Republican Primary Battle Heats Up for Forsyth County Board of Commissioners
The race for the at-large seat on the Forsyth County Board of Commissioners is drawing attention as two Republican candidates vie for the position. The primary election, set for Tuesday, March 3, will determine who will move forward to face the Democratic contender in November.
First-time candidate Mike Barresi is stepping into the political arena, aiming to position himself as a relatable outsider. During a recent forum that concentrated on housing issues, Barresi shared his personal struggles with homelessness and emphasized his connection with ordinary citizens. “I’m not a scholar. I’m just one of you people,” Barresi stated. “The people with scholarships, what have they done for the community right now — do you know? I’m one of you. I know what you’re going through, and I can help.”
Barresi’s past includes several legal encounters over the last 16 years, with most charges eventually dismissed. Notably, a Florida judge issued a restraining order against him for domestic violence in 2010, and he was convicted of misdemeanor trespassing in 2011. When contacted for comments regarding these incidents, Barresi did not respond.
His opponent, Terri Mrazek, brings experience as a businesswoman and landlord. This marks Mrazek’s fourth attempt at securing a commission seat after previous campaigns in 2020, 2022, and 2024. Her campaign platform emphasizes low taxes and a robust economy. At the same housing forum, Mrazek recounted an experience of offering shelter to a family in need. “I brought in a lady who was being badly treated and her two daughters into my home so she didn’t have to live in a shelter, and her daughters continued their education,” she shared. “And they were of the brown race, right? I opened my doors for them.”
This statement prompted a response from Housing Justice Now, the organization that hosted the forum. They criticized her language on social media, stating, “This language reflects outdated beliefs about race — language that is especially unacceptable in a county where residents of color face discrimination when accessing resources, including housing.”
The winner of the Republican primary will then face either Dan Besse, the incumbent, or realtor Que Shavers, who are competing in the Democratic primary.
