Ralf Walters

This page was current at the end of the individual's last campaign covered by Ballotpedia. Please contact us with any updates.

Ralf Walters

Republican Party

Elections and appointments

Last election

March 5, 2024

Education

Bachelor's

Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, 1975

Graduate

University of North Carolina, Greensboro, 2009

Personal

Birthplace

Waukegan, Ill.

Religion

Follower of Christ

Profession

Writer, editor

Contact

Personal Twitter

Personal LinkedIn

Ralf Walters (Republican Party) ran for election to the Forsyth County Board of Commissioners to represent District B in North Carolina. He lost in the Republican primary on March 5, 2024.

Biography

Ralf Walters was born in Waukegan, Illinois. He earned a bachelor's degree from Southern Illinois University, Carbondale, in 1975 and a graduate degree from the University of North Carolina, Greensboro, in 2009. His career experience includes working as a book editor and a writer and assistant editor for business travel magazines.

Elections

2024

See also: Municipal elections in Forsyth County, North Carolina (2024)

General election

General election for Forsyth County Board of Commissioners District B (3 seats)

The following candidates ran in the general election for Forsyth County Board of Commissioners District B on November 5, 2024.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔	Submit photo	Richard Linville (R)	18.1	67,380
✔	Submit photo	Gloria Whisenhunt (R)	17.2	63,829
✔	Submit photo	Gray Wilson (R)	16.9	62,967
	Submit photo	Curtis Fentress (D)	16.3	60,730
		Valerie Brockenbrough (D)	16.1	59,993
		Marsie West (D)	15.4	57,153

---

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 372,052
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

• Kendall Fields (D)
• David Plyler (R)

Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for Forsyth County Board of Commissioners District B (3 seats)

Kendall Fields, Valerie Brockenbrough, and Marsie West defeated Curtis Fentress in the Democratic primary for Forsyth County Board of Commissioners District B on March 5, 2024.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Kendall Fields	29.2	12,374
✔		Valerie Brockenbrough	28.8	12,216
✔		Marsie West	28.3	12,013
	Submit photo	Curtis Fentress	13.6	5,780

---

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 42,383
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Republican primary election

Republican primary for Forsyth County Board of Commissioners District B (3 seats)

The following candidates ran in the Republican primary for Forsyth County Board of Commissioners District B on March 5, 2024.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔	Submit photo	Richard Linville	22.4	15,370
✔	Submit photo	Gloria Whisenhunt	21.7	14,886
✔	Submit photo	David Plyler	17.6	12,048
	Submit photo	Gray Wilson	15.9	10,871
	Submit photo	Terri Mrazek	13.5	9,271
		Ralf Walters	8.8	6,038

---

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 68,484
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Endorsements

Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Walters in this election.

2020

See also: North Carolina's 10th Congressional District election, 2020

North Carolina's 10th Congressional District election, 2020 (March 3 Republican primary)

North Carolina's 10th Congressional District election, 2020 (March 3 Democratic primary)

General election

General election for U.S. House North Carolina District 10

Incumbent Patrick T. McHenry defeated David Parker in the general election for U.S. House North Carolina District 10 on November 3, 2020.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Patrick T. McHenry (R)	68.9	284,095
		David Parker (D)	31.1	128,189

---

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 412,284
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Democratic primary election

The Democratic primary election was canceled. David Parker advanced from the Democratic primary for U.S. House North Carolina District 10.

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

• David Wilson Brown (D)

Republican primary election

Republican primary for U.S. House North Carolina District 10

Incumbent Patrick T. McHenry defeated David Johnson and Ralf Walters in the Republican primary for U.S. House North Carolina District 10 on March 3, 2020.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Patrick T. McHenry	71.7	62,661
	Submit photo	David Johnson	16.3	14,286
		Ralf Walters	12.0	10,484

---

	Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 87,431
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Campaign themes

2024

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

Ralf Walters did not complete Ballotpedia's 2024 Candidate Connection survey.

2020

Ralf Walters completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2020. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Walters' responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

Expand all | Collapse all

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

As a fiscal and social conservative who puts America first, my issues are: Term limits, strong military defense, secure borders, 2nd rights, limited gov't, reducing the federal deficit, balanced budget, protect social security, healthcare choice for veterans, pro-business and jobs, pro-life and pro-family.

My wife and I are celebrating 32 years of marriage and have two adult daughters. I am an assistant editor of two business travel magazines which have allowed me to travel around the world extensively. God has blessed our nation greatly. Every 16 or 20 years, voters have the opportunity to elect a new representative to congress due to an incumbent retiring or in this case, redistricting. I have fresh ideas and a fighting spirit to make a difference in Congress. I have a Master's Degree in Public Affairs and a B.S. in Journalism. Civic duties: i served as Forsyth County GOP communications director in 2012 and was appointed by the County Board of Commissioners to a three-year term on the Emergency Management Council from 2016-2019. I have also served at the polls as a Republican judge and observer and chief judge. Further, I have worked with foster children at a local children's home and homelesss men at the rescue mission.

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?

• Term Limits
• Reduce the Federal Deficit
• Put Social Security into a restricted account far from the reach of Congress and the general budget.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am a compassionate conservative. I believe the Federal Government is the root cause of civil strife and division in our nation today. The Framers of the Constitution did not envision a federal government that would loom so large as to reach into every facet of a citizen's life. It was never intended to create dependency on its institutions. As a result, the populace is divided into factions of jealously and envy as to who is getting the biggest slice of the federal pie. A life of dependency on the federal government is one bereft of dignity and hope. Nonprofits and faith-based institutions are in better positions to restore hope and dignity with purpose and accountability. I am also fiercely opposed to endless wars. I believe the President should have the authority for emergency situations that endanger our national security, but a protracted war must be declared by Congress. Term limits (2 or Senate and 6 for Representative) is the only way to spur Congress into action, much like the term limit imposed on the president.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

Jesus Christ is my Lord and Savior. The Bible is the Word of God and the source of all wisdom.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

"America: THE LAST BEST HOPE" by William J. Bennett.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Honesty, Integrity, Transparency, Listen, Thoughtful, Respectful, Thick Skin, Servanthood.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

I am a fast and eager learner who is interested and conversant in most subjects. My master's degree in Public Affairs/Public Administration has prepared me for government office concerning budgetary and public policy issues. I have a deep respect for each person's dignity and worth. My journalism career in newspapers and business travel magazines has allowed me to meet folks from all walks of life, including high-ranking elected officials and business leaders and even the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff. As a business travel writer, I have traveled extensively to South America, the Middle East and Singapore. Each time I return from international travel, my appreciation of the great blessings we enjoy in the United States is reinforced. As a mature adult who is semi-retired, I have a well-rounded background in raising a family, living through the housing collapse, the Great Recession, and the difficulty of transitioning from an analog based industry to digital. The Framers of the Constitution never envisioned elected officials growing up or growing old in Congress.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

Providing fast, comprehensive, constituent services. Being accessible and visiting the Home district often. Following through on the promises made to voters during the election season.

What legacy would you like to leave?

As US Representative, having a reputation of campassionate conservatism, excellent constituent services and a servant leader who respected the dignity of every voter. An inovative problem solver who sought to
partner and strengthen families, nonprofits and faith-based organizations to break cycles of poverty, homelessness, and addiction.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

The assassination of John F. Kennedy. I was fourteen years of age.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

I began my newspaper career at the Chicago SunTimes, which lasted five years.

What is your favorite book? Why?

The Bible: It provides peace and a daily renewal of hope and a future based on God's unconditional love for you.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

Iron Man

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

"Do It Again"

by Elevation Worship
"Walking around these walls
I thought by now they'd fall
But You have never failed me yet
Waiting for change to come
Knowing the battle's won
For You have never failed me yet
Your promise still stands
Great is Your faithfulness, faithfulness
I'm still in Your hands

This is my confidence, You've never failed me yet!"

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

When I turned nine years old, my sister and I were raised by a single-mom. I earned my way through college by working part-time and living frugally. Without a father's strong presence, I struggled to find my own identity. Drifting aimlessly in my early twenties, I asked Jesus Christ to come live in my heart. A miraculous awakening occurred inside me and my future was set. God's word has been by guide ever since and the only reason that I have the privilege to answer this questionnaire in my bid for elected office.

What qualities does the U.S. House of Representatives possess that makes it unique as an institution?

The Senate represents large and small states equally with two senators per state; while each state's share of the 435 representatives in the House is determined by its population. Because members of the House of Representatives have two-year term lengths, they are typically more responsive to their constituents' concerns than senators, who have six-year terms. Debate procedures are typically less formal in the smaller Senate compared to those of the larger House of Representatives. Shorter term-lengths in the House can make representatives more sensitive to constituent concerns than Senators, and less likely to form bipartisan coalitions in support of legislation as a result. Both Houses of Congress have different enumerated powers (those explicitly stated in the Constitution) as well as implicit powers (not stated in the Constitution but assumed in order to carry out enumerated powers).

Do you believe that it's beneficial for representatives to have previous experience in government or politics?

Short answer, "NO!" The US House with its 435 members is more representative of the nation's fabric. It was designed to be a "Citizen Legislature." As a strict constitutionalist, the requirement is "Each representative must: (1) be at least twenty-five years old; (2) have been a citizen of the United States for the past seven years; and (3) be (at the time of the election) an inhabitant of the state they represent." We don't need professional politicians, we need people who close to their family, friends and community, not the Washington Beltway.

What do you perceive to be the United States’ greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade?

The greatest challenge facing our nation was best said by President Abraham Lincoln, "A house divided against itself, cannot stand." Unless we attack the root problems facing our nation, we will fail. Identity politics and victimhood is a cancer on our society. We must unite as one people and return to the American principles of personal accountability, hard work, and family values. Socialism is a failed economic system. Capitalism is the path to prosperity. Big government creates dependency, robbing people of their hope and dignity. America must reconnect with its story and founding. Globalist forces are attempting to weaken America's sovereignty. We must protect our borders and renew our patriotism. America is indeed a "City on a Hill," and worth preserving.

If you are not a current representative, are there certain committees that you would want to be a part of?

1) Ways and Means, 2) Oversight and Government Reform

Do you believe that two years is the right term length for representatives?

The Framers of the Constitution brilliantly limited the House of Representatives to two-year terms. They believed turnover would bring new representatives having pressing concerns and fresh ideas from the heartland. Growing up and growing old in Washington wasn't a good idea then and isn't now. We don't need professional politicians. We need people who close to their family, friends and community, not the Washington Beltway.

What are your thoughts on term limits?

The only way to improve Congress' dismal approval rating is through term limits. It works well for the office of President, and should work equally well in Congress. Specifically: Senator (2-terms or 12 years) House Representative (6-terms or 12 years). I would work with other House members to form a Term Limit caucus to use our influence to urge other candidates to join the pledge as well as press state legislatures to ratify a Term Limit Amendment to the Constitution to reach a 2/3 majority of states to ratify it.

If you are not currently a member of your party’s leadership in the U.S. House of Representatives, would you be interested in joining the leadership? If so, in what role?

I would be interested in joining the Freedom Caucus comprised of conservative House Members.

Is there a particular representative, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

As a former newspaper editor and reporter who loves his state of North Carolina, I admire Senator Jesse Helms for his aggressive conservatism on fiscal and monetary matters and foreign policy. Times have changed a great deal on his strong stances against some of the social issues which are now accepted by culture and the teeth of law. With a $23 trillion dollar federal deficit which threatens future generations, "Senator 'No'" would be in his element and a policy trait I would eagerly embrace.

Both sitting representatives and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?

A mother lost her daughter due to a drug overdose. She has taken the tragedy of her death and turned it into a mission and cause to save the lives of young people. She speaks wherever she's invited to talk against the evils of the opioid crisis. Her mission has taken her to the White House and around the nation urging elected leaders, teachers and parents to tackle this generational crisis head on.

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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