Ken Fontenot

Kenneth James Fontenot is a Republican former member of the North Carolina House of Representatives. He represented the 24th district, which included all of Wilson County and part of Nash County, from 2023 to 2025. A Marine Corps veteran and pastor, Fontenot previously worked as a Social Studies teacher. His hometown is Chicago, Illinois, and he identifies as Christian.

Political Experience

Fontenot first ran for the North Carolina House District 24 seat in 2018 but was unsuccessful in that initial bid. He was elected in 2022 and served one term in the state legislature.

During his tenure, Fontenot became a sponsor or supporter of legislation, including measures related to tenancy in common, e-notary procedures, and small claims changes that became law in July 2024.

In the 2024 general election, Fontenot lost his re-election bid to Democrat Dante Pittman by fewer than 1,000 votes, or approximately 2.2% of votes cast. Following his defeat, Fontenot filed an election protest requesting a hand-eye recount, citing alleged irregularities with Election Day administration and unusual voting patterns in two Wilson County precincts. However, the Wilson County Board of Elections dismissed his protest, determining he had failed to provide substantial evidence of outcome-determinative violations or misconduct.

Education

Specific details about Fontenot's formal education are not included in available public records beyond his background as a Social Studies teacher.