North Carolina House District 98 Candidate Forum

Rep. Beth Helfrich & John Rhodes

Date: Tuesday, October 6, 2026

Time: 7:00 – 9:00 PM

Location: Cornelius Town Hall

21445 Catawba Avenue, Cornelius, NC

Hosted by: Lake Norman Chamber of Commerce

Forum Sponsor: WSIC

Rep. Beth Helfrich

Beth Helfrich, the Democratic incumbent, is a third-generation Davidson resident and a graduate of North Mecklenburg High School and Davidson College.

According to her campaign website, Helfrich worked as a teacher and school administrator for nearly two decades and has been active in education and community organizations. A mother of five, she has also served as a PTO president and member of a local School Improvement Team.

During her first term representing District 98, Helfrich has identified good governance, responsible growth, public education and safe communities among her legislative priorities.

John Rhodes

John Rhodes, the Republican challenger, is a former District 98 representative seeking a return to the North Carolina House.

According to his campaign website, Rhodes has lived, worked and served in North Mecklenburg for nearly four decades. His public service includes work as a Mecklenburg County MEDIC, firefighter, Cornelius Town Commissioner and previous service representing District 98 in the North Carolina House.

A longtime small-business owner and real estate broker, Rhodes has also been active in civic and community organizations throughout the Lake Norman area. His campaign identifies transportation, taxes, public safety and individual liberties among his priorities.

“The Lake Norman Chamber is pleased to provide forums for our members and the residents of our communities to learn more about the candidates seeking public office. We are thankful for the support and cooperation of our local governments and their staffs in allowing us to facilitate these forums.”

“While the Chamber does not endorse candidates, our hope is that these forums provide voters with an opportunity to better understand the candidates, their experience and their positions on issues that affect our communities.”

— Bill Russell, President & CEO
 Lake Norman Chamber of Commerce

The Lake Norman Chamber of Commerce does not endorse candidates for public office. Candidate forums are presented as a community service to provide voters an opportunity to hear directly from candidates seeking elected office.

About the Lake Norman Chamber of Commerce

The Lake Norman Chamber of Commerce, representing approximately 950 business members, has served the Huntersville, Davidson, Cornelius and greater Lake Norman region since 1987. The Chamber works to strengthen the regional business community through advocacy, education, networking and community engagement.