Derek Mobley

Derek Mobley (Democratic Party) is running for election to the Guilford County Board of Commissioners to represent District 3 in North Carolina. He is on the ballot in the general election on November 3, 2026. The Democratic primary for this office on March 3, 2026, was canceled.

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Campaign websiteMobley's campaign website stated the following:Campaign GoalsEducationRepair and Rebuild Schools in the Northwest, Grimsley, and Western High School Districts with Existing FundingBuild the Airport Magnet School in District 3Use Budget Supplements to Keep High Performing TeachersPublic Health and SafetyHave the Fastest EMS and Fire Response Times in the Region, Especially in Rural AreasChoose Clean Energy When it is AffordableRepair County Parks and Make them More Fun and AccessibleEnsure Food Safety Policies are not Wasteful and Support Street Food Options Taxes and BudgetsNo Increase to the Property Tax RateNo New Tax on Prepared FoodsNo Net Tax Increase Through the Sales TaxMore Funding for TownsHousing and InfrastructureSupport Construction of New Homes Across the County Increase Housing Options in Rural Areas and Small TownsIncrease the Availability and Reach of Water and Sewer SystemsUse Existing Vacant Office Spaces to Consolidate County OperationsContinue to Invest in Roads and Core Infrastructure to Support Development— Derek Mobley's campaign website (March 8, 2026)Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.

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Video submitted to BallotpediaReleased October 7, 2021

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

As a lifelong resident of North Carolina, Derek Mobley has built his professional and civic career as a leader and advocate of the Old North State. As a strong believer in public education, financial literacy, and innovation, he holds degrees in Economics from the University of North Carolina and has over a decade of professional experience with industry leaders in finance as well as transportation.

Also a strong believer in community engagement, Derek has been an active leader in his home county of Guilford. He has served as President of the North Carolina and Greensboro chapters of the Junior Chamber of Commerce, was elected President of the Bryan School of Business Alumni Association and served as a member of the Executive Committee for the Wyndham Championship PGA Golf Tournament. He also had the honor of representing Guilford County as a class member of Leadership North Carolina.

Derek will focus on supporting a world-class K-12 education system, creating a positive work environment for teachers and first responders, and crafting an economic development strategy that provides meaningful employment opportunities to all residents. Derek lives in Guilford County with his wife Penwan and two children Gregory and Jacqueline.

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?

The residents of Guilford County should feel empowered by and connected to their local government. Derek will promote increased opportunities to engage the diverse talent pool in our county through advisory commissions, feedback surveys, and public events.The marketplaces in Guilford County should allow workers, entrepreneurs, and investors to thrive in a global economy. Derek will support economic opportunities across the county by advocating for efficient services, sound finances, and minimal red tape.The budget of the Guilford County should support a sustainably high quality of life to all residents. Derek will prioritize safe and vibrant communities by supporting front line workers and first responders and calling for equitable access to human services.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Public Education

Fully funding education infrastructure. Creating a positive work environment for teachers. Making our students feel like their community believes in them.

Public Safety

Supporting first reponders by providing them high quality jobs with competitive benefits and well-defined scope. Providing safety in terms of access to resources that help us during times of need.

Economic Game Changers

Prepare Guilford County to capitalize on the large planned investments from major companies in our region.

Environmental Sustainability

Increase the walkability of commercial market areas throughout the county and their connectivity with public and ride-sharing transportation options.

County Budgeting and Compensation

Incorporate zero-based budgeting and benchmarking exercises into the budgeting process.

What qualities does this office possess that makes it a unique and important part of the state government and legal system?

A County Commissioner is responsible for ensuring the adequacy of some of the most basic infrastructure in our state. Schools, Courthouses, EMS, etc. All of these services must function well in order for residents to have any sense of normalcy or security in their daily lives. They must also work closely with other departments and legislative councils at every level of government because so many services must be delivered at the county level.

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

Andrew Carnegie is a personal hero of mine. He is an excellent example of someone with humble beginnings (he immigrated from Scotland as a child) who rose to prominence by building an industrial empire through hard work and an ability to recognize the talent of others during one of the most difficult times in American History. He then stepped away from that achievement and spent the remainder of his life helping others through philanthropic enterprises that we still value today. Gandhi and Nelson Mandela also come to mind as international leaders with similar accomplishments in government.

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

The book that has influenced me most on ethics is After Virtue by Alasdair MacIntyre. The book that has influenced my economic philosophy the most is Capitalism, Socialism, and Democracy by Joseph Schumpeter. Politically I consider the writings of John Locke, Thomas Paine, and the Federalist Papers as influential to me. I have also been influenced by the modern writings of Lee Kuan Yew. Finally, I'm also a lifelong fan of Star Trek and I see it as something worthy of aspiration.

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

Integrity. Courage. Discipline. Justice. Kindness. Humility. Humor. Intelligence.

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

I am persistent in my pursuit of goals and relentless in my drive to remove inefficiencies that create barriers for others. I am a supporter of the free sharing of information and ideas, as well as a believer in the personal review of primary sources prior to passing judgement. Finally, I have a talent for working well with teams and coordinating individuals according to their strengths so that we are most productive.

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

Working with the County Manager to draft a responsible and effective budget that balances current and future priorities in the county. Providing quality infrastructure to the schools, courts, and law enforcement. Providing mandated services that protect the public health and vulnerable populations.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I would like people to say that I was tough but fair when it was needed and that I wasn't afraid to take unpopular positions and could explain why in a common sense fashion. My hope would be that future boards would start their planning with priorities that could be traced back to my time as a member

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

I remember Hurricane Andrew hitting Florida as a Category 5 Hurricane. I was five years old.

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

I was a lifeguard at Reeds Community Swim Club for three years.

What is your favorite book? Why?

Nostromo by Joseph Conrad. It's a tragic story of idealism meeting realism in politics and society, but it also contains an underlying optimism through the acknowledgement of new beginnings with youth and technological progress.

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

Captain Nemo.

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

That's Not My Name by The Ting Tings

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

I lost my father at a young age to Leukemia. This was a difficult change for my family and I learned how vulnerable we are as people even when we feel the most independent.

Are there any little-known powers or responsibilities held by this office that you believe more people should be aware of?

As many have learned, County Commissioners sitting as a Board of Public Health during a health emergency have a wide range of powers that can affect everyday life and commerce.

Do you believe that it's beneficial for holders of this office to have previous experience in government or politics?

I believe any experience with preparing budgets and serving on a public or private board or commission provides a good foundation to understand this office. However, it is fundamentally different from a state or national legislative or executive body.

What kind of skills or expertise do you believe would be the most helpful for the holders of this office to possess?

Project Management. Parliamentary Procedures. Accounting and Budgeting. Real Estate. Law. Corporate Finance. Economics. Education Administration. Law Enforcement.

Tell us your favorite joke.