It’s Goodwin vs. Spruill in the primary for the NC House District 1 seat

By Mark Jurkowitz | Outer Banks Voice on February 19, 2026

By Mark Jurkowitz | Outer Banks Voice

The Republican primary contest for the NC House District 1 seat pits four-term incumbent Ed Goodwin against challenger and Washington County Commissioner John Spruill. Claude Harris is the Democratic candidate who will face the winner in November.

The District includes the northern part of Dare County and all of Currituck, Washington, Chowan, Perquimans and Tyrrell Counties.

The two Republican candidates responded to a series of questions from the Outer Banks Voice. Their answers are included in this story. They have not been edited.

 

Question #1: Please provide a brief bio, including your work in both the public and private sectors.

John Spruill

I am a lifelong resident of Washington County and currently serve as Chairman of the Washington County Board of Commissioners and Fire Chief of the Roper Volunteer Fire Department. In the private sector, I work as Chief Estimator for B.E. Singleton & Sons, managing major infrastructure and construction projects across Eastern North Carolina. I hold degrees in Criminal Justice and Construction Management from East Carolina University and am a husband, father, and grandfather.

Ed Goodwin

My name is Ed Goodwin, and I am the NC State Representative for District 1. I was born and raised in Chowan County into a farming family and learned the value of hard work at a young age.  I was drafted in 1972 and spent 4 years in the United States Air Force working with nuclear warheads and learning firsthand the importance of serving our country and striving for peace.  Then after my service, I moved back home to Chowan County and finished my college degree at East Carolina University earning a BS Degree in Criminal Justice in 1981. I then had a very fulfilling 21-year career as a federal agent with the Naval Criminal Investigative Service – being fortunate enough to have an assignment in Japan and experiencing the joy of adopting 2 boys while living there.  After retirement, we chose to move back to Chowan County – building our home here and farming with my dad and brother.  Coming back home also offered me the opportunity to serve in public service as a County Commissioner from 2008 – 2012.  Finding a new calling in public service, I then chose to run for the NC House in 2018.  I have served as your representative since being sworn into office in 2019.  I am now in my 4^th term and am seeking re-election for a 5^th term.

 

Question #2: What do you see as the biggest challenge/problem facing residents in your district?

John Spruill

The biggest challenge facing our district is economic opportunity. Too many families struggle with limited job options, rising costs, and aging infrastructure. We must invest in workforce development, broadband, utilities, and transportation to attract good-paying jobs and allow people to build successful lives without leaving home.

Ed Goodwin

The biggest challenge facing our residents in this district vary from county to county being that our Tier Levels vary.  Here in our rural districts, I feel that education, job opportunities, and instilling in our young people the love for Northeastern NC so they will want to build their lives here, raise their families here, and desire to serve their communities.  And on the other hand, we have a rapid population increase in our coastal communities since retirees have chosen to move here.  Meeting the needs of all our residents is critical.

 

Question #3: Can you identify any legislative priorities you have in the NC House?

John Spruill

My top priorities are strengthening rural infrastructure, expanding access to quality health care, supporting public safety, and growing our local economy. I will focus on funding for water and sewer systems, broadband expansion, workforce training, and policies that support small businesses and agriculture.

Ed Goodwin

My legislative priorities in the House are the two committees in which I have leadership roles – the Agriculture Committee and the Veterans Affairs committee.  I also feel a deep passion for a couple of other areas – the fishing industry being one. We had great success this past year with the commercial shrimping industry. I am also working with the Tuscarora Indian Nation here in NC to gain state recognition for them. With the recent success of the Lumbi Nation in NC, I hope to bring this to fruition for the Tuscarora. Their history is rich right here in our District.

 

Question #4:  Why should voters choose you rather than your opponent in the race?

John Spruill

Voters should choose me because I bring proven leadership, real-world experience, and a strong record of getting results. I have balanced budgets, secured funding for local projects, and worked across agencies to solve problems. I am focused on service, not politics, and I will always put Eastern North Carolina first.

Ed Goodwin

Voters should choose me rather than my opponent because of my experience as a legislator, my ability to build good relationships with my fellow legislators, and my ability to negotiate.  Educating my fellow legislators about the importance of Northeastern NC, its value to our state’s history has been a rewarding part of my work.  Getting our little corner of the state recognized and projects funded has been invaluable for our District.  Funding for infrastructure needs, new schools, upgrades in water treatment facilities, airports, fire department, funding for historic preservation, and funds to promote our natural resources such as our waterways will be ongoing in my due diligence as your representative.

 

Question #5: Is it a serious problem that the NC legislature has not passed a budget to this point?

John Spruill

Yes. When the state fails to pass a timely budget, it hurts teachers, state employees, local governments, and communities that rely on stable funding. We need leaders who will work responsibly and efficiently to pass budgets on time and ensure critical services are not disrupted.

Ed Goodwin

It’s disappointing that we have not passed a new budget this year. However, we are still operating off the most recent passed budget, and the state is still operating well.  State services are running and our employees are being paid, and the House and Senate are working hard to come together.  We are in disagreement on 2 key issues – tax triggers and a proposed new children’s hospital.  The House has passed, through mini budgets, pay raises for teachers (8.7% over the biennium), law enforcement (13% average raise), state employees (a 2.5% across the board), and a cost-of-living bonuses for retirees.  The House is committed to ensuring that our taxpayer dollars are spent responsibly.  There are many different arms involved in this process. It is complicated.