Lori Russell (Orange County Board of Education, North Carolina, candidate 2026)

Lori Russell

Nonpartisan

Candidate, Orange County Board of Education

Elections and appointments

Last election

March 3, 2026

Education

High school

Western Alamance High School

Bachelor's

Emory University, 2003

Law

Duke University, 2011

Personal

Profession

Attorney

Contact

Campaign website

Campaign Facebook

Lori Russell ran for election to the Orange County Board of Education in North Carolina. Russell was on the ballot in the general election on March 3, 2026.^[source]

Russell completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2026. Click here to read the survey answers.

Biography

Lori Russell provided the following biographical information via Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey on January 19, 2026:

• High school: Western Alamance High School
• J.D.: Duke University, 2011
• Bachelor's: Emory University, 2003
• Profession: Attorney
• Incumbent officeholder: No
• Campaign website
• Campaign Facebook

Elections

General election

General election for Orange County Board of Education (4 seats)

The following candidates ran in the general election for Orange County Board of Education on March 3, 2026.

		Candidate
	Submit photo	Will Atherton (Nonpartisan)
		Brian D. Edwards (Nonpartisan)
	Submit photo	Anne Purcell (Nonpartisan)
		Lori Russell (Nonpartisan)
		Saru D. Salvi (Nonpartisan)
	Submit photo	Sarah Smylie (Nonpartisan)

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	Incumbency information for this race was not available.
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Endorsements

Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Russell in this election.

Campaign themes

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

Lori Russell completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2026. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Russell's responses.

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I’m a parent of three raising my family in Orange County, and I care deeply about the kind of community our schools help create. I believe schools should be places where every child feels safe, seen, and supported — and where differences are respected and valued. When we invest in belonging, care, and opportunity for all students, our entire community is stronger.

I grew up nearby in Alamance County and was shaped by public schools and teachers who opened doors for me. A few years after college, I served in the U.S. Peace Corps in Togo (West Africa). That experience fundamentally shaped how I think about leadership: real progress comes from listening first, respecting lived experience, and working in partnership with the community you serve.

My professional background is in law and ethics, where I’ve spent years leading groups, navigating complex policy environments, and making decisions rooted in transparency and accountability. Those experiences shape how I approach public education governance — with careful listening, respect for educators’ expertise, and a commitment to doing what is right for students and families.

I’m running for the Orange County Board of Education because I believe strong schools are built through trust, collaboration, and steady leadership — and because our students deserve leaders who will stand up for inclusion, dignity, and the long-term health of our public schools.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

• As a board member, I will actively reinforce the School Board’s push toward stronger, more visible partnerships between schools, families, and the broader community so every student feels seen, supported, and valued. When the community feels connected to its schools, everyone benefits. Community engagement expands resources, strengthens relationships, and opens up opportunities that allow students and families to access academic support, enrichment, and real-world learning beyond the classroom.
• Clear policies, consistent communication, and real accountability create the stability that students, families, and educators deserve — especially in times of uncertainty. We are living in a moment when federal and state requirements do not always align with local values and community needs. While school boards must follow the law, they also play a critical role in how policies are interpreted, communicated, and implemented locally. Strong governance means navigating these realities with clarity, integrity, and care. Strong governance means ensuring that policies are implemented in ways that are lawful, transparent, and centered on student well-being — even when external pressures create uncertainty.
• I believe every student deserves access to high-quality education, strong academic supports, and safe, welcoming learning environments. I will advocate for equitable allocation of resources, support for student mental health and well-being, and policies that recognize the diverse needs of our students and families. Long-term investment in students and educators is essential to the success of our schools and our community.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am deeply committed to public education policy that centers student safety, belonging, and well-being; equitable access to academic and enrichment opportunities; and strong support for educators. I care deeply about transparent and ethical governance, clear communication with families, and meaningful community engagement that expands resources and opportunity. I am especially passionate about helping families navigate complex systems, including access to special education services for exceptional children, so every student receives the support they need. Keeping schools welcoming and inclusive, including to immigrant families, is central to my approach.

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.

See also

2026 Elections

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Candidate

Orange County Board of Education

Website

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