor plays a key role in making sure that partnership is strong, community-centered, and focused on building bridges, not walls.
I’m honored to have the support of community leaders who share my vision for Thomasville’s future such as Cyril Jefferson, Mayor of High Point, NC, and Jason Hayes, Mayor of Lexington, NC. Their endorsements reaffirm the momentum behind our campaign and the broader belief in community-first leadership.
I believe the people should always know where their tax dollars are going and why.

Financial transparency and government accountability aren’t just good practices they’re non-negotiables. As elected leaders, we work for the people, and that means every decision, every budget line, and every contract should be made with clarity, honesty, and integrity.

I support open budgets, accessible public records, and clear communication with our residents. I believe in proactive accountability not waiting for the public to ask questions, but keeping them informed every step of the way. Trust is built through transparency, and without that, we lose the foundation of democracy.

When we operate with integrity and put the community first, we build a government that works for the people not behind their backs.

Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.

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    Footnotes

    1. ↑ Election office, "Candidate list," July 24, 2025
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