Watauga Born.

Thinking Ahead.

Savva Kostis
Candidate for

Watauga County Commissioner
DISTRICT 2

I’m Savva Kostis, a lifelong resident of Watauga County. I was born and raised here, built my life here, and have had the opportunity to watch our community grow and change over the years.

I’m running for County Commissioner because I believe Watauga deserves local leadership grounded in common sense, responsible decision-making, and a genuine understanding of the people who call this county home. We can embrace growth and prepare for the future without losing the character, values, and sense of community that make Watauga special.

I’m not running to be a career politician. I’m running because I care about where Watauga is headed and want to help make sure the decisions we make today leave a stronger county for the next generation.

-Savva

Aubrie Bunton Photography

Meet Savva

Watauga County Native - Born and raised here.
Watauga High School - Class of 2008.
Appalachian State University - B.S. in Construction Management, minor in Business, Class of 2012.
General Contractor - Local business.
Watauga High School Assistant Wrestling Coach
Member of Watauga County Planning Board
Grandson of Former County Commissioner James D. Wilcox

Background

My maternal grandmother’s family, the Aldridge family, has deep roots in the Foscoe community, while my maternal grandfather Wilcox’s side of the family has been part of Watauga County for generations. My father was born in Greece and came to America when he was a child, eventually attending Appalachian State. He married my mom, Tina, who you might know from Skateworld.

Growing up in Watauga County, I attended Cove Creek and graduated from Watauga High School in 2008. While in high school, I competed in both football and wrestling. I went on to wrestle at Appalachian State, where I met my wife, Stephanie, who was also a student athlete for the Mountaineers.

Today, Stephanie and I are raising our six-year-old daughter here in the same community where I grew up. Stephanie has spent more than a decade teaching in the Watauga County school system and was honored as Teacher of the Year in 2017. I’ve watched firsthand how much she cares about her students and the families she serves.

From my family’s roots in Watauga, to growing up here, to meeting my wife and raising our daughter here, this community has been a part of every chapter of my life.

What I Stand For

Common-Sense Government

Government should work for the people who live here. I believe in responsible spending, accountability, and practical solutions that put Watauga County residents first.

Protecting What Makes Watauga Special

Watauga County has a character and way of life worth protecting. Our small communities, local businesses, farms, schools, traditions, and strong sense of community are what make this place feel like home. However, tourism is also an important part of Watauga County’s economy. Visitors support our local restaurants, shops, outdoor businesses, lodging, and many of the small businesses that make our community thrive. We should recognize the value tourism brings while making sure it remains sustainable for the people who live here year-round. As a lifelong resident, I believe we can support a strong local economy and welcome visitors while protecting the mountains, communities, and quality of life that make Watauga special.

Responsible Planning

Change is a part of life, and Watauga County will continue to evolve. The question is not whether our community will change, but how we manage that change. We need thoughtful, long-term planning that puts the needs of Watauga residents first. New development should be considered alongside its impact on roads, schools, water, emergency services, housing, and the character of our communities. Good planning means looking ahead instead of reacting after the fact. We should make responsible decisions today that protect our foundation while preparing our county for the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow.

Housing & Our Local Workforce

Watauga County has a housing supply problem. When demand rises faster than supply, prices rise and working people get pushed out of the communities they call home. I have seen this firsthand. Many of the people I grew up with and went to school with have left Watauga because they could no longer afford to live here. We need practical solutions that respect property rights, encourage responsible housing development, and allow the market to better meet demand. People who grew up here should have a chance to stay here.

Conservation & Natural Beauty

Our mountains, rivers, forests, and open spaces are some of Watauga’s greatest assets. I believe we can protect the natural beauty that defines our county while making practical decisions about its future.

A Strong Future for Watauga

The decisions we make today will shape Watauga for generations. I want to leave the next generation a county that is financially responsible, well-planned, beautiful, and still feels like home.

How to Vote

Watauga County Commissioner - District 2

If you live in District 2, you can vote for Savva Kostis for Watauga County Commissioner.

District 2 includes:

New River 1
New River 3
Part of New River 2

Not sure if you're in District 2?
Use the Watauga County Board of Elections voter lookup to confirm your district and polling information. Watauga County Board of Elections

Map: District 2 Map with Precincts

Election Day is Tuesday, November 3, 2026.

Election Day: November 3, 2026
Polls open: 6:30 AM - 7:30 PM

And Watauga County's current early-voting schedule is October 15-31, with Saturday, October 31 voting from 8:00 AM-3:00 PM.

One important correction to our earlier wording: District 2 voters can vote only for the commissioner representing District 2, so your “How to Vote” section should make that especially clear.

Make your voice heard. Vote Kostis for Commissioner.

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