The busy person's guide
This guide shows every contested race for council of state, statewide judges, Iredell and Mecklenburg Counties.
It's also your to-do list for making a difference this year. Let's start there.
Vote
your mission
Make a difference
Talk with at least 5 people: You are 10 times more likely to get your friends and family to vote than anyone else. Get brave and talk to at least 5 people about who you’re voting for and why.
Canvass: You can knock doors, do lit drops, and/or canvass from your couch with Red Wine & Blue’s Rally tool. (Read the last page for details.)
VOTE: Show up to vote. We recommend early voting because:
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the lines will be shorter
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you can fix unexpected issues
Donate: Campaign finance is “trickle up.” Money you donate locally helps everyone on the ballot. Money you donate to the top of the ticket helps...the top of the ticket.
Bonus points
Bring 3 people with you to vote: Make sure your friends are getting their jobs done, too.
Post who you voted for on social media: Your vote is private and you can absolutely keep it that way. But, if you’re feeling bold, post your choices online. You never know who you might influence.
Host a text party: You know what’s fun? Inviting your friends over, drinking a glass of wine, and making democracy better.
Email Kate (katebarrcantwin@gmail.com) to host a text party. Text the folks you know and remind them to vote...and maybe suggest who to vote for.
Vote twice: JUST KIDDING. For real, don’t do this.
Meet your candidates
Now, read about every state-level contested race in Mecklenburg and Iredell Counties. Or you can skip ahead with the links below:
Council of state
North Carolina is one of only 11 states that elect all the members of our Council of State. The other 39 states have the governor appoint the council of state. It's pretty cool and super special that we get to choose these folks. It also means we have to put in the work to learn about our candidates.
Governor
Josh Stein
What does the governor do?
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Leads the executive branch of our state government
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Implements state law
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Sometimes can advance and revise laws
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Vetoes bad bills so they can’t become law (if we break the supermajority, that is)
About Josh
Josh is a native North Carolinian, and a graduate of Dartmouth College and Harvard Law. He and his wife Anna raised their family in North Carolina. He’s a dog owner and a college sports fan.
As the state Attorney General, Josh has:
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held corporate wrongdoers accountable
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made polluters pay to clean up the messes they made
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defended your reproductive and voting rights
As Governor Josh will prioritize:
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Strengthening the economy so it works for everyone
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Improving education for our kids
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Building a strong workforce
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Keeping us safe
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Defending reproductive freedom
Josh’s opponent is a right wing extremist who has:
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supported a national abortion ban
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verbally attacked...just about everyone?
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spread hateful conspiracy theories rooted in racism and anti-semitism
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encouraged violence against...just about everyone?
Lieutenant Governor
Rachel Hunt
What does the Lieutenant Governor do?
Stands in to govern when needed. In North Carolina’s case, this includes any time the Governor is out of state - yes, even for vacation.
About Rachel
Rachel is a Tar Heel, a mother of two, and a skilled legislator who got stuff done in Raleigh even when serving in the minority party.
As a State Senator, Rachel has:
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Advocated for victims of domestic violence in her legal career
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Been a long-term champion of public schools
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Defeated a 4-term incumbent in a gerrymandered district (we love to see it!)
As Lieutenant Governor Rachel will prioritize:
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Making healthcare more affordable
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Protecting reproductive healthcare
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Supporting small business
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Advocating for rural North Carolina
Attorney general
Jeff Jackson
What does the Attorney General do?
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Enforces federal and state laws
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Provides legal counsel in federal cases
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Interprets laws that govern state and federal institutions
About Jeff
Jeff is your friendly neighborhood US Congressman who lets you peek behind the curtain of government with his popular TikTok videos. He serves as a Major in the North Carolina Army National Guard, and lives in Charlotte with his wife and children.
As a State Senator and Congressman, Jeff has:
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Raised our expectations for political leadership with his honesty, decency, and transparency
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Combated poverty and built up the middle class
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Expanded healthcare access
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Fought for women’s rights
How Jeff will approach the AG job:
‘Attorney general is one of the best jobs in public service. The core of the job, the essential function, is to be a shield to defend people from a variety of threats. And it’s really not about left versus right. It’s more about doing what’s right. So you get to wake up every day, not really worried about partisan politics, just looking for ways to stick up for people in a very direct way.’
secretary of state
Elaine Marshall
What does the Secretary of State do?
Helps grow and strengthen our economy by overseeing economic and business-related operations of the state government.
About Elaine
Elaine is a lawyer, former State Senator, and the first woman elected to statewide office in North Carolina. She is a first generation college grad and a long-time supporter of 4-H.
As a Secretary of State, Elaine has:
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Developed the RURAL Rise initiative to bridge the urban-rural divide in economic growth
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Efficiently and securely supported North Carolinians who want to form corporations
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Served as president of the National Electronic Commerce Coordinating Council to make government agencies more efficient and modernized
superintendent of public instruction
Mo Green
What does the Superintendent of Public Instruction do?
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Serves as the administrative head of the State Board of Education
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Implements the state's public school laws for pre-K through 12th-grade public schools
About Mo
Mo is a long term North Carolinian, a two time Duke grad, a husband, and the father of two children. His favorite color is burgundy!
Mo is a champion of public schools who has served as a leader in both Guilford County, as superintendent, and Charlotte Mecklenburg schools, as a school board attorney.
As Superintendent of Public Instruction, Mo would prioritize:
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Revering school educators (by paying them more)
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Celebrating the good in public Schools
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Ensuring safe, secure learning environments
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Enhancing parent and community support
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Fully investing in public education
Mo Green’s Opponent is a right-wing extremist who:
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Publicly called for the televised execution of politicians she disagrees with (we only wish we were kidding)
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Loves QAnon conspiracy theories and tweeting anti-muslim sentiments
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Expresses contempt for public schools, calling them ‘indoctrination centers’
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Wants to get rid of the state Board of Education
State treasurer
Wesley Harris
What does the State Treasurer do?
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Serves as the state’s Chief Financial Officer and official banker
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Oversees pension plans and investments
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Provides financial support to local governments
About Wesley
Wesley is PhD economist who was raised in North Carolina by a public school teacher and a banker. He’s ready to invest in NC’s greatest resource, it’s people. (He was born in Iredell!)
Wesley is NC House Representative and has:
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Led as a messaging and policy expert for economic issues
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Used numbers and data to advocate for working people and families
As Treasurer Wesley will:
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Shift strategy from short to long-term to ensure financial solvency for years to come
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Use his economic know-how to make strategic investments when they matter most
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Advocate for first-in-class benefits for state employees
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Create more transparency regarding the state’s financial situation
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Cut out the political games and focus on providing excellent value to North Carolina tax payers
State auditor
Jessica Holmes
What does the state auditor do?
Serve as the state’s independent watchdog, who identifies wasteful government spending and ensures federal and legislative funds get to the people and places that need it most.
About Jessica
From Pender County head-start all the way through UNC Law School, Jessica is a proud participant in North Carolina’s education system. She was the youngest Commissioner in Wake county, and later the youngest person to serve as Chair of the Board. She is currently our unbossed and unbought State Auditor. She’s a horse girl, and she loves the outdoors.
As auditor Jessica has:
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Held government agencies accountable to the tune of hundreds of thousands of dollars, ensuring that your taxes dollars aren’t wasted
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Made sure our most vulnerable citizens are getting the necessary attention from OSA
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Issued the annual Statewide Single Audit of federal funds to ensure our state stewards funds are used effectively and efficiently (we’re talking $35 billion across hundreds of counties and agencies!).
Jessica pledges to serve with:
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Accountability: making every action answerable to the people.
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Integrity: upholding the highest standards of honesty, trustworthiness and ethics.
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Transparency: promoting open and clear communication and collaboration amongst state agencies and stakeholders.
commisioner of insurance
Natasha Marcus
What does the Commissioner of Insurance do?
Regulates the insurance industry and looks out for NC citizens by ensuring rates are fair, coverage is as-advertised, and valid claims are paid.
About Natasha
Natasha Marcus is a Duke Law grad who lives in Davidson with her family. As State Senator, she made so much good trouble that she was gerrymandered right out of her district. She’s on a mission to stand up against corruption, corporate greed, and bad government.
As a State Senator, Natasha:
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Pushed for expansion to abortion access
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Served on the Senate Commerce & Insurance Committee
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Championed people over corporations, individual freedoms over ideology, and smart investments in our state’s future
As Insurance Commissioner, she will:
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Do away with private settlements
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Force insurance companies to justify their rates at public hearings
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Advocate for the best interests of the people, not of the insurance companies (the same cannot be said for her opponent)
commisioner of agriculture
Sarah Taber
What does the Commissioner of Agriculture do?
Makes sure our farms produce enough food and fiber (like cotton, not metamucil) in North Carolina. Supports farmers in growing their businesses.
About Sarah
Sarah is a plant scientist who has deep roots in agriculture. She believes that farming can (and should) produce a viable living, and she dreams of a North Carolina that is rich in ice cream and hazelnut butter. (A vision we can all get behind.)
As a business owner consulting with family farms and Greenhouses, Sarah has:
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A 100% track record of her clients staying in business (a big feat in agriculture!)
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Demonstrated that farming can make money, the greenhouses and farms she helped launch are worth $4 billion (!)
Under the watch of Sarah’s opponent, our farmers are making way less than growers in neighboring states.
Sarah will fix this by:
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Adding high revenue crops like berries and carrots to what we already grow, we have the perfect conditions for them and there is demand!
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Investing in on-ramps and infrastructure for new farmers and Black and marginalized farmers
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Changing how we do business to keep agriculture money in the state, increase profitability, and strengthen rural economies
commisioner of labor
Braxton Winston
What does the Commissioner of Labor do?
Ensures the health, safety, and general well-being of the state's workforce.
About Braxton
Raised by a teacher and a Marine, Braxton has long valued education and public service. He’s a former football player and Davidson Wildcat. Braxton is a Union Member, and he knows that North Carolina can be great for both businesses and for workers.
As Commissioner of Labor, Braxton will:
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Prioritize worker safely and fair wages
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Fully staff our workforce, starting with the Department of Labor itself
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Take a ‘whole worker’ approach to eliminate poverty in our workforce, close the digital divide, and advocate for dependable childcare and transportation
The judiciary
State Supreme court
Allison Riggs
What does a State Supreme Court Justice do?
The Supreme Court is the state’s highest court, and its Justices are responsible for deciding questions that arise in lower courts, like whether something is constitutional.
About Justice Riggs
Justice Riggs is the youngest woman ever to serve on the North Carolina State Supreme Court, and she is a champion for equal justice under the law.
Justice Riggs has:
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Argued in front of the US Supreme Court for redistricting cases
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Served as Co-Executive Director for Programs and Chief Counsel for Voting Rights at the Southern Coalition for Social Justice
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Named her guiding principles as integrity, transparency, consistency and empathy.
Bonus: Electing Justice Riggs in November is our first step to getting fair maps back in NC.
nc court of appeals
What does a judge on the Court of Appeals do?
Court of Appeals Judges review the proceedings that occurred in the trial courts for errors of law or legal procedure.
Ed Eldred
Ed is a lifelong North Carolinian and appellate attorney who will:
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Uphold constitutional freedoms and preserve the rights of all North Carolinians
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Continue the commitment to justice he has demonstrated throughout his career. He always advocated for clients who had no one else to fight for them
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Restore balance to the court
Martin Moore
Martin is lifelong North Carolinian and double Tar Heel (undergrad and law school) who:
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Won an upset election to flip a Buncombe County Commissioner seat in 2022
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Started his career as a public defender
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Understands the people of North Carolina, and is committed to equal justice for everyone in the state
Judge Carolyn Thompson
Judge Thomson currently serves on the NC Court of Appeals where Republicans currently hold 11 of 15 seats. She:
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Has spent her career defending and advocating for victims of domestic violence and their children
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Volunteers as a Teen Court Judge and youth mentor to help first-time youth offenders
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Understands the importance of upholding the Constitution, and knows how to impartially apply the law to the facts of each case
state senate
What does a State Senator do?
Serves as one of your representatives in the General Assembly (in Raleigh) that represent you by introducing and voting on laws, and serving on committees. There are 50 state wide.
Kate Compton Barr
Kate is running to be the State Senator for NC District 37.
About Kate
Kate is a life-long North Carolinian and two time UNC Grad. She is raising hell with her Can’t Win Campaign, because gerrymandering is making all of our lives worse.
Kate has served on the Town of Davidson’s Planning Board, Mobility Committee, and Sustainability Committee. She was Davidson K-8 PTO president in 2023-24.
Your favorite losing candidate is:
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A behavioral scientist
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A persuasive communications expert
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A four-time Forbes-featured former CEO
Why can’t Kate win?
Our state is gerrymandered.
Gerrymandering is when our voting districts are slashed up into weird shapes so one party can keep their power. It’s wrong when Republicans do and it was wrong when Democrats did it.
Vote for Kate anyway and send a message to Raleigh. Together we can change North Carolina Politics forever.
Woodson Bradley
Woodson is running to be the State Senator for NC District 42.
About Woodson
Woodson is a community-service super-star and a domestic violence survivor who has used her voice to advocate for families across the state. She wants to continue her legacy of service by supporting common-sense solutions as your senator.
Woodson has served her community by:
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Leading Rotary Club volunteer efforts like planting trees, loading teacher cars with school supplies, and serving holiday breakfast at the Charlotte Mission
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Serving as NC Special Olympics Fall Games Venue Manager
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Working in Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools as a certified volunteer, substitute teacher, and classroom instructor
As a senator she will find common sense solutions to the challenges facing North Carolina’s:
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Public schools
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Health care
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Human rights and civil rights
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Small businesses and the local economy
state house of representatives
What does a State House Rep do?
Just like your state Senator, your state Rep can introduce and vote on laws, and serve on committees. There are 120 reps in the General Assembly.
Laura Budd
Laura is serving South Charlotte, Ballantyne, and Pineville as a House Representative for District 103.
She’s a lawyer and sits on the committees including Appropriations and Education.
She is focused on:
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Investing in education & public safety
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Bringing tax dollars home for local infrastructure
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Protecting reproductive rights and freedom
Chris Gilbert
Chris is an LGBTQIA+ service-connected veteran, nurse and experienced volunteer in his community. He is running to represent House District 84.
As House Representative, Chris will prioritize:
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Lifting up all the diverse voices of the 84th district
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Investing in strong public schools and paying teachers and staff a thriving wage
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Passing common sense gun legislation
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Standing up for strong personal freedoms; telling the politicians in Raleigh that we can make our own healthcare decisions and love who we want
Beth Helfrich
Beth is running to represent House District 98.
Beth is a busy mom of five (!) and former educator. She’s fed up with partisan games in Raleigh and wants to see the General Assembly represent its citizens, not make empty grabs for power.
And when she wins, she’ll break the republican supermajority.
As House Representative, Beth will focus on:
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Investing in public schools and accessible childcare
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Making sure North Carolina families are safe and healthy by securing abortion access, prioritizing clean air and water, and demanding common sense gun reform
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Ushering us into an era of responsible growth by finding transportation solutions, and expanding public works and housing options
Brandon Lofton
Brandon is running to keep representing HD 104.
Brandon is a Tar Heel and Harvard Law grad who is serving his second term in the General Assembly after beating a Republican incumbent in 2018.
As a Representative, Brandon is fighting to:
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Promote a vibrant and inclusive economy by supporting innovation and access to affordable healthcare and childcare
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Invest in our children by fully funding strong public schools and
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Protect our constitutional rights from partisan attacks
Nasif Majeed
Nasif is running to keep representing HD 99.
Nasif is a Vietnam veteran who has served on the Charlotte City Council, Housing Authority, Planning Commission and the Governor’s Commission on Education for Economic Growth. He has represented North Carolina’s 99th district since 2019.
As your representative, Nasif wants to:
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Make our community and state a safer place to raise our children
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See North Carolina businesses thrive
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Forge a future filled with unlimited promise
Mike Robinson
Mike is running to represent HD 95.
Mike Robinson is a retired business owner who says you only have to look at the roads to see that southern Iredell County is not well-represented in Raleigh. He believes in integrity, honesty, and open-mindedness. NOT TO BE CONFUSED WITH MARK ROBINSON!
As Representative, Mike will focus on:
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Making sure every citizen's voice is heard
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Strengthening our public schools, because NC's future depends on it
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FIXING OUR ROADS
Nicole Sidman
Nicole is running to represent HD 105.
Nicole was raised in a house full of lively debate and healthy disagreement, a clear precursor to her eventual career as an attorney. Nicole believes in fairness for all and has brought that mindset with her throughout her life; as a school volunteer, Social Justice coordinator at her Temple, and a volunteer attorney for the New York Civil Liberties Union.
As a representative, Nicole will prioritize:
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Protecting a woman's right to an abortion and blocking Republican efforts to erode our freedoms
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Fully funding public schools, raising teacher pay, and keeping public money in the public school system
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Protecting our right to vote and standing up to partisan gerrymandering (thanks Nicole!)
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Keeping our community safe by rolling back Republican laws that make it easy for convicted domestic abusers and criminals to purchase and own firearms