Special to IFN

Doug Hendrix has filed to run for Statesville mayor in the November 2025 election.

For more than 35 years, Hendrix has made Statesville his home, both as a local banker and a community champion. He retired from blueharbor bank in 2023 after 40 years in the banking industry, but he remains passionate about serving the community.

“Statesville is where I chose to live, work and raise my family. It’s where I have been involved in organizations and on boards that are looking out for all our citizens,” said Hendrix. “Serving as mayor will allow me to continue providing the kind of leadership that listens to all, works for all and cares for all. Statesville has grown into something truly special. I want to make sure we don’t lose that. I believe smart growth means creating a community where businesses and residents can prosper and thrive.”

His community involvement spans 40 years, including service as the board chair of the Greater Statesville Chamber of Commerce, Fifth Street Ministries and Downtown Statesville Development Corporation. He has also served on the board of directors of Iredell Health Systems, I-CARE, the American Cancer Society, and the Statesville Branch NAACP, where he is the current vice president. Hendrix was also the president of the Rotary Club of Greater Statesville, the co-chair for the area’s first Relay for Life event and co-chair of the Heart Ball.

Hendrix explained, however, that his favorite community service is when he is “working side by side with other folks,” feeding the guests at Fifth Street, building a Habitat House, volunteering at downtown events and the Carolina BalloonFest and delivering meals to seniors during the holidays.

“That’s when I really know just how great this community is,” he said.

Hendrix believes that cooperation and partnerships are important to the future of Statesville.

“We must continue to work with our county, state and federal elected officials and departments,” he said. “Statesville is not an island. We can’t do this alone. That’s why I also believe our city employees are one of our city’s most important assets. Competitive pay and state-of-the-art training, equipment and technology are vital for maintaining a topnotch staff.”

Hendrix said he is passionate about providing adequate housing for local residents.

“I have learned a lot about our housing needs through my banking experience and close work with the Statesville Housing Authority. We have many wonderful new neighborhoods, and there are plans for even more residential growth,” he said. “I want to make sure that all our housing needs are being met — young, old, families, single folks, at all income levels are able to have a safe place to live.”

While Statesville continues to grow, Hendrix plans to continue watching out for infrastructure needs.

“Plans are already in the works for expanding our sewer treatment capabilities. That’s smart to plan ahead. Roads, parks, police and fire protection, garbage pick-up — we need to be planning for those items as well.”

A graduate of Watauga High School in Boone, Hendrix also earned the rank of Eagle Scout, and received his graduate degree from Georgetown College in Georgetown, Ky. He and his wife Carole have two daughters and two grandsons.