A reader poll conducted by StarNews found New Hanover County Commissioner Rob Zapple to be the most influential elected official in the Wilmington area, drawing attention to local political prominence ahead of the November ballot. Out of 37,293 votes cast, Zapple received 11,375 votes, or 30.5 percent, the largest share among 30 listed officials from New Hanover, Brunswick and Pender counties.
Top finishers and voter totals
The poll produced a clear top four. Close behind Zapple, Commissioner Stephanie Walker received 10,073 votes. New Hanover Board of Commissioners Chair LeAnn Pierce took third with 7,445 votes, and Brunswick County Commissioner Frank Williams rounded out the top four at 6,540 votes. Voting closed July 12.
| Official | Votes | Share |
|---|---|---|
| Rob Zapple | 11,375 | 30.5% |
| Stephanie Walker | 10,073 | (not specified) |
| LeAnn Pierce | 7,445 | (not specified) |
| Frank Williams | 6,540 | (not specified) |
Why readers backed Zapple
Zapple, a builder by trade, has served on the New Hanover County Board of Commissioners since first taking office in 2014 and has won three consecutive elections. In March, he led the field in the Democratic primary, securing his place on the November ballot.
"Over time, I've learned to just let people speak and not try to tell them anything, but to really hear what their concerns are,"
Zapple credited his perceived influence to a steady presence at community events and a listening approach to constituents. He said those practices give residents confidence that someone is working on their behalf.
Local stakes and wider implications
While the results reflect readers' perceptions rather than an official ranking, they spotlight which voices Wilmington-area residents view as shaping policy on development, public safety and social services. Elected officials across New Hanover, Brunswick and Pender counties hold authority over decisions that will affect growth, infrastructure and services in the Cape Fear region.
For voters and civic groups, the poll serves as a snapshot of public attention heading into the fall elections. Officials who rank highly in public perception can leverage that visibility when advocating for county budgets, land-use decisions and partnerships with state and federal agencies.
What voters should watch
- How high-profile commissioners use visibility to influence county budget and development decisions.
- Whether perceived influence translates into measurable policy priorities or electoral gains in November.
- How engagement strategies—public events and constituent listening—affect public trust across the region.
The poll does not replace formal measures of power such as votes on the board of commissioners, but it does offer insight into the officials Wilmington readers see as most consequential as the region plans for growth and service needs.
