In a significant political shift, two elected officials in Robeson County have changed their party affiliation from Democrat to Republican. Lance Herndon and Judy Sampson, both serving as county commissioners, announced their decision to join the GOP.
Herndon, who is also a farmer and second-generation county commissioner, explained his departure from the Democratic Party by stating there is no “conservative faction left in the Democratic Party.” He emphasized that his personal beliefs remain unchanged. “My ideology hasn’t changed,” Herndon stated. “I’m still the same guy I’ve always been and I hope to represent Robeson County as I always have.”
Herndon has been part of the County Commission since 2009 and currently serves as its vice chairman, representing District 8. Judy Sampson, representing District 5, has been on the commission since 2020 and is a former president of the Pembroke Chamber of Commerce.
With these changes, the Robeson County Commission now consists of five Republicans and three Democrats. NCGOP Chairman Jason Simmons commented on this development: “The momentum of the Republican Party continues in Robeson County and the Sandhills.” He further remarked on how North Carolina communities’ values align with an “America First and Family First agenda,” welcoming Herndon and Sampson’s decision.
