WS Chronicle

Primary election to be held on Tuesday, March 3, 2026 

TEVIN STINSON 

THE CHRONICLE  

Earlier this month Quamekia Shavers, founder of the Pink Vote, a local initiative designed to register people to vote, announced her intention to run for the at-large seat on the Forsyth County Board of Commissioners.  

A native of Winston-Salem and graduate of Winston-Salem State University (WSSU), Shavers is known for her work to address the inequalities and challenges faced by low-income communities. Shavers has also served as president of the Young Democrats of Forsyth County and helped several candidates get into office with her work as a campaign manager.  

Last month Shavers was accepted into the esteemed Campaign School at Yale University. Only 80 individuals from across the country are selected each summer to attend the intensive, non-partisan training experience designed to empower future leaders. 

“Shavers embodies the new generation of women who understand how to lead in a less ego-driven and more collaborative manner,” remarked Patricia (Patti) Russo, executive director of The Campaign School at Yale when discussing Shavers. “Women lead differently, and we need strong, passionate women like Shavers in office to help bridge the bipartisan divide that has been troubling our government.”  

During a recent interview with The Chronicle, Shavers talked about her decision to run. In the one-on-one interview, Shavers talks about her vision for Forsyth County, her commitment to community advocacy, and the anticipated challenges as a candidate, particularly regarding her involvement in a well-publicized lawsuit involving the chief of police. 

A Chance to Make a Difference  

With her work in the community, Shavers was always being asked if she would run for public office. But when people who don’t usually vote started asking her those same questions, Shavers felt like it was time. Shavers said what sets her apart from other candidates is that she has a track record of connecting resources, ideas and programs.  

“When people who are not involved with politics … and I know they haven’t voted, come up to me and say ‘when are you going to run, I’m going to support you,’ or they tell me ‘I’ll vote for you’… and it just kept happening, so I said, God, I think I see the signs,” Shavers said. 

Main priorities for Shavers include investing in our schools and education programs, ensuring community well-being and safety, and addressing the need for affordable housing. “I really want to help my community. I really want a chance,” said Shavers. 

“I have a few concerns about the current seat holder, but what I really want is a chance – an opportunity to approach things differently for our community. One thing I excel at, more than many politicians in this city, is not just listening but also implementing what I hear in those discussions,” Shavers continued. “I made a conscious effort to stay engaged, even beyond the funding I received from Carolina Forward for Pink Vote and other candidates. I used my own resources to remain active in the community, keeping those relationships alive even when there wasn’t an election on the horizon. 

The 2026 primary election is set for Tuesday, March 3, and the 2026 General Election will be Tuesday, Nov. 3. Next month Shavers is hosting Questions with Que, a series of meet-and-greet sessions at library branches across the county.  

Here’s a list of locations, dates and times:  

Saturday, Aug. 2, 10:30 a.m. – Paddison Memorial Branch, Kernersville 

Saturday, Aug. 16, 10:30 a.m. – Malloy/Jordan East Winston Heritage Center 

Tuesday, Aug. 26, 6:30 p.m. – Reynolda Manor Branch 

Saturday, Aug. 30, 10:30 a.m. – Carver School Road Branch 

To see the entire interview with Quamekia Shavers, be sure to visit The Chronicle’s YouTube Channel.