Klinetobe Pulled Back From School Board Campaign
The Republican candidate for the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County school board paused his campaign activities.
Updated on Oct. 8, 2026 in Administration
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Republican candidate Mike Klinetobe has suspended his promotional activities for the District 1 school board race. Despite the move, his name will remain on the upcoming ballot.
Why it matters
Klinetobe believes the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County school district is improving under current leadership, though he stated he intends to serve if elected.
Mike Klinetobe remains on the ballot as the sole Republican newcomer in District 1. He has officially endorsed Democratic incumbents Trevonia Brown-Gaither and Alex Bohannon.
The players
Mike Klinetobe
He is a Republican candidate running for a seat on the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County school board.
Trevonia Brown-Gaither
She is a Democratic incumbent serving on the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County school board.
Alex Bohannon
He is a Democratic incumbent serving on the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County school board.
The details
Klinetobe communicated the shift in his campaign via a mass email sent to voters. He cited a dispute with another candidate as a contributing factor, though that unnamed individual has denied the claim.
Timeline
October 8, 2026: Mike Klinetobe sent a mass email detailing his decision to pause his campaign.
Culture Shift
This development reflects the evolving landscape of partisan school board races across the region. It mirrors the intense competition seen in the 2024 North Carolina school board election cycles.
Voters in District 1 will still see Klinetobe's name on the ballot during the upcoming election. Residents should note that while promotional activities have stopped, the candidate still intends to serve if he receives enough votes.
The takeaway
Voters should verify candidate information before heading to the polls to ensure they understand each person's current commitment level. Even when a candidate suspends activity, their name remains on the ballot for consideration.
Further reading
For more on local leadership, visit the Winston-Salem Administration section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by WHQR.
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