NC · Candidate
Frank Patton Hughes III
DCandidate
On the ballot Nov 3, 2026: North Carolina Senate District 47
Biography
Frank Patton Hughes III is the Democratic candidate for the North Carolina State Senate, District 47, in the November 3, 2026 general election, running against incumbent Ralph Hise (R).[1][2] Patton Hughes is a high school teacher in McDowell County who ran against Hise in 2024.[2][3]
Frank Patton Hughes III said in a Ballotpedia survey that he was born in Iredell County and lived across North Carolina because his father, a Methodist minister, was frequently relocated.[3] He earned a bachelor's degree from Appalachian State University in 2014, according to Ballotpedia, after also attending Cleveland Community College and Caldwell Community College.[2][3] Patton Hughes teaches high school world history in McDowell County, coaches the McDowell High School chess team and chairs the Avery County Democratic Party, according to his survey.[3]
Patton Hughes ran for District 47 in 2024, when Ralph Hise defeated him in the general election.[2] His stated priorities include fully funding public education, improving access to affordable health care, restoring the environment after Hurricane Helene, and promoting community and economic growth in the region.[3]
- 1.North Carolina State Senate elections, 2026 - Ballotpedia · Ballotpedia Reference
- 2.Frank Patton Hughes III - Ballotpedia · Ballotpedia Reference
- 3.Frank Patton Hughes III - Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey · Ballotpedia Candidate's own words
Researched from the cited sources on 2026-10-21. Not yet independently fact-checked.
North Carolina Senate District 47
Frank Patton Hughes III is on the Nov 3, 2026 ballot for North Carolina Senate District 47 as D. Not researched in depth — candidate list only.