My name is Don Hardy. I was born and raised right here in Kinston, and I’ve devoted my career to serving this community in every way I know how. From day one, my mission has been simple: to give back to the community that gave me everything. That's why I'm running to represent you in NC House District 12.

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My Story: From Kinston to the World… and Back Again

• A hometown upbringing. I grew up in Kinston and have lived here for nearly my entire life. It’s the place that shaped me, taught me resilience, and grounded me in service.

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• Two-term Mayor of Kinston. Elected twice by the people of Kinston to serve as mayor, where I led the city through critical moments, worked to strengthen public safety and economic development, and delivered results rooted in accountability, transparency, and community-first leadership.

• A veteran of the United States Navy. After high school, I joined the Navy and served aboard three ships over four years. That service took me all over—from Singapore and Australia to Hawaii and Guantánamo Bay—teaching me the meaning of teamwork, discipline, and selfless service.

• An experienced law enforcement professional. When I returned home, I attended Basic Law Enforcement Training at Lenoir Community College and began my career with the Kinston Police Department—where I spent seven years serving our community directly.

• A federal law enforcement-trained professional. I also completed rigorous federal law enforcement training at the Department of Defense’s academy, augmenting my skills and competencies for serving at multiple levels of public safety.

• Specialized Executive Protection training. I received advanced training as an Executive Protection Specialist from two elite academies—gaining expertise in high-level protective strategies, dignitary security, and threat assessment. These skills strengthen my ability to safeguard not only individuals but also entire communities.

• Two years of higher education in criminal justice and homeland security. I completed two years of post-secondary studies focused on Criminal Justice and Homeland Security, deepening my understanding of public safety, national threats, and protective strategies.

• A 20-year law enforcement veteran. I’ve served as a sworn law enforcement officer at the local, county, and federal levels—amassing nearly two decades of experience safeguarding our community.