1986 North Carolina's 10th congressional district special election

A special election to the United States House of Representatives for North Carolina's 10th congressional district was held November 4, 1986.

The winning candidate would serve briefly in the United States House of Representatives to represent North Carolina in the 99th Congress until the General election on January 3, 1987, however Cass Ballenger won the general election for the seat which occurred on the same day as the special election to win election to a full 2-year term until January 3, 1989.

Background
On July 14, 1986, Incumbent U.S. Representative Jim Broyhill retired after being appointed by then-Governor of North Carolina James G. Martin to the United States Senate succeeding the late-U.S. Senator John Porter East, who died of suicide. A special election was held to fill the vacancy caused by his appointment.

Nominee

 * Lester D. Roark, former Shelby Mayor and City Council member

Eliminated in Primary

 * Jack L. Rhyne, nominee for this seat in 1974
 * Ted A. Poovey, candidate for this seat in 1984
 * Denny R. Hickman
 * Steve Dolley Jr., lawyer

Nominee

 * Cass Ballenger, former state senator (1977-1985) and former state representative (1975-1977)

Eliminated in Primary

 * George S. Robinson, state representative (1980-1986)
 * W. Hall Young, perennial candidate