Eddie Settle to Seek Re-election in District 36

The incumbent senator is running for another term in the state legislature this November 2026.

Updated on Oct. 31, 2026 in Secondary Education

Bold flat-color editorial illustration showing a simplified geometric silhouette of a state legislative dome, evoking government policy and political processes. — Incumbent State Senator Eddie Settle confirmed his campaign for re-election to the North Carolina Senate for the upcoming November 2026 contest. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Incumbent State Senator Eddie Settle is running for re-election in North Carolina Senate District 36 for the November 2026 contest. He is campaigning for another term against opponent Trevor Cole Hardwick.

Why it matters

The race impacts the composition of the state senate and the direction of future tax and education policies. Decisions made by the senate influence regional fiscal strategy and public sector compensation standards.

North Carolina personal income tax rates have fallen from 8% in 2010 to 3.99% currently, with a further reduction to 3.49% scheduled for next year. The current budget also provided a 17% pay raise for beginning teachers.

The players

Eddie Settle

He is the incumbent North Carolina State Senator for District 36 who previously operated a photography and printing business.

Trevor Cole Hardwick

He is the candidate challenging the incumbent for the seat representing District 36.

The details

Settle, who owns the Settle Cattle Company and acquired a meat processing facility in Wilkes County in 2022, serves as Chairman of Workforce Development in the Senate. He also holds a seat on the Governor's Council for Workforce and Apprenticeships.

1990: Eddie Settle began working in the cattle business.
1994: Eddie Settle began owning and operating his own business.
2010: North Carolina personal income tax rate was 8%.
2022: Eddie Settle sold his printing and photography business.
Next year: North Carolina personal income tax will decrease to 3.49%.

Culture Shift

The race highlights the ongoing impact of the North Carolina personal income tax rate reduction on the state budget. This development follows the pattern set by recent legislative tax reduction cycles that have reshaped the state's fiscal approach.

Taxpayers in District 36 will see their personal income tax rate shift to 3.49% next year as a result of current legislative changes. Meanwhile, the educator pay increases may influence local school district recruitment and staff retention in the coming months.

The takeaway

Voters should review the current legislative record regarding tax rates and teacher compensation to understand the fiscal path for the state. Evaluating these concrete budget shifts provides a clear look at the impact of current senate policies on household and educational finances.