UNION COUNTY, N.C. — The Union County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a case of vandalism in Waxhaw after a swastika was spray-painted on a campaign sign for Alexis Stadler. Authorities are treating the incident as a case of ethnic intimidation.
Stadler is a candidate running for an at-large seat on the Union County Board of Education.
The incident occurred during the week preceding the report, following several weeks of digital harassment and the theft of campaign materials, leaving her family terrified.
Alexis Stadler said her daughter motivated her to seek a position on the Union County Board of Education. Stadler noted that her family background shapes her perspective.
“As the spouse of a Jewish man and a mother to children being raised with both Jewish and Catholic backgrounds, we are teaching them the traditions of both our families. It was painful,” Stadler said.
Stadler noted appreciation for the backing of the federation, though she felt discouraged that her campaign efforts had been eclipsed by the act.
“Ultimately, we are all human beings, all worthy of love and respect and hate has no business here,” Stadler said.
Douglas Greene, North Carolina Statewide Director of Jewish Community Relations for the Jewish Federation of Greater Charlotte, managed the report and sent a letter to Union County school board officials and state representatives denouncing the vandalism.
“We treat these matters with great gravity because a swastika is not a political statement. It conveys to Jewish communities that they do not belong here,” Greene said.
Greene added that statements from officials brought reassurance. “It provided comfort to have a member of the board of education state that Union County is no place for hate,” Greene said.
The Union County Sheriff’s Office stated that the investigation remains active. Authorities request that anyone with details or who witnessed the vandalism contact the sheriff’s office.
*Channel 9 is choosing not to show the image of the swastika.
©2026 Cox Media Group
/cloudfront-us-east-1.images.arcpublishing.com/cmg/LH3JSJEF3VBLRJLJQESEAG34AM.png)
