2024 Primary: Democratic questionnaire responses
The candidates in their own words
These are the responses to The Charlotte Ledger’s questionnaires for candidates on the 2024 Democratic primary ballot.
➡️ For summaries of Democratic candidates and information about those races, go to the Charlotte Ledger Election Hub’s Democratic primary page.
➡️ For information on sample ballots and voting, and links to coverage of other local races, go to the general Election Hub page.
(Responses were compiled by Sucharita Kodali and edited by Tony Mecia.)
Index:
2024 Democratic primary candidate responses
U.S. House — District 14
Pam Genant
Please share demographic information to help voters (your age, education, where in NC you live).
My name is Pam Genant. I am 57 years old. I have a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing. I am a nurse — a United States Army Veteran serving as an officer during Operation Desert Storm, and a small business owner. I dedicate some of my time to organizations like the American Legion, the American Legion Auxiliary and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. I serve on the board of directors of the Burke United Christian Ministries.
I was chairman of the Burke County Democratic Party for 6 years before stepping back in 2022 to run for Congress against Patrick McHenry.
I have lived in Burke County for 26 years with my husband, Jackson, a Family Physician and our two grown sons, Dallen and Phillip.
Why are you running?
Growing up, my family straddled that line between poverty and making ends meet. But there were two core values that my parents taught me, help your neighbor, and always work hard. That is why I am running for the United States House of Representatives. We need someone to stand up to the career politicians in Washington and speak for everyone in this district.
What do you want to say to voters perhaps disheartened by the gerrymandering of District 14?
I understand this is a gerrymandered district. I know how frustrating it is. In the last decade Burke County, my home county, has been in six different districts. This is a district created by and for Speaker Tim Moore to divide us. But this isn’t rural vs urban, it’s rural and urban. Together we can work for the things that matter most, move this new District 14 forward, and fight to make sure everyone has a shot at the American Dream.
Will you be voting for President Biden in the upcoming primary?
Yes.
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Brendan K. Maginnis
Please share demographic information to help voters (your age, education, where in NC you live)
I’m 48 years old, married, with three kids (3-year-old daughter and 16-month-old twin girl/boy). I have an associate degree from Cape Fear Community College and a B.A. in political science from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro. I currently reside in Charlotte, but I’m originally from Winston-Salem.
Why are you running?
I’m running because the good folks of the 14th Congressional District deserve a representative who truly represents them. Growing up, my parents both worked two jobs, so I understand what barely getting by means. I was a small business owner, so I understand how the government can both help and hurt a business.
I’m currently a stay-at-home father, supporting my smart and beautiful wife in her career, so I understand the struggles that women face in the workforce, whether it is pay inequality or the high cost of childcare. I understand the struggles and needs of the people of the 14th district way more than a career politician like Speaker Tim Moore (my general election opponent) ever could.
What do you want to say to voters perhaps disheartened by the gerrymandering of District 14?
It’s not as bad as they think. Yes, Tim Moore drew a district in his favor, but the numbers show it’s not as advantageous as people think. His game plan is just to outspend his opponent. But he’s vulnerable, and he can be beaten. It’s just going to a take a disciplined, strategic plan with a candidate who can execute that plan to beat him, and I’m that candidate.
Will you be voting for President Biden in the upcoming primary?
Yes.
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Council of State
Governor
Gary Foxx
Please share demographic information to help voters (your age, education, where in NC you live)
Location: Rocky Mount
Education: BLET
Age: 66
Why are you running for governor and why should voters pick you instead of your opponents?
I have a stark picture of a state and nation in decline, where opportunities are shrinking, families are struggling and the very fabric of society is fraying. I believe that we should start putting our children first in priority and that student safety and the financial interest of our N.C. teachers should be at the top on the list for change. I am not a lifelong politician, and I have no PAC or corporate influences that would impede me in serving as an effective efficient governor.
I refuse to succumb to despair. Instead, I offer a vision of hope and renewal, built on the bedrock of my own experiences and citizen concerns.
Will you be voting for President Biden in the upcoming primary?
Yes.
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Mike Morgan
Please share demographic information to help voters (your age, education, where in NC you live)
Age: 68
Education: Bachelor of Arts Degree, Duke University
Doctor of Laws Degree, N.C. Central University
Residence: Raleigh
Why are you running for governor and why should voters pick you instead of your opponents?
I am running for the office of governor because I want to revive the progressive spirit and advancement for which North Carolina had once been known and admired but which has been compromised and eroded in current times.
The hopes and dreams of too many North Carolinians have been dashed by the encroachment of regressive and wayward actions by the General Assembly, which chooses winners and losers among our fellow citizens while predetermining our respective destinies based upon where we live, how much money we make, how we vote and other calculated formulas and outcomes.
Such unfair limitations upon North Carolina's people inhibit our individual and collective abilities to reach our fullest potential. I have dedicated my professional, personal and political life to a level playing field for all North Carolinians, while actively empowering our young people to understand that they can achieve whatever positive ambition in life that they choose upon fully applying themselves.
Voters should elect me to be governor because my background provides me with a unique, never-before-seen skill set: I have 44 years of state government experience, which includes 34 years of judicial experience on the bench of North Carolina, encompassing four different judgeships — the most judgeships ever held by any person in the history of North Carolina.
My sustained, pervasive view of state government's issues and my analytical skills which I employed to decide the most complex legal issues on the state's highest court — the Supreme Court of North Carolina, where I served the last 6 1/2 years of my judicial career — eminently qualify me to successfully execute the duties of the state's highest office of governor.
Will you be voting for President Biden in the upcoming primary?
Yes.
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Marcus Williams
Please share demographic information to help voters (your age, education, where in NC you live)
I am attorney Marcus Williams (5th of SIX children of World War II Army Master Sgt. Russell Williams and his beautiful, musically talented wife, Sadie — a second grade schoolteacher), and as a child, I started cropping tobacco at age 12 — working at the barn at age 10.
While attending Lumberton High School, I played varsity football and basketball, excelled in academics and was blessed to have been the first person elected student body president in the initial election conducted after the mandatory consolidation of the Lumberton City School system.
UNC Chapel Hill was the undergraduate institution where I earned varsity wrestling letters, was elected student body president, received numerous honors and earned a bachelor’s degree. While student body president, I initiated/established mass transit throughout campus, and we implemented the unicameral Campus Governing Council, which still operates today.
This background, as augmented by the fact that I was the first minority person to be elected student body president at the socially diverse University of Minnesota Law School (ranked 16th best by U.S. News & World Report in 2023) — embracing significant duties including the investigation/discernment of probable cause findings in alleged student honor code violations, earned a Juris Doctorate; and subsequently exhibited the professional tenacity/fortitude of maintaining licenses to practice law in three states (technically, Pennsylvania is a commonwealth).
These experiences evidence the keen ability to communicate and persuade others and have them repose trust in that person's judgment. Such will be paramount in confronting legal, policy and budgetary matters while dealing with politically disparate interests and the unknown future challenges of our state and nation. My homestead remains in Southeastern N.C., my wife of 33 years is an attorney (UNC Chapel Hill undergrad and law school), and I am enjoying an athletic 70th year of age.
Why are you running for governor and why should voters pick you instead of your opponents?
The essential motivation for running for governor is to elevate living/societal/justice conditions for all of the residents of this great State of North Carolina — my home state. Further, I desire to continue my work and unique proven record of creating meaningful, positive change while utilizing my vast professional experience in executive, legal, administrative and community economic development capacities. In my 45th continuous year of practicing law (MN/PA/NC), I have acquired intense executive skills while serving as executive director for 17 years in two regional NC legal services programs and the statewide (5th-largest state at that time) Pennsylvania Legal Services Program.
For 24 years, I worked for the economically disadvantaged, the working poor and middle-class families pertaining to their survival needs, along with advocating to save their homes and family farms from foreclosure. I initiated community economic development projects that constructed 79 units of housing for the elderly and disabled, led the renovation of an inner city 84,000 sq. ft. school, and founded a local Community Development Corporation which established, among other projects, a Business Incubator (Nine 1,500 sq. ft. units) that created new business startups and jobs.
As a public defender, I continued to help pursue justice in the courts. In 2020, I negotiated the construction of a Verizon cell tower on the rural outskirts of Lumberton. Specific goals as governor include:
Stimulating robust job growth that is vibrant for residents throughout the rural and urban areas by emphasizing the recruitment of high wage, clean industries — while simultaneously promoting the initiation and growth of small businesses;
Assuring access to medical insurance and high-quality health care for all citizens — reinforcing the woman's absolute right to full domain/medical decision making for her body;
Enhance and equalize primary and secondary educational opportunities for all children;
Increase the availability of safe, decent affordable housing opportunities for residents;
Protect all residents from senseless gun violence, drugs and other criminal behavior;
Safeguard our environment;
and expend our tax resources with integrity, efficiency and sound purpose.
Will you be voting for President Biden in the upcoming primary?
Respectfully, I don’t disclose my future voting choices.
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Lieutenant governor
Ben Clark
Please share demographic information to help voters (your age, education, where in NC you live)
64 years old
Proud NCA&T Aggie
Fayetteville resident
Retired Lt. Colonel, USAF
Why are you running for lieutenant governor and why should voters pick you?
I'm running for Lt. Governor — on my own name and my own record — because after 12 years of far-right, MAGA Republican rule in the lieutenant governor's office, we definitely need a change.
As a retired veteran, a retired state senator, a former public school teacher and a former UNC System professor, I am the most qualified, most prepared and most experienced candidate on either side of the aisle.
In the Senate, I brokered the historic 2021 budget that delivered school construction and critical infrastructure projects in every corner of this state. I was the chief Democrat on the Redistricting Committee when we broke the last Republican supermajority and elected seven Democrats to Congress. I will be a lieutenant governor for all of North Carolina.
Will you be voting for President Biden in the upcoming primary?
I'm thrilled to support the president who has created more jobs than anyone else, reduced insulin to $35, canceled millions in student loan debt, elevated Black women to Vice President and the U.S. Supreme Court, and not once tried to overthrow our precious democracy. It's Joseph R. Biden Jr. for me.
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Attorney general
Satana Deberry
Please share demographic information to help voters (your age, education, where in NC you live)
I am 54 years young, a Princeton and Duke alum, Durham district attorney from Hamlet, N.C.
What prompted you to run for this role and why should voters pick you?
I’m running for attorney general because the people of North Carolina deserve an AG who can actually deliver on the things we’re most worried about.
As the daughter of two public school teachers who grew up in Hamlet, N.C., on the same land where my family was previously enslaved, I needed everything in my life to go right to end up at Princeton and Duke. And because of this, I bring compassion and drive to the job, which is how I made the Durham justice system fairer while lowering crime, securing historic convictions and addressing the most pressing issues. The things Roy Cooper and Josh Stein wanted to get done — I did.
As attorney general, I’m going to keep tackling crime, including predatory insurance and pharmaceutical companies. I’ll guarantee justice and equality for everyone including our voting rights, and I’ll never prosecute a woman or doctor for seeking or performing an abortion.
Will you be voting for President Biden in the upcoming primary?
As President Joe Biden will be the only Democratic candidate in our state’s primary, I do intend to vote for him.
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Tim Dunn
Please share demographic informations to help voters:
I was born and raised in Fayetteville, and I have lived 63 incredible years.
I attended public schools, graduated with a B.S. degree in political science and criminal justice from UNC Chapel Hill. I graduated from Campbell Law School and passed the NC Bar exam in 1987. I joined the U.S. Marine Corps in my second year of law school and retired in 2019 as a Colonel.
I have over 36 years of courtroom experience coupled with extensive leadership skills. I am currently representing juvenile clients and indigent pro bono cases. As of the 17th of this month, I will have been married for 45 years! We have three adult children and four grandchildren.
Why are you running for attorney general and why should voters pick you?
My primary motivation to run for attorney general is to continue to support, defend and preserve the U.S. and N.C. Constitutions against all enemies foreign and domestic; enforce our N.C. General Statutes; ensure our laws are applied equally and fairly to all citizens and to specifically make N.C. a safer place to raise our children and grandchildren for generations to come.
NC citizens should vote for me for several reasons:
A. Experience: As a licensed NC attorney for over 36 years and as a Marine Corps officer, I’ve handled thousands of cases. I have prosecuted, defended and judged all types of cases: capital murder, highest level felonies, wrongful death, catastrophic injury civil cases and general courts-martial in state, federal and military courts.
B. Leadership: I have supervised, mentored and taught hundreds of attorneys. I continue to mentor high school and college students through moot court competitions. Throughout my career, I have served in numerous positions of leadership: Staff Judge Advocate, Executive Officer, Military Trial Judge, Civil Affairs Officer in Charge, Chief of Staff responsible for over 7,000 Marines and 60,000 students. I was also selected as the first Marine Corps attorney to prosecute Saddam Hussein. My leadership skills are also seen in my community in my church and in our local Kiwanis Club and several associations of which I am a Board member.
C. Passion & Priorities: Growing up in Fayetteville, I learned from an early age the love of God, family, country, military and North Carolina. I cannot sit idly by as our core values that I fought to protect, our democracy, liberty, justice, the rule of law and especially our U.S. and N.C. Constitutions are threatened by enemies foreign and domestic. The truth matters! Our laws, their enforcement, and the consequences of violating our laws matter. We owe that to our children and our grandchildren for generations to come.
I am not running for attorney general in order to use it as a stepping stone — I am running to SERVE. I have always been a servant leader. My priorities as attorney general include:
Reduce Gun Violence & Violent Crime by supporting Law Enforcement and District Attorneys.
Protect women's healthcare rights.
Protect voter rights for all.
Improve our Juvenile Justice System.
End the Fentanyl & Opioid Epidemic.
Prosecute Corporate Criminals & Environmental Polluters.
All of these reasons have prepared me to immediately assume all of the duties of the NC Attorney General and work with the Department of Justice.
Will you be voting for President Biden in the upcoming primary?
Absolutely.
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Insurance commissioner
Natasha Marcus
Please share demographic information to help voters (your age, education, where in NC you live)
I am a 54-year-old mom of two adult daughters and mother-in-law of a naval officer. I got my B.A. in public policy from Hamilton College and my law degree from Duke University. I have lived in North Carolina since 1991, first in Durham, then Greensboro, and now Davidson (Mecklenburg County).
Prior to becoming a senator, I practiced law with the Brooks, Pierce law firm, clerked for a federal judge and worked at a non-profit community service center.
What prompted you to run for the Insurance Commissioner role versus the other Council of State options and why should voters pick you?
I have been a state senator for three terms, where I am currently serving on several committees, including Commerce & Insurance. I have been an effective advocate for the people of our state, motivated by my passion for justice and fairness.
I’m in elected office not for personal benefit, but to be a public servant and speak up for those who are marginalized, unrepresented, treated unfairly or taken advantage of by the government. I also have learned a lot about how the General Assembly works and the important policy debates we face in North Carolina and have experience as a former litigation attorney. I’m ready to take these skills and passions to run for higher office.
I am angry about how the current Commissioner of Insurance, Mike Causey, fails to do the job. He is elected to represent the people, not the insurance companies and not himself. He is supposed to promote fire safety and keep insurance rates as low as possible, while maintaining a vibrant insurance marketplace. Yet Commissioner Causey lost the respect of firefighters when he sacked leadership at the Fire Marshal’s Office over a political fight. He lost the trust of North Carolina consumers by agreeing to 19 rate hikes for insurance companies without a single public hearing, refusing to even attend the public comment forum to hear homeowners’ reactions to the proposed 42%-average homeowner’s rate increase, and getting caught hiring friends for “no show” jobs and taking extravagant road trips with taxpayer money. He lost the respect of all North Carolinians by going along with the Republican leaders who refuse to address the very real and costly impacts of climate change, especially on our coastal communities.
North Carolina needs an insurance commissioner who respects the people she serves and provides the transparency they deserve. We need a commissioner with litigation experience, who is not afraid to hold full public hearings on rate hike requests and cross-examine the insurance companies data about profits and rates. We need a commissioner who knows that climate change is real and is causing more severe storms, more damage to property and increased insurance costs and who is ready to work with others to mitigate those impacts.
In short, I can do the job better than the incumbent — so I’m running. Learn more at NatashaMarcus.com.
Will you be voting for President Biden in the upcoming primary?
Yes. President Biden has been a man of high moral character, whose leadership avoided a recession, created a record number of jobs, made historic investments in our country’s future and restored our country’s standing in the world, after it took a serious nosedive during the prior administration. He understands that voting rights, reproductive freedom and the right to love who you love are all basic American values, and he is committed to protecting those rights.
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David Wheeler
Please share demographic information to help voters (your age, education, where in NC you live)
Age: 58
Education: Bachelor of Arts, Political Science, 1987
Home: Spruce Pine, NC, in Mitchell County
What prompted you to run for the Insurance Commissioner role and why should voters pick you?
When elected, I will refocus the Department of Insurance on helping and advocating for the people of North Carolina. The days of insurance companies having a free ride will be over. I want to refocus the office on fighting rate hikes, getting refunds if insurance companies lie on rate increase applications, ensuring everyone is treated fairly by insurance companies and DOI and rid the office of its ugly racist past.
During my adult life, I’ve been a paralegal focused on helping the poor with greedy insurance companies, and I’ve started and led six organizations from five staff to being senior vice president of a publicly traded company division of 2,500 employees. Do we really need another politician lawyer, like my opponent, in Raleigh?
My public service has included being the chair of a non-profit organization that went from providing free tele-health services in three schools to over 225 schools and tele-medicine and mental health services to prisons in three counties. I helped my rural county get more than 2,500 people on high-speed internet by working with Duke Energy. I enjoy a big challenge and have produced the first marathon in Antarctica, helped elect Jimmy Carter in 1976 at 10 years old and was on the team to help then-Senator Obama win the Iowa caucuses and have known President Biden since his first presidential campaign in 1986. I’m a life-long Democrat and was on the Young Democrats National Committee in my 20s. While my opponent grew up in a family electing Republicans in New York, I grew up with a family electing Democrats in rural communities.
Voters should choose to vote for me because I’ve been learning and listening all across North Carolina and working for votes in the 125 events I’ve attended. I have used those 125 discussions and put together a plan for refocusing DOI on the people, willing to fight big corporations to benefit the people, a long history of non-political, unpaid public service and have management experience running large organizations. I have a management team of senior people from the Wayne Goodwin and Jim Long administrations of DOI. Finally, my heart is devoted to helping every North Carolinian through public service. I’ll be ready on day one and after [for] this job and all the work that [it] entails, not the title.
Will you be voting for President Biden in the upcoming primary?
Absolutely. I've known President and Jill Biden since 1986, and they are good people and working every day for all Americans. President Biden is creating jobs, expanding access to health care, keeping us safe and is dedicated to protecting a women's right to choose. I’m all in for Joe Biden and Kamala Harris.
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Treasurer
Gabe Esparza
Please share demographic information to help voters (your age, education, where you grew up)
Age: 51
Education: BA, Stanford University; MBA, Harvard Business School
Where I grew up: Colorado
What brought you to N.C. and Charlotte in particular?
Like so many people here in Charlotte, job opportunities in the financial industry brought us to town. But the decision to move here was made so much easier by the beautiful parks and greenways, nice weather, easy-to-get-to airport, and friendly people.
Why are you entering politics now instead of staying in the private sector where you've worked for decades?
I've actually been committed to public service for a long time — working on national (Presidential) campaigns and serving in appointed positions including the Board of Civil Service Commissioners, trustee of Central Piedmont Community College, and most recently as associate administrator of the U.S. Small Business Administration. Work in the private sector is core to my experience as a business executive but one whose primary reward is focused solely on money. Public service, on the other hand, is much more fulfilling when you see the impact you can have on people's lives.
Will you be voting for President Biden in the upcoming primary?
Of course! I am proud to have been appointed by the president to serve in his administration. His track record in bringing the economy back from the pandemic, creating meaningful investments in infrastructure, fighting for reproductive rights and defending democracy are all worthy of a second term.
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Wesley Harris
Please share demographic information to help voters (your age, education, where in NC you live)
My name is Wesley Harris. I am 37 years old. I am a native North Carolinian, growing up in Alexander and Iredell Counties, and I currently live in the Ballantyne neighborhood of Charlotte. I am currently serving my third term representing District 105 in the N.C. House of Representatives, where I was first elected in 2018. I have an undergraduate degree from UNC Chapel Hill with a major in economics and a master’s and Ph.D. degree in economics from Clemson University.
What prompted you to run for this particular role and why should voters pick you?
I decided to run for state treasurer because during my time in the legislature, I have seen first-hand the impacts of having a state government and a state treasurer that do not understand the importance of investing in our people and our communities.
Our pension plan is lagging behind market averages, our state health plan continues to cut benefits and our Local Government Commission has politicized municipal capital financing to a point where local governments are having a difficult time making the investments their communities want and need. My background as a Ph.D. economist with a speciality in public finance coupled with my roots as a native of rural North Carolina and my experience as a state legislator make me uniquely qualified to be able to do the job and solve the difficult problems facing this department.
Voters should choose me for this position because I am the only candidate in this race who is a trained Ph.D. economist, the only candidate in this race who has served in state government, the only candidate in this race who has won a competitive election where I defeated a Republican incumbent, and the only candidate in this race who has lived in rural, suburban and urban North Carolina and understands every corner of this state.
Additionally, during my time in the legislature I have been the lead Democrat on every finance and economic issue, leading House Democrats on the Finance Committee the previous two sessions and the House Democratic Budget Strategy and Debate Committee this current session. I have been endorsed for this position by the ENTIRE Democratic Congressional Delegation for North Carolina, 72 current and former Democratic state legislators and over 90 current and former local elected officials across the state. Finally, the two groups that depend on the state treasurer the most are state employees and public school teachers. I have been honored to be endorsed by both the State Employees Association of N.C. and the N.C. Association of Educators, the first candidate to be endorsed by BOTH groups since before 2008.
Will you be voting for President Biden in the upcoming primary?
Yes, I fully support President Biden and will enthusiastically vote for him in the primary and general elections.
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Superintendent of Public Instruction
Maurice “Mo” Green
Please share demographic information to help voters (your age, education, where in NC you live)
Age: 56
Education: Bachelor of Arts, Duke University (majors: political science and economics); Juris Doctor (law degree), Duke University School of Law
Residence: Greensboro/Guilford County
What prompted you to run for this particular role now and why should voters pick you?
I am deeply concerned about the current direction of the North Carolina public school system. It is woefully underfunded, even while funding for a private school voucher program is being increased dramatically. Its educators are belittled through low pay and respect. Student academic performance can be improved. North Carolina public schools need a champion who will provide a new vision. Given my experiences, which are outlined below, I believe I can be that champion.
Because the state superintendent oversees the public school system and a large department that administers approximately $11 billion annually; develops subjects, course content, and assessments; and provides licenses to over 100,000 teachers and administrators, my experiences leading and managing large, complex organizations are significant reasons for voters to select me.
My experiences have included being: superintendent of Guilford County Schools, the third largest district in the state, for over seven years; and deputy superintendent and general counsel of Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, one of the largest two districts in the state, for over seven years. I have also been a chief executive of the Z. Smith Reynolds Foundation, a large philanthropic organization that awards millions in grants to educational causes, and a member of numerous boards/commissions that deal with a host of educational issues, including homelessness, athletics, policy, media, arts and community support.
Moreover, I have a growing list of endorsements from, among many others, the NC Association of Educators, former N.C. Governors Jim Hunt and Bev Perdue, former State Superintendent June Atkinson, former chair of the State Board of Education Bill Harrison, more than a dozen former local district superintendents, some U.S. Representatives, and the past president of the NC Parent-Teacher Association, Kelly Langston. See www.mogreenfornc.com for a list of my endorsements to date.
Will you be voting for President Biden in the upcoming primary?
Yes.
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Kenon Crumble
Please share demographic information to help voters (your age, education, where in NC you live)
46 years old, master’s in computer science
What prompted you to run for this particular role and why should voters pick you?
My decision to run for N.C. Superintendent of Public Instruction is fueled by my rich background in education and a deep-seated commitment to enhancing the educational landscape in North Carolina. My experience as an assistant principal has equipped me with a comprehensive understanding of the state educational system’s challenges and opportunities.
I stand out as a candidate due to my proven track record in educational leadership, which provides me with a practical and insightful perspective on what schools, teachers and students truly need. I bring an innovative approach to education, focusing on adapting and evolving the system to better prepare students for a changing world. My dedication to creating an inclusive environment ensures that every student, regardless of background, has the opportunity to excel.
Moreover, I recognize the crucial role of community involvement in education. I champion the idea of building strong partnerships between schools, families, and local communities, enhancing the overall educational experience and supporting student success.
In essence, I am not only an experienced educator but also a passionate advocate for positive change in the North Carolina education system. My candidacy offers the promise of impactful and enduring improvements, ensuring that the state’s education system serves every student effectively. Voters looking for a candidate with the passion, experience and vision to enhance education in North Carolina will find that I embody these qualities.
Will you be voting for President Biden in the upcoming primary?
Yes, I will be voting for Joe Biden in the upcoming primaries!
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N.C. Supreme Court
Lora Cubbage
Please share demographic information to help voters (your age, education, where in NC you live)
I obtained my undergraduate degree at NC A & T State University and my Juris Doctor at UNC Chapel Hill School of Law. I live in Greensboro.
What prompted you to run for this particular role and why should voters pick you?
I am running because I am committed to preserving the integrity of our courts and our Constitution. I have an unwavering commitment to uphold the principles of justice [and] to ensure that everyone regardless of background or status receives equal protection and treatment under the law.
Voters should pick me because of my expertise and experience. I have spent years studying and practicing law, handling complex cases and gaining a deep understanding of the legal system intricacies. I have a proven track record of making sound legal judgments and have presided over thousands of cases, hundreds of trials and worked collaboratively on a three-judge panel to determine the constitutionality of actions of the general assembly.
Equally important, the voters should pick me because I firmly believe in the importance of interpreting the Constitution in a way that respects its original intent while also adapting to the changing needs of our society. I will strive to protect individual rights and liberties while maintaining the delicate balance of powers between the three branches of government. I believe that I can contribute effectively to the Supreme Court and help shape legal decisions that have a positive impact on our society. For these reasons, I believe I am the candidate that would be the best addition to this current Supreme Court.
Will you be voting for President Biden in the upcoming primary?
Yes, I will vote for Biden in the upcoming primary.
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Allison Riggs
Please share demographic information to help voters (your age, education, where in NC you live)
Age: 42
Education: 2003 B.S. University of Florida (Microbiology); 2006 M.A. University of Florida (in History); 2009 J.D. University of Florida Levin College of Law
Resides in Chapel Hill
What prompted you to run for this particular role and why should voters pick you?
I was appointed to the Supreme Court by Gov. Cooper last year, and I am running to keep my seat. As a longtime litigator, I know the importance of having justice-minded, intellectually rigorous judges on the bench. I’m well-versed in appellate practice and the structural challenges in the appeals process. I treat every attorney and party with dignity and respect.
I loved my job as a civil rights litigator, but I also knew that we needed to communicate differently about the importance of our state courts. The federal constitution provides the “floor” of rights to each of us, but our state constitutions provide the “ceiling.” That is, state constitutions often offer more robust rights for its citizens than the federal constitution. I hope, in this moment in time, I can use my experience in voter education to make a case to voters on why our courts matter and how voters can hold judges accountable.
Working on the Court of Appeals and now on the Supreme Court has proven my efficacy as an appellate judge. I drafted nearly 50 opinions at the Court of Appeals — most of them unanimous, requiring bipartisan support. I approach my colleagues with respectful curiosity. By listening first, I hope to continue creating spaces where we can find common ground to issue rulings that best serve the people of N.C.
Will you be voting for President Biden in the upcoming primary?
I exercise my right to cast a secret ballot.
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General Assembly
N.C. Senate District 41
Robert E. Bruns
Please share demographic information to help voters (your age, education, where you grew up)
68 years old, B.S. in business administration from WCU, grew up in Raleigh, however I have lived in Charlotte over 40 years.
What prompted you to run for this position and why should voters vote for you instead of your opponent?
Having worked as CEO of Charlotte Metro Credit Union (now Skyla Credit Union), I’m now retired and want to use my skills to help the citizens of N.C. realize a better life.
I clearly have the advantage of experience in serving the financial needs of the 100,000-plus members of the credit union, 40 years of involvement in political action and collaborative problem-solving with a volunteer board of directors and management staff. This vast experience is clearly my advantage over my opponents.
What experience do you have that will help you be an effective state senator?
My ability to solve difficult problems through collaboration and compromise speaks for itself in leading a billion-dollar institution. I have lobbied politicians at the federal, state and local level my entire career.
Will you be voting for President Biden in the upcoming primary?
Yes indeed!
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Kendrick Cunningham
Please share demographic information to help voters (your age, education, where you grew up)
Kendrick Cunningham is 27 years old and a Charlotte native.
Kendrick Cunningham graduated from the Academy of Information Technology at Phillip O. Berry High School in 2014. He obtained his bachelor of arts in political science from Saint Augustine’s University in 2018. He is currently working on getting his masters of arts in international relations at Norwich University.
What prompted you to run for this position and why should voters vote for you instead of your opponents?
Kendrick was prompted to run for state senate because he wants to secure additional funding to create more diverse housing options, expand public transportation, reduce gun violence and restore main streets. This will aid the Charlotte City Council and Mecklenburg Board of County Commissioners in achieving plans they have adopted such as the Charlotte 2040 Comprehensive Plan and the Way Forward. Voters should vote for Kendrick because he has experience working at both the grassroots and grasstop levels to get much needed resources for communities in this senate district. He fully understands the public policy process and will engage all constituents in the process to get the results we need.
What experience do you have that will help you be an effective state senator?
Kendrick has worked full time in politics for the past decade. His first job was serving in the N.C. General Assembly under Rep. Yvonne Lewis-Holley as a legislative intern. Throughout the past four years, Kendrick Cunningham has worked across all levels of government advocating for policies that will improve upward mobility for residents in the crescent of Charlotte — the newly drawn Senate District 41. Most notably, Kendrick has organized to influence the City of Charlotte to adopt an anti-source income discrimination policy, the 8 Can't Wait police accountability policies and the Charlotte 2040 Comprehensive Plan. Furthermore, Kendrick has worked to reduce violent crime from a public health lens by advocating for a gun violence prevention trifecta solution in Mecklenburg County.
Will you be voting for President Biden in the upcoming primary?
President Biden will be the only Democrat running for President that will appear on the 2024 Democratic Primary ballot. An active political strategy and outreach stakeholder of the White House, Kendrick will vote for President Biden in the upcoming primary.
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Caleb Theodros
Please share demographic information to help voters (your age, education, where you grew up)
Age: 29
Education: bachelor of science in economics & bachelor of arts in political science
I grew up right here in Charlotte, NC. I attended James Martin Middle School and then Harding High School.
What prompted you to run for this position and why should voters vote for you instead of your opponents?
I am running for this position because I am deeply committed to the well-being and progress of our community. Having witnessed firsthand the challenges and opportunities within our district, I feel a strong sense of duty to step up and serve as a catalyst for positive change. My decision to run is rooted in a genuine desire to make a difference, to contribute to the betterment of our district and to ensure that every resident has the opportunity to thrive. Whether it’s advocating for equitable access to education, championing economic development initiatives, or promoting sustainable environmental policies, I bring a wealth of experience and a proven track record of leadership to the table. With a collaborative spirit and a commitment to inclusive decision-making, I am confident that I can effectively represent the diverse interests of our community and work towards a brighter future for all.
What experience do you have that will help you be an effective state senator?
My experience as chair of the Black Political Caucus and as the appointed chair of the Charlotte Equitable Development Commission has equipped me with valuable skills and insights that will be instrumental in my role as a state senator. In my capacity as chair of the Black Political Caucus, I led efforts to advocate for policies that promote equity, justice and representation for marginalized communities. I understand the importance of amplifying diverse voices in decision-making processes and fighting for policies that address systemic inequalities.
Additionally, my appointment by the mayor to chair the Charlotte Equitable Development Commission afforded me the opportunity to spearhead initiatives aimed at ensuring that growth and development in Charlotte were equitable and inclusive. Leading this commission required me to collaborate with stakeholders from various sectors, navigate complex policy landscapes and develop strategies to promote economic empowerment and social justice.
These experiences have honed my ability to effectively navigate the intricacies of government, build consensus across diverse perspectives and craft policies that prioritize the needs of all constituents. As a state senator, I will draw upon this expertise to advocate for legislation that promotes fairness, opportunity and prosperity for all North Carolinians. I am committed to being a champion for equitable policies and inclusive governance, working tirelessly to create a state where every individual and community can thrive.
Will you be voting for President Biden in the upcoming primary?
Yes
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N.C. House District 105
Yolanda Holmes
Please share demographic information to help voters (your age, education, where you live in Mecklenburg County now)
Age: 52
Education: Ph.D. School of Public Service Leadership-Public Safety (CJ), Capella University, Washington, DC; MA Management, Webster University, Bolling AFB Washington, DC; MS Criminology, Indiana State University, Terre Haute, Ind.; BS Criminal Justice, Voorhees College, Denmark, S.C.
Residence: Mint Hill
Why are you running for this role?
In 2022, I campaigned against Tricia Cotham. I filed the paperwork to serve in March for a primary race occurring in May. In that short time, I was able to assemble a team, mobilize and execute a strong grassroots effort. This hard work resulted in a vote difference of 826 between the campaigns. Think for a moment — less than 1,000 votes contributed to the political landscape of North Carolina today. Sharing my commitment to serving constituents for the betterment of North Carolina is my goal. I stand on principle, and I am committed to serving House District 105, not a personal agenda.
What would you like voters who feel betrayed by Tricia Cotham to know about you?
The N.C. General Assembly needs real people with real life experience that can execute actionable perspectives. As a servant leader, my goals for N.C. include constituent priorities that span the state of North Carolina. Even though legislators represent a designated subset of the state’s population, the enacted legislation becomes law for every individual statewide.
For that reason, my priorities will include efforts that support equitable, accessible, and affordable healthcare for all, especially marginalized populations. Livable wages, voting rights, and equity in education are also top priorities as these factors present real daily challenges with long-term impact. Healthcare is often expensive and inaccessible. People are often discouraged from seeking healthcare because of these factors.
As it relates to women, the government should not interfere in the relationship between a woman and her healthcare provider. Initiatives supporting health equity across the board is an absolute necessity. Funding for education to promote equitable learning environments and opportunities is a must. The future implications of not addressing educational inequality have yet to unfold. A pragmatic approach to rectify existing inequities will help to reduce the realization of this in the future.
Additionally, living wages, job growth and expansion for financial sustainability are pertinent to the economy as well as the well-being of individuals and families. Lastly, the expansion of restrictions to voting across the nation as well as barriers to voting is truly disheartening. The “Triple R Initiative” — Restriction(s), Requirement(s) and Redistricting, as I refer to it — was intentional and designed to continue the marginalization of certain populations or groups of individuals. Securing a win for these priorities requires determination, execution of innovative strategies, collaboration and a leader that stands on principle. I respect the votes cast by the people who have elected and trusted me to be their representative and voice. I will not betray that trust.
Will you be voting for President Biden in the upcoming primary?
Yes.
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Terry Lansdell
Please share demographic information to help voters (your age, education, where you grew up, where you live in Mecklenburg County now)
Terry Lansdell, age 57, BA history Mars Hill University, since 1990 a Charlotte resident, District 105 Charlotte NC.
Why are you running for this role?
To impact existing laws that impact our community and how we transport ourselves socially, economically and on our transportation network.
What would you like voters who feel betrayed by Tricia Cotham to know about you?
The Cotham betrayal did not start last year. She has been an opponent of the Democratic Party for some time in her lack of involvement in transportation issues, the approval of Republican rivals into key board roles, the lack of effort to protect North Carolinas environment as well as the complete betrayal of medical choice for women in North Carolina.
Will you be voting for President Biden in the upcoming primary?
Yes.
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Nicole Sidman
Please share demographic information to help voters (your age, education, where you live in Mecklenburg County now)
I am a proud product of public schools, graduating from the University of Michigan in 1993 with a BA and then continuing on at U of M to get my JD in 1996. I live in Charlotte with my husband, 17 year old son and our rescue dog, Roxy.
Why are you running for this role?
In the years I have lived in North Carolina it's been exhausting to watch our rights be stripped away by those in power in Raleigh. Whether it is refusing to fund our schools, denying women access to healthcare and bodily autonomy, legislating against LGBTQ+ rights or hampering free and fair access to the polls with gerrymandered maps and confusing voting requirements, I believe that we need to fight the tide of extremism and work for a North Carolina that is for all its citizens. I have worked behind the scenes for years empowering, connecting and serving the community. But, when I found out my neighborhood was included in Tricia Cotham's new district, I decided it was time to step up and run for office.
The stakes are so high, but the path to victory is clear. We need to take this stolen seat back to break the supermajority. I am running because I believe I have the experience, the commitment and the integrity to win this race and make sure that my neighborhood is not represented by someone who betrayed her voters. I can be trusted to do what I say and to lead with integrity, honesty and always an eye to service.
What would you like voters who feel betrayed by Tricia Cotham to know about you?
A lifelong Democrat, I am consistent in my dedication to fighting for issues that are important to our community. When my son was in elementary school, I was the president of his PTA, fighting for additional support for teachers and students. Since college, I have been dedicated to the fight for reproductive rights, volunteering and organizing communities around these issues. I was inspired to run when I learned that my neighborhood was part of the gerrymandered district which the GOP drew specifically to keep Tricia Cotham in office because I believe that voters should pick their representatives and not the other way around.
Will you be voting for President Biden in the upcoming primary?
Of course.
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N.C. House District 106
Carla Cunningham
Please share demographic information to help voters (your age, education, where you grew up, where you live in Mecklenburg County now)
I am 62 years old. LPN Diploma — CPCC, Associate Applied Science Degree in Nursing — Gaston College, Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing — Winston-Salem State University.
I grew up in Wadesboro, N.C., and Charlotte, N.C.
I live in the University City area of Charlotte, N.C.
Why are you running for this role again?
I am a native North Carolinian, a mother of two adult children, a widow and a nurse that is passionate about quality-of-life issues impacting North Carolinians, and I am committed to helping make people’s lives better in our state.
What accomplishment in the N.C. House are you most proud of?
Medicaid expansion, a historic $835M investment in behavioral health funds and school lunch debt wipe out for this past year and $3 million in recurrent funding.
Will you be voting for President Biden in the upcoming primary?
My vote is private.
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N.C. House District 98
Lisa Jewel
Please share demographic information to help voters (your age, education, where you grew up)
Hello, I’m Lisa Jewel and I’m 59 years old. I grew up in Michigan and earned my B.S. at Eastern Michigan University, with a degree in Radio/TV/Film. I had an extensive career in advertising and marketing for over 27 years in Los Angeles working for companies like DirecTV and DDB Needham. I moved to North Carolina with my husband, Jerry, 17 years ago and have lived in District 98 ever since. I raised my daughter here, and she attended Davidson Elementary and Hough High School. During this time, I worked several independent marketing contracts, while immersing myself into the community, volunteering at the schools, working in my Democratic precinct and with other community organizations.
What prompted you to run for this position and why should voters vote for you instead of your opponent?
I had been an active Democratic volunteer for years! The District 98 seat had been won by Republican John Bradford for two election cycles. During this time, we experienced the terrible loss of women’s reproductive rights. Representative Bradford broke his promise saying he was going to keep abortion at 20 weeks in North Carolina, and he voted for 12. He was my representative, and he did not reflect my needs, my daughters, or my community.
I felt that I had the experience both politically, as I rose from Democratic precinct volunteer to member of the N.C. Democratic State Executive Committee and had professional experience crafting corporate branding messages and organizing large-scale political events. My daughter was off to college, and I could devote the time and attention the seat deserves to take a deep dive into what is really happening within my community. I spent the last year talking to our citizens and learning their needs and what makes District 98 special. My opponent has minimal political experience and a very limited voting record.
What experience do you have that will help you be an effective legislator?
I served as chair of Democratic Precinct 127 and vice chair of the Democrats of North Mecklenburg. Also, I was elected and am a voting member of the N.C. Democratic Party Executive Committee. In addition, I’ve worked as a Mecklenburg County Democratic Election Judge and have volunteered on numerous local and national campaigns. I completed the Town of Davidson’s “Davidson 101” civic education program. I have served on the Parent Advisory Board at Davidson Elementary School. Additionally, I was the chair of the ReadDavidson citywide program in 2017.
Will you be voting for President Biden in the upcoming primary?
Yes, I will be voting for the president in the primary and in the general election. President Biden is the most experienced and wise candidate. He is empathetic, a long-term strategist and is the anti-chaos candidate.
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Beth Gardner Helfrich
Please share demographic information to help voters (your age, education, where you grew up)
I just turned 43, which makes me an elder Millennial/Xennial/member of the Oregon Trail micro-generation. I’m a lifelong, third-generation District 98 native, born and raised right here in Davidson. I’m a proud graduate of North Mecklenburg High School and Davidson College. My husband, Tim (also a Davidson grad and an owner of Summit Coffee since 2003), and I are raising our five children less than a mile from my childhood home.
What prompted you to run for this position and why should voters vote for you instead of your opponent?
My decision to step forward for our district and for North Carolina is a confluence of experience and timing. Our current NCGA is operating without the normal checks and balances we should expect from our government. District 98 is an open seat and will be one of the most competitive races in 2024. I’m not a career politician or party insider. I’m a candidate with a lifetime of experience in our district, a career in teaching and school leadership and the capacity and skillset to do this job — and well. We need more voices like mine at the table: folks who are still in the thick of it, working hard, caring for children and parents and experiencing in real time the impact of legislation coming out of Raleigh.
What experience do you have that will help you be an effective legislator?
As classroom teacher, a former school administrator and, more recently, the PTO president of our kids' school, I have tactical experience as a leader. I'm broadly seen as a creative problem-solver, a principled visionary and a thoughtful consensus builder. I understand, fundamentally, that relationships are at the core of all work. And as a busy working mom, I’m always juggling competing priorities, leveraging my networks of support, and adapting to the unexpected.
Will you be voting for President Biden in the upcoming primary?
Yes.
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Mecklenburg Board of County Commissioners
At-large (vote for 3)
Leigh Altman
Please share demographic information to help voters (your age, education, where you grew up, where you live in Mecklenburg County now)
Age: 51
Education: Florida State College of Law J.D. with Honors, May 1997; New College of Florida, B.A. in Social Sciences, May 1994
I was raised in Gulf Breeze, Fla.
I live in the Dilworth neighborhood of Charlotte.
Why are you running for this role again?
Our residents deserve genuine public servants, not politicians. I work hard every day to make progress on our community’s big issues and to be responsive to each person who reaches out with a question or concern about the services provided by Mecklenburg County government. I am running again because I feel I am helping the quality of life with concrete policy improvements and strengthening the social fabric of our community with governance that is responsive to the needs of our residents.
What accomplishment are you most proud of since you were last elected?
I am most proud of expanding innovative job training programs, recruiting employers of excellence to our county and pushing hard for increased safety and accountability in our public transportation system.
What tangible accomplishment would you like to see in your next term if you are elected again?
I’d like for us to achieve another $50 million for new land acquisition for community parks and greenways, strong financial support from the county for schools, a regional transit plan that will finally move forward, and closer collaboration between our centers of learning and hiring employers to strengthen the jobs pipeline.
Will you be voting for President Biden in the upcoming primary?
Yes.
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Pat Cotham
Please share demographic information to help voters (your age, education, where you grew up, where you live in Mecklenburg County now)
I am 73, a graduate of The University of Missouri-Columbia with two degrees: a B.A. in Spanish and a B.J. in Journalism (news/editorial focus). I grew up … everywhere. Born in St. Louis, San Francisco, Tampa, Ottumwa, IA, St. Louis again then Philadelphia, St. Louis again, Philadelphia again, St. Louis again then Dallas, then after college Chicago, Pittsburgh, Baton Rouge, Atlanta, Rock Hill, SC, Dallas then Charlotte in 1987 to present! I live in southeast Charlotte near Providence High School and the Arboretum.
Why are you running for this role again?
Running again because I receive strong support from the voters. They tell me they think I have common sense, strong work ethic, that I am very visible in the community and I am not afraid to speak up for what is right even if I stand alone. I look out for overspending and I have been against many tax increases. My expenses are always zero, and the people appreciate that. They need me, and I am there for them.
What accomplishment are you most proud of since you were last elected?
Every cycle I try to “go deep” on certain issues. Last year, it was evictions. I worked closely with families and spent many days in eviction court and riding with deputies to actually see a family evicted from their home. I will never forget that. I spent a lot of time with attorneys to better understand how they represent the people.
I went door to door with a group of people with Action NC to visit families paying high rent to an out of state corporate landlord. That was very helpful. I focused also on persons who were disabled going through eviction. I also “went deep” with more families who had lost a son to homicide. Seeing how they change and find purpose was so amazing. Talking more to them is a way we can better understand youth violence.
What tangible accomplishment would you like to see in your next term if you are elected again?
Don’t think I have one — I have had them in the past, but I am more focused on the people and helping them. My journalism education helps me look at issues and people as a story. Then I try to find out what problem or challenge they have and how did they get to that point.
When I am with our homeless neighbors, I often ask them what happened in their life that led to being homeless. There are plenty of big things I would like to do, but our board members often do not share my interests, and I accept that. The people support me, so I continue to do their work.
Will you be voting for President Biden in the upcoming primary?
Yes.
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Arthur Griffin
Please share demographic information to help voters.
As a Charlotte native, I am a 75-year-old African American father, grandfather and have been married for close to 50 years. Following active duty service in the United States Army, I received a B.S. in liberal studies from the University of the State of New York. I live in southwest Mecklenburg County in the Palisades neighborhood.
Why are you running for this role again?
I grew up in a Charlotte family during segregation where ends barely met. My teachers and community were lifelines to my success. I know the weight of poverty and the strength it demands. I want to use my lived experiences to make upward mobility a reality, rather than a political slogan.
What accomplishments are you most proud of since you were last elected?
I am most proud of the planned expansion of MECKSuccess 2.0 with the stated goal to “Elevate adult family members to living wage jobs within 2-5 years.” Also, I am proud to have championed additional Mecklenburg County mobile units, which deliver fresh produce to seniors and disabled people living in public housing communities. This opportunity directly impacts food disparities and access to healthy food which significantly impacts residents within our community.
What tangible accomplishment would you like to see in your next term if you are elected again?
As the chair of the Health and Human Services committee, I will ensure the successful launch of MECKSuccess 2.0 in addition to the development of a County Health Equity Plan and toolkit to address the rising health disparities among minority groups. These include infant mortality, premature deaths and new HIV cases. Additionally, I will complete the work to increase primary care doctor visits by Medicaid recipients to help close chronic health disparities. The Mecklenburg County Commission also serves as the County’s Health Commission.
Will you be voting for President Biden in the upcoming primary?
As a Vietnam veteran, and a person who put his life on the line for democracy, despite racial disparities in this country, I could not vote for an insurrectionist and will be voting for Biden in the primary.
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Yvette Townsend-Ingram
Please share demographic information to help voters (your age, education, where you grew up, where you live in Mecklenburg County now)
I will be 53 years old by the 2024 General Election.
I moved here from West Virginia 27 years ago.
I live in the crescent — County Commission District 2
I am the director of foundation relations at Johnson C. Smith University (JCSU)
I have a B.S. in business administration, an MBA, and a DBA (ABD) All but the dissertation.
I have two sons who graduated from CMS schools, and I taught for 2 years in CMS
I am chair of PCT 89 and also serve on the NC SEC.
What prompted you to run for this role and why should voters pick you?
I have been a servant-leader all of my life, serving within the Mecklenburg County community for 25 years. I've served in several organizations, but now I want to impact lives by creating policy and making budget recommendations that will improve upward mobility, and maintaining services that will help families fill in gaps of need.
What experiences in your past will make you an effective county commissioner?
Bluntly — I have “skin in the game.” I'm not ashamed to say that as a Black woman who has worked primarily in non-profits, been laid off at least four times in my career, and experienced systemic racism and gender bias in pay, I’ve needed county services and benefited from county services. I’ve experienced a lot, but I’ve also overcome a lot.
I have lived experiences that can inform policies to provide services that fill in those gaps, provide needed wrap-around services and contribute to upward mobility. I can serve with empathy, experience, excellence and equity. Voters should choose me because I’m ready to take my service deeper to work for them, and I will always work for them in some capacity.
In 2022, I wrote a grant that led to a Mecklenburg County award of $943,000 in ARPA funding to JCSU to train Black maternity professionals in an attempt to diminish the Black maternity mortality rate. Mecklenburg County residents who are at least 18 years of age can be trained and certified as lactation consultant specialists, doulas and childbirth educators.
Also in 2022, I was co-lead in D2 in the county's Participatory Budgeting Project. You can see the $1M in projects that our team proposed that are now being implemented here.
Will you be voting for President Biden in the upcoming primary?
An enthusiastic YES — I will absolutely vote to re-elect President Joe Biden and VP Kamala Harris!
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Blake Van Leer
Please share demographic information to help voters (your age, education, where you grew up, where you live in Mecklenburg County now)
Age: 41
Bachelor’s degree from Purdue; Georgia Tech MBA business candidate
Born in Atlanta, my parents often remind me that I was conceived on Georgia Tech campus ... After my dad moved his engineering firm to the D.C. metro area, I grew up around the DMV beltway. We lived on a small farm in the Fairfax area and later Annapolis. I moved to the Ballantyne area over eight years ago and love it here.
What prompted you to run for this role and why should voters pick you?
I want to bring a fresh perspective with a forward-thinking mindset. Mecklenburg is growing massively much like the DMV area did years ago, and now is the time to strategically prepare for what the future looks like, instead of reacting to growth while letting our community be left behind. We can't maintain the status quo and vote down budgets which support expansion. We need more resources for our homeless, mental health, health in general, jobs and educators.
What experiences in your past will make you an effective county commissioner?
I come with an extensive business and operating background with a focus on AI. Other projects include project managing multi million dollar commercial development projects to managing a team of 200 at a billion dollar company. I thrive in environments when it comes to partnering with leaders to obtain results and measure success metrics.
When it comes to housing and real estate costs, I plan to leverage my construction background to help prevent real estate costs from going over budget. The commission should require all future projects to model out predictive construction cost increases to avoid going over budget. It’s 2024, so we have an idea of what supply chain and cost increases look like now, and can prepare for these scenarios with the right leadership and data.
I'm also a firm believer that commissioners should maintain an open communication channel with our department heads, municipal officials and include weekly cadences. Collaborative planning can go a long way, and partnering with our internal departments, the city and other counties is a must.
Will you be voting for President Biden in the upcoming primary?
Yes.
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County commissioners District 2
Charles Osborne
What prompted you to run for this role and why should voters pick you over your opponent who is a longtime county commissioner?
What separates me from my opponent is I am the best candidate to serve District 2. I will bring a fresh perspective, accountability creative ideas and innovative solutions when elected to the Mecklenburg County Board of Commissioners. While my opponent has dedicated many years to public service, my background as a successful entrepreneur and my time as a former police officer/detective provide me with a unique skillset to address the challenges facing Mecklenburg County residents. Additionally, I am committed to effective and respectful leadership, which enables me to bring practical solutions to the table that people of diverse backgrounds can embrace. I am eager to build upon the foundation that has been laid, but I recognize that the community deserves an active leader.
What experiences in your past will make you an effective county commissioner?
As a Charlotte native, I want to serve as an advocate for our community, as I am committed to bringing effective leadership to the Mecklenburg County Board of Commissioners. I'm dedicated to finding forward-thinking solutions that will make Mecklenburg County a better place for us all.
Drawing from my experiences in law enforcement and as an entrepreneur, I’m focused on working constructively on issues like economic development, education and the overall health and well being of our community service. I know first-hand the importance of empowering small businesses, ensuring a safe community and advocating for a school system that works well for everyone. I want to bring people together and create effective solutions to improve Mecklenburg County.
Why did you leave the CMPD?
I left the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department to pursue my personal aspirations of being an entrepreneur. CMPD help me develop a special skill set that I still use in my day to day living. I was grateful to serve my community by serving within CMPD.
Will you be voting for President Biden in the upcoming primary?
YES
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County commission District 3
George Dunlap
Please share demographic information to help voters (your age, education, where you grew up, where you live in Mecklenburg County now)
I am 67 years old. I have a master’s degree in public administration, a bachelor of science degree in criminal justice, two associate degrees and completion of numerous leadership programs. I was born in Pineville and grew up in the Wilmore community. I currently live in the University City area.
Why are you running for this role again?
I want to continue the work that I am doing to make this community one that all its residence would be proud of. I am at a point where I am most effective, in that I have learned how to get things done.
What accomplishment are you most proud of since you were last elected?
Convincing the board to allocate real money to grassroot organizations, a minimum of $250,000 in ARPA funds, to address some of the critical issues affecting our community. Additionally, I am proud of leading the board and the community to adopt a comprehensive plan to address homelessness.
What tangible accomplishment would you like to see in your next term if you are elected again?
Now that the board has established metrics that allow us to track the progress of the work that we are doing, I believe that the board should began to focus more on affordability. Our community is growing rather fast, and I want to make sure that policies adopted by the board are not pushing people out of this community because they can no longer afford to live here.
Will you be voting for President Biden in the upcoming primary?
I have always considered who a person votes for to be a private matter, and that has not changed. Just know that I will be voting.
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