Janene Ackles

Janene Ackles is the Democratic candidate for the North Carolina House of Representatives, District 43, in the November 3, 2026 general election, in which she faces incumbent Diane Wheatley (R).[1][2] A business consultant and nonprofit grant writer, she says she has worked with nonprofits, municipalities and community organizations for more than 20 years.[2][3]

Janene Ackles earned an associate degree from Strayer University in 2008, according to Ballotpedia, and lists her profession as business consultant.[2] In a 2026 Ballotpedia survey, she described herself as a mother, grandmother, nonprofit consultant, grant writer and community advocate who has raised her children in the district.[3]

Ackles ran for Fayetteville City Council District 2 in 2019; she advanced from the nonpartisan primary but lost the general election to Shakeyla Ingram.[2] She was the Democratic nominee for District 43 in 2024, losing to Wheatley, and won the March 3, 2026 Democratic primary with 67.0 percent of the vote over Ronald Pittman.[2] Her stated priorities in the survey include fully funding public schools, increasing access to affordable housing, supporting workers and small businesses, and protecting community safety.[3]

Researched from the cited sources on 2026-10-21. Not yet independently fact-checked.