Sam Hayes Appointed Executive Director of North Carolina State Board of Elections
Raleigh, NC — On Thursday, Sam Hayes officially stepped into the role of executive director for the North Carolina State Board of Elections (NCSBE), succeeding Karen Brinson Bell, whose term concluded on the same day. Hayes’ appointment for a two-year term was confirmed during the state board’s May 7 meeting.
Previously, Hayes served as the general counsel for North Carolina House Speaker Destin Hall, after having held a similar position under former House Speaker Tim Moore. His extensive background includes developing election policy and defending election law in legal arenas. Before his tenure with the Speaker, Hayes practiced law in Washington, DC, and contributed to the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality and the Department of State Treasurer.
In a press release, Hayes expressed gratitude for the appointment, stating, “Managing North Carolina’s elections is no easy task… We can be of great service to the people of North Carolina by building on the foundation of counting votes and following the law.”
Board member Stacy "Four" Eggers commended Hayes’ experience with election administration in the state. However, the transition sparked contention among board members. Incumbent Democrats Siobhan Millen and Jeff Carmon criticized the decision to replace Brinson Bell, emphasizing it undermines public trust in electoral integrity.
Despite dissent, Eggers noted that changes to the executive director position are historically precedented. Following the nomination process, Eggers was appointed as chair, with Francis X. De Luca and Robert Anthony Rucho also receiving nominations.
Brinson Bell, who was unable to make remarks during the meeting, later expressed confidence in Hayes but voiced concerns regarding his practical experience in election administration.
As Hayes begins his tenure, all eyes will be on the NCSBE’s efforts to maintain public trust in the state’s electoral process.
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