Donnie Potter is a lifelong North Carolinian whose life has been shaped by hard work, resilience, and a deep sense of responsibility to others. Raised in southern Lenoir County, Donnie learned early the value of personal accountability and perseverance through real-world experience. Those lessons built a lasting respect for working families and a belief that government should be practical, accessible, and focused on solving problems; not making promises it can’t keep.

For the past eleven years, Donnie has served as a county commissioner with a hands-on, results-driven approach rooted in his belief in “people over politics.” During Hurricane Helene, Donnie took personal time to work alongside emergency management, communicate directly with residents, and help restore critical services across the county. Beyond disaster response, he has secured millions in state and federal funding for infrastructure, public safety, and behavioral health; always focused on practical solutions that improve daily life. Donnie believes public service means showing up, staying accessible, and putting people first, especially when it matters most.