Hello friends. Thanks for joining me in the NC Deep Dive. I'm your host, Amanda Benbow Lunn, and we are in the thick of the 2026 primary election season. Early voting starts in less than a week on Thursday, February 12th, with election day being Tuesday, March 3rd. When you go to vote, you will be handed a ballot based on your address and your party affiliation. If you are unaffiliated, sometimes also referred here as independent, then you will have your choice of which party's ballot you would like to vote. Please note that you are only able to cast one ballot, and that there are no primary ballots for the libertarian, green, or no-labels parties. Moreover, candidates for the general election in November who do not have a primary challenger will not appear on your primary ballot. They get a pass directly to the general election. Due to time constraints and the plethora of candidates, and my belief that having as much information as possible is of vast importance, this primary election segment will consist of me covering one race at a time and going over each candidate's website and what I can find in a simple Google search in case it's easier for you to take the information in this way. I'll also be reading over the answers they gave if they submitted any responses to our 2026 voters guide questionnaire. If you are short on time, you can check out our NC Deep Dive Voter Guide for the 2026 primary election found pinned to our Facebook page or in this episode's show notes at www.ncdeepdive.com. It will be an easy way to access each candidate's website and research the candidates on your own if that is a better use of your time. Without further ado, friends, let's dive in. For this episode, we will be covering the North Carolina House of Representatives race for District 37 that will be on your Democratic ballot. There are three candidates running in this race, the first of which is Winn Decker, the second is Ralph Clements. The third is Marcus Gadson. We're going to start off with Winn Decker. His website is Winn 4nc.com. It says Winn Decker NC House District 37. Winn Decker, new leadership for Southern Wake County. Join our team to flip House District 37. You can enter your email and sign up there. It says Meet Winn Decker PhD. Democrat Winn Decker is running for the North Carolina House of Representatives in District 37 because Southern Wake deserves a leader who listens and delivers real results for families. The son of two public school teachers, Winn was raised in rural Northwest Tennessee, where he learned the value of hard work, service, and community. More than a decade ago, he made North Carolina home, earning his PhD in public administration from NC State University, and eventually planting roots in Fuquay Varina. Winn has built his career at the intersection of education and workforce policy. At the Hunt Institute, founded by former four-term governor Jim Hunt, he worked with governors, legislators, and state leaders from both parties to strengthen public schools, expand college access, and prepare a workforce ready for a changing economy. Today, he continues that bipartisan policy work nationally, while remaining deeply engaged in his Southern Wake community. Here at home, Winn serves as a youth basketball coach and community volunteer, bringing his passion for education and public service to the families he lives alongside. Winn's life and career have prepared him to lead with integrity, listen with empathy, and deliver results that matter for Southern Wake families. It says sign up to volunteer or request a yard sign. Endorsements. He's endorsed by the LGBTQ Plus Victory Fund, the Raleigh Wake Citizens Association, Wake NCAE, proudly endorsed by teachers, Wake County Commission Vice Chair Safiyah Jackson, Wake County Commissioner Tara Waters, State Representative Maria Cervania, Holly Springs Councilmember Annie Drees, Apex Councilmember Sue Mu. Apex Councilmember Ed Gray. Former Wake County Democratic Party Chair Kevyn Creech. Former Wake County Democratic Party Chair Rebecca Llewellyn. Holly Springs Councilmember Sarah Larson. Holly Springs Councilmember Chris Deshazor. Holly Springs Councilmember Kara Foster. Holly Springs Mayor Mike Kondratick. It says to learn more, you can click the button. And it says Democrat Winn Decker is proud to be endorsed by elected officials, community leaders, and organizations. Some of the others that he is endorsed by. It says proudly endorsed by teachers, Wake NCAE. The Wake County affiliate of the North Carolina Association of Educators is committed to fighting for our public schools, educators, and students. The NC State AFL CIO. The NC State AFL CIO and affiliated unions believe that all working people should have the opportunity to build better lives for ourselves and our families, to enjoy the fruits of our labor and to live with dignity. The Raleigh Wake Citizens Association, RWCA, serving the community since 1932. For 90 years, the Raleigh Wake Citizens Association, RWCA, has been an influential factor in supporting positive and progressive policy in Wake County. NC NOW, National Organization for Women Political Action Committee. The NC Now PAC of the National Organization of Women endorses candidates that demonstrate strong advocacy for women, girls, and LGBTQ plus persons in North Carolina and beyond. The LGBTQ Plus Victory Fund endorsed Candidate 2026. It says the LGBTQ Plus Victory Fund endorses candidates for elective office who identify as LGBTQ plus and support full equality for the community, support efforts to safeguard privacy and reproductive freedom, and demonstrate community support and a viable plan to win. The Wake County Voter Education Coalition. The Wake County Voter Education Coalition was formed in the early 1970s and offers a model to increase voter participation and expand citizen involvement in Raleigh slash Wake County. James Roberson, North Carolina State Representative, Maria Cervania, North Carolina State House Representative, Tammy Brunner, Wake County Register of Deeds, Safiyah Jackson, Vice Chair Wake County Commission, Tara Waters, Wake County Board of Commissioners, Mike Kondratick, Mayor of the Town of Holly Springs, Kelvin Stallings, Garner Town Council, Sarika Banzel, Cary Town Council, Annie Drees, Mayor Pro Tem, Town of Holly Springs, Chris Deshazor, Holly Springs Town Council, Ed Gray, Apex Town Council, Stormie Fort, Mayor Protem, City of Raleigh. Rebecca Llewellyn, former chair of the Wake County Democratic Party. Sarah Larson, Holly Springs Town Council, Dr. Kara Foster, Holly Springs Town Council, Brittany Richards, Cary Town Council. Jonathan Lambert Melton, Raleigh City Council. Sue Mu, Apex Town Council. Terry Mahaffey, Mayor Pro Tem of the Town of Apex, Dustin Ingalls, Wendell Town Commissioner. Shane Reese, Apex Town Council. Carissa Cohn Johnson, Cary Town Council. Kevyn Creech, former chair, Wake County Democratic Party. Mary Ann Baldwin, former mayor, City of Raleigh. Audra Killingsworth, former Council Member, Apex Town Council. Lindsay Mahaffey, former chair of the Wake County Board of Education. Sig Hutchinson, former Wake County Commissioner. Invest in change. If you prefer to contribute by personal check, please make payable to win for North Carolina. And there are buttons where you can donate. Your support gives us the resources we need to win this must-flip district on November 3rd, 2026. There is a button that says vote. How to vote for Winn Decker. When can I vote? There is various information answering the questions when can I vote? How can I find my Election Day polling location? I'm registered unaffiliated. Can I still vote in the Democratic primary? Do I need a photo ID to vote? I'm 17 but turn 18 before the general election. Can I vote in the primary? The tab for issues. Our platform was built for the people of Southern Wake County by the people of Southern Wake County. Affordability. Supporting seniors on fixed incomes. Healthcare costs people can afford. Child care that doesn't cost more than in-state tuition. Managing debt and the cost of borrowing. Supporting local farmers. College and workforce training that don't require folks going deep into debt. Home ownership solutions for first-time buyers. Strong schools. Following the Leandro Plan for appropriate school funding. Not burdening counties with unfunded state mandates. Paying our teachers for a master's degree. Raising veteran teachers' wages. Increasing the ratio of social workers and counselors. Funding professional development for educators. Increasing access to Smart Start, thriving communities, infrastructure that keeps up with our future needs. Reliable transit access, strengthening opportunities for parks and green spaces while reducing the effects of climate change. Access to safe and reliable healthcare options, including reproductive health care and mental health resources, community safety and well-being, supporting the newest children's hospital, responsible budgeting, passing a state budget that benefits North Carolinians, election integrity and passing Fair Maps. There is a tab for endorsements, but I've already gone over that. And there is a tab for volunteering. You can volunteer for Democrat Winn Decker. Help the voters of North Carolina House District 37 learn more about Democrat Winn Decker. Sign up here to Canvas Knock doors. Keep an eye on our Facebook page for updates. You'll be emailed or called if anything changes with your sign up canvas. Most canvases will begin at 9.30 a.m. Phone banks are on Wednesdays and are via a separate sign-up. Other opportunities are also below, including signing up for a yard sign. Yard signs are reserved for residents of House District 37. And then there are options where you can mark days that you can knock doors. You can let them know what your door knocking experience is, whether you've canvassed before, if you need a refresher, or if it's your first time and you would like somebody to go with you. There's one for I'm interested in other volunteer opportunities like hosting a meet and greet, poll greeting at early voting site, poll greeting on election day, writing postcards, phone banking, or other. And then it says I would like a yard sign, here is my address. And then there is a button to donate if you are interested. That is the totality of Winn's website. Doing a Google search, I found his Ballotpedia. It says Winn Decker Democratic Party is running for election to the North Carolina House of Representatives to represent District 37. He is on the ballot in the Democratic primary on March 3, 2026. Winn Decker earned a bachelor's degree from Rhodes College and a PhD from North Carolina State University. His career experience includes working as a policy analyst. He did answer some of Ballotpedia's survey questions. The first one is, Who are you? Tell us about yourself. It says Winn Decker is a Democratic candidate for North Carolina House of Representatives in District 37. He lives in Fuquay Varina and has resided in Wake County for more than a decade. He was raised in rural Northwest Tennessee and is the son of two public school teachers. Decker earned his PhD in public administration from North Carolina State University with a focus on education policy, public budgeting, and program implementation. His professional background includes work in higher education and workforce policy at the state and national levels, supporting governors, legislators, and state agencies on education and workforce initiatives. He currently works on state-level education efforts focused on expanding access to post-secondary education and improving coordination across workforce systems. In the community, Decker serves as a youth basketball coach and volunteer. He is running for office to represent the growing communities of Southern Wake County and to bring his experience in education and public policy to the North Carolina General Assembly. Please list below three key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office? One, affordability is a central pillar of my campaign. Families in Southern Wake County should be able to afford to live where they work and raise their families as the region grows. State policy must help people manage the cost of living and maintain financial stability. That includes housing affordability, access to health care, workforce opportunity, and responsible budgeting. Economic growth should lead to greater security and independence for residents, with policies that reduce financial strain and support long-term stability for working families and seniors. Two, strong public schools are a core pillar of my candidacy. As a son of two public school teachers and a policy professional with experience in education and workforce systems, I understand the importance of stable, reliable funding for public schools. Educator pay and support, reasonable class sizes, and access to student services all matter, especially in fast-growing communities. Funding models must keep pace with enrollment growth so schools are not left struggling to meet student needs. Strong public schools are essential to opportunity, workforce readiness, and long-term economic success in North Carolina. Three, thriving communities are the third core focus of my campaign as Southern Wake County continues to grow. Growth should strengthen our communities, not overwhelm them. Smart growth, infrastructure investment, and coordination between state and local governments are essential to making that happen. Roads, schools, and public services must keep pace so growth improves daily life rather than straining existing systems. With long-term planning, responsible budgeting, and community engagement, we can protect our quality of life and ensure growth benefits both current residents and future generations. What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about? I am passionate about public education funding, workforce development, and state fiscal policy. My PhD and my professional work has centered on how education and budget decisions affect classrooms, families, and local communities. I also believe in increasing healthcare access, responsible property tax policy, and making sure local governments have the resources they need as communities grow. North Carolina will benefit from clear budgeting, long-term financial stability, and ensuring public dollars are spent both transparently and responsibly. What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official? I believe the most important qualities in an elected official are integrity, sound judgment, and a strong sense of responsibility to the people they represent. Effective leadership requires preparation and the ability to understand complex issues so decisions are guided by evidence and long-term impact, not short-term politics. Transparency and accessibility also matter. Elected officials should listen carefully to constituents, explain their decisions clearly, and approach public service as stewardship of both public trust and public resources. What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office? He said, I believe the core responsibilities of a state legislator are representing constituents, developing and evaluating legislation, and overseeing the responsible use of public funds. Legislators must understand how state policy decisions affect local communities and ensure that laws are implemented as intended. Constituent service, oversight, and collaboration with colleagues are central to the role, particularly in a legislature responsible for shaping long-term policy and state budgets. Ultimately, the job is to focus on the issues that directly impact people's daily lives and help improve their quality of life. What was your very first job and how long did you have it? Winn's first job was umpiring coach pitch softball games at his local youth league while he was in high school. He started at age 16 once he was able to drive and continued umpiring through the rest of high school after basketball season each year. The experience taught him how to manage conflict, make clear and fair decisions under pressure, and communicate confidently with both adults and young athletes while helping players enjoy the game and grow. What do you perceive to be your state's greatest challenges over the next decade? North Carolina's greatest challenges over the next decade include affordability, sustaining strong public education, and maintaining long-term fiscal stability as the state continues to grow. As population growth increases demand for schools, infrastructure, and public services, the state must balance economic growth with responsible budgeting. Meeting these challenges will require long-term planning, careful fiscal decisions, and coordination between state and local governments. Done well, growth can strengthen communities and improve quality of life rather than strain the systems people rely on every day. Do you believe that it's beneficial for state legislatures to have previous experience in government or politics? Yes, prior experience in government or public policy can be beneficial, particularly when it helps legislatures understand how laws are developed, funded, and implemented. That experience can be especially valuable in navigating budgets, evaluating trade-offs, and anticipating the real world impact of policy decisions. At the same time, experience must be paired with humility and strong constituent engagement. Effective legislatures stay grounded in the needs and the perspectives of the people they represent and remain open to learning from the communities they serve. Do you believe it's beneficial to build relationships with other legislatures? Please explain your answer. He said yes. Building relationships with other legislatures is essential to effective governance. Collaboration helps lawmakers understand different perspectives, navigate the legislative process, and advance policies that can gain broad support. Strong working relationships also help ensure legislation is thoughtfully developed and does not unintentionally harm communities. By working collaboratively, legislators can address complex challenges and ensure policy making is informed by dialogue and problem solving, rather than partisanship alone. Candidates may hear personal stories from voters. Is there a story that you've heard that you found particularly touching or memorable? He said. What stayed with Winn was not a single policy request, but her desire to know whether anyone in state government was paying attention to what families like hers were experiencing day to day. That conversation reinforced for Winn the importance of thoughtful, long-term decisions that give families confidence about their future and help communities grow in ways that work for the people who already live there. What is an accomplishment that you are proud of? Winn is proud of choosing to apply his policy training in ways that directly serve the public. After completing his PhD in public administration, he had the option to remain in academic research, but instead chose to work closely with state leaders, educators, and institutions on education and workforce issues. He views that decision as an accomplishment because it reflects a commitment to public service and is strengthening education systems that support opportunity, civic participation, and long-term community stability. I did not find anything for Winn's campaign finance summary, even looking at the county or state websites. Winn did fill out our North Carolina Deep Dive Voters Guide Questionnaire. Number one, Experience and Preparation. What experience prepares you for the responsibilities of this role? He said, I have spent my career working at the intersection of policy and practice. I hold a PhD in public administration with a focus on budgeting and education policy. I have worked closely with state agencies, governors' offices, and legislators on education, workforce, and economic policy. That experience has given me a clear understanding of how decisions made in Raleigh affect classrooms, local governments, and families. What prepares me most is my focus on execution. I have worked on implementing policy, not just debating it. And I understand how legislation, budgets, and oversight fit together. I bring experience navigating the legislative process, grounding decisions in evidence, and staying focused on outcomes. That is the combination of policy knowledge and practical experience I would bring to the General Assembly. Number two, top priority. What is the first state issue you would prioritize and how would it specifically affect Wake County? He said, My top priority is affordability. In Wake County, families are feeling the pressure of rising housing costs, childcare expenses, and longer commutes even as the region continues to grow. Many people are working hard and still struggling to keep up. And state policy plays a major role in whether growth makes life more affordable. affordable or more expensive. I believe the state needs to better align housing, infrastructure, and education policy so growth is planned and sustainable. That means increasing housing supply, coordinating transportation and infrastructure investment, and making sure public schools are properly funded. Getting affordability right at the state level directly affects whether families in Wake County can stay in their communities and build long-term stability. Number three, decision making. How do you decide between party priorities and the needs of a district that may not always align with them? He said, I start by listening to the people I represent. Party platforms and shared values matter, but representation begins with understanding the day-to-day realities facing families in the district. I believe good decision making requires being grounded in evidence, clear about values and honest about trade-offs. When there is tension between party priorities and district needs, I focus on what will actually improve outcomes for Wake County. I believe in communicating openly with constituents and colleagues about why I'm taking a position and in staying accountable to the people who live in the district rather than defaulting to politics or pressure. Number four, compromise and limits. What is one area where compromise is necessary and one where it is not? He said, I believe compromise is necessary when it helps make people's lives better, especially in a legislature where Democrats are likely to be in the minority. Progress often requires finding areas of shared interest, building coalitions, and moving policy forward in practical steps rather than waiting for perfect alignment. Where compromise is not acceptable is on fundamental rights and access. I do not believe in trading away things like access to healthcare, fair elections, or strong public education for short-term political wins. These are core responsibilities of government and should not depend on who holds power at a given moment. Number five, independence and representation When would you say no to party leadership to better represent your constituents? He said when a proposal does not reflect the realities facing families in my district or shifts cost onto local communities without solving the underlying problem. I will say no to that proposal. That includes policies that reduce state responsibility while leaving counties and households to absorb the impact through higher taxes, fewer services, or increased cost. I will vote for my district first. Southern Wake County has unique needs regarding transit and growth that are my top priorities when elected. We have seen the cost of having our current representative who is hyperpartisan and more focused on culture wars over the needs of Southern Wake County. six concrete example Can you describe a specific problem in your district or county and explain how your approach would differ from current solutions? He said one clear challenge in Southern Wake County is growth that has outpaced infrastructure. Traffic congestion, longer commutes, and strained local roads are daily realities for many residents. Too often the response has been to widen roads without coordinating housing, transportation and land use, which tends to move congestion around rather than solve it. My approach focuses on planning growth more deliberately and giving local municipalities more authority to shape solutions. I believe transportation investment should be coordinated with housing and development decisions and guided by local and regional input. That includes supporting transit, improving connectivity between communities and ensuring state investments align with how people actually live and work. My goal is to reduce congestion while giving local governments the flexibility to address growth in ways that make sense for their communities. Number seven accountability how should voters hold you accountable if you are not representing their constituents interests? He said accountability starts with being accessible and present. Voters should expect regular communication, open town halls, and opportunities to share feedback throughout the year, not just during election season. If people disagree with me, they should be able to reach me directly, understand how decisions were made, and know that their concerns are being heard. I also believe accountability means transparency. Voters should judge me based on my record, my engagement with the community and whether I follow through on what I say I will do. Representation should be an ongoing conversation grounded in trust, responsiveness and a willingness to listen. 8 learn more how can voters learn more about you, your values and your priorities? He said voters can learn more about me by visiting winn4nc.com that's win the number 4nc.com where they can find my priorities, background and ways to get involved. The campaign regularly shares updates and opportunities to connect both online and in the community. I encourage people to be a part of this team to be part of the work. Whether that means joining a canvas helping with a phone bank or showing up to a community event there is a role for everyone. This is a competitive race and flipping the seat will take neighbors working together. I believe the best campaigns are built with people not just for them and I invite voters to join the effort. IndyWeek does have an article for him and see House District 37 Winn Decker that was published on February 6th of this year. It says name Winn Decker, age 33 Party Affiliation Democrat Occupation and Employer Senior Manager Common App. His questionnaire responses, if he's already mentioned it in the previous questionnaires, I'll go ahead and skip that, but you can always come back to this IndyWeek article to read more. Number one, what in your background qualifies you to represent the people of your North Carolina district effectively? What would you cite as your biggest career accomplishment? Much of this is the same as the other questionnaires. There's a little bit different here. Professionally I have worked with governors offices, state agencies, legislators and local leaders to design and implement education and workforce initiatives. My role has consistently been less about headlines and more about execution. I understand how policy moves through the General Assembly, how budgets are built and how well-intentioned ideas can fall apart without planning and follow through. The accomplishment I am most proud of is helping states carry out large multi-year education and workforce initiatives that expanded access while operating within real fiscal and political constraints. That work required collaboration, discipline and persistence, and it delivered results people could actually see. It is the same mindset I would bring to representing this district grounded in an experience focused on outcomes and accountable to the people affected by the decisions we make. Two, what do you believe to be the three most pressing issues facing the next General Assembly? What steps do you believe the state should take to address them? Again, he lists the first is affordability, the second is public education, and the third is responsible budgeting and governance. three, North Carolina expanded Medicaid two years ago. However, federal budget cuts now threaten the program due to a state trigger law that ends expansion if federal support drops below 90%. How would you address Medicaid funding to maintain coverage for the millions of North Carolinians enrolled? He said Medicaid expansion has meaningfully improved access to healthcare across North Carolina and the trigger law tied to federal funding was intended as a fiscal safeguard. The problem is that it turns a complex budget decision into an automatic cutoff, even if ending coverage would create greater cost elsewhere in the system. If federal support were to change the General Assembly should not allow expansion to end by default. Lawmakers should revisit the trigger and treat Medicaid funding as a deliberate budget decision, informed by data on uncompensated care, hospital stability, workforce impacts and overall costs to the state. Rural hospitals in particular rely on Medicaid expansion to keep their doors open and abrupt termination would put many at risk. The state has options that includes modifying the trigger to allow legislative discretion, using reserves as a temporary bridge while federal policy is clarified, and weighing the real cost of termination against maintaining coverage. Simply ending expansion will shift costs to hospitals, local governments and families that option does not work for North Carolinians. The General Assembly has recently passed legislation limiting local control over zoning and development standards to address housing shortages. Do you support the legislature's approach of limiting local zoning authority to increase housing supply or should municipalities retain greater autonomy over land use decisions? He said North Carolina needs to build more housing and the state has a role to play in addressing shortages that cross municipal boundaries. At the same time, a one size fits all approach from the General Assembly is not the right solution. Local governments are closer to the realities of growth including infrastructure, capacity, transportation needs and how development affects schools and services. Limiting local authority may accelerate some housing production but it can also create problems if growth is not coordinated with transit, roads and utilities. I believe the state should focus on setting clear goals, aligning funding with housing production and removing unnecessary barriers while still giving municipalities flexibility in how they meet those goals. That includes encouraging missing middle housing, supporting transit-oriented development and tying state investments in transportation and infrastructure to local housing plans rather than preempting them outright. Number five, how would you address the rising cost of housing, childcare, and basic necessities facing North Carolina families? He said rising costs are putting real pressure on families and there is no single fix. Housing, childcare, transportation and basic necessities are all connected and state policy often treats them in isolation. On housing, the state needs to increase supply while coordinating infrastructure and transportation so growth is sustainable. That means supporting a wider range of housing types, aligning infrastructure investments with where housing is built and giving local governments the tools to plan effectively rather than shifting costs onto them. Childcare is both a family issue and a workforce issue. The state should focus on stabilizing the childcare system by supporting providers, addressing workforce shortages and making care more affordable for working families. When childcare breaks down it affects labor force participation and household stability. More broadly the General Assembly needs to be honest about how state decisions affect household costs. That means budgeting in a way that does not shift expenses onto families through higher property taxes, underfunding schools, or longer and more expensive commutes for workers. It also means recognizing that cutting revenue without a plan often raises costs elsewhere, even if those costs do not show up directly in the state budget. Climate disasters are intensifying. Hurricane Helene devastated western North Carolina in 2024. Tropical storm Chantel flooded the triangle in 2025 and coastal erosion threatens the outer banks with much affordable housing located in flood prone areas and FEMA resources stretched thin, what is your plan for climate resilience and disaster relief? He said climate disasters are no longer isolated events in North Carolina. In just the past few years flooding in western North Carolina, repeated storms in the triangle and erosion along the coast have exposed how vulnerable many communities are. In southern Wake County residents see how rapid growth and aging infrastructure collide when heavy rain overwhelms stormwater systems, disrupts daily life and threatens homes. Too often low-income families and renters bear the greatest risk as affordable housing is more likely to be located in flood prone areas with fewer protections. The state needs to get ahead of these risks instead of responding only after the damage is done. That means investing in stormwater systems, flood mitigation and resilient roads and utilities, while giving local governments the flexibility to plan responsibly for growth. It also means holding developers and insurers accountable when building or underwriting in high risk areas rather than allowing costs to be pushed onto families and local governments after disasters strike. FEMA resources are stretched and recovery cannot fall solely on local communities. North Carolina should maintain flexible emergency funds, move faster on recovery, and partner closely with local governments and community organizations already doing this work. How the state plans for climate risk will shape whether communities can recover and remain affordable places to live. Number seven, the General Assembly recently passed a new congressional redistricting map. This marks the state's seventh congressional map since 2016. How do you view the most recent redistricting and do you support independent redistricting processes or do you believe that the legislature should retain this power? He said North Carolina's most recent redistricting is part of a troubling pattern. This is the seventh congressional map since 2016 and that kind of instability is not healthy for a democracy. Constantly redrawing districts to serve those in power undermines voter confidence and makes elections feel more like political gamesmanship than fair competition. Gerrymandering by any party weakens representation but the current maps reflect a clear effort by legislative leaders to lock in power rather than respond to voters. I support an independent redistricting process with clear standards and real checks and balances. Decisions about representation should not be made by the same politicians who benefit from the outcome. The redistricting maps combined with recent power grabs around the State Board of elections and the fight we saw to retroactively invalidate votes during Justice Riggs election point to a broader erosion of trust in how our elections are administered. Restoring confidence requires transparency, independence and guardrails that put voters ahead of partisan advantage. North Carolinians deserve elections that are fair, stable and worthy of their participation. eight, the General Assembly failed to pass a 2025 to 2027 budget, leaving teachers without raises. North Carolina ranks 43rd nationally in teacher pay. How would you address teacher compensation and what will you do to ensure a budget passes that adequately funds education? He said failing to pass a budget has real consequences and teachers are often the first to feel them. When budgets stall raises are delayed and school systems are left planning in uncertainty. Teacher pay should not be treated as a bargaining chip. North Carolina needs to pass budgets on time and commit to sustained competitive compensation that keeps pace with the cost of living. Doing that requires discipline in how we fund public education. Large tax cuts have reduced state revenue and shifted more pressure onto counties even as expectations for schools continue to rise. We also need clearer guardrails around education funding. Opportunity scholarships should not grow at the expense of public schools and the education lottery should be used transparently and consistently for its intended purposes, supplementing, not replacing core education funding. Strong public schools depend on aligning priorities with the budget and following through year after year. Growing up with teachers along with my time at the Hunt Institute helped me understand how important our teachers and support staff are, not only to our students, but to our state's growth and development. North Carolina currently has a 12-week abortion ban with certain exceptions. Some legislators have proposed further restrictions. Do you support the current law? Do you believe access should be expanded or would you support further restrictions? He said I do not support further restrictions on abortion and I believe decisions about pregnancy and reproductive health should be made by a patient in consultation with their doctor, not by politicians. The current law has already created barriers and uncertainty for patients and providers, particularly in complicated or time-sensitive situations. North Carolina should focus on supporting comprehensive reproductive health care that includes protecting access to abortion, expanding access to contraception, and supporting medically accurate health education so people can make informed decisions. Policies that restrict care tend to fall hardest on those with fewer resources without reducing the need for care itself. The state's role should be to support safe, legal health care and informed choice, not to insert itself in the private medical decisions. 10, federal legislation will ban most hemp derived THC products like Delta VIII by November 2026, threatening North Carolina's hemp industry. Meanwhile, recreational marijuana remains illegal and medical marijuana bills have stalled. What is your position on hemp regulation and how would you address the upcoming federal ban, if at all? He said North Carolina's hemp industry has become an important part of the state's agricultural economy and abrupt changes at the federal level could have serious consequences for farmers and small businesses who followed the rules and invested in this market. As federal policy shifts, the state should focus on providing clarity and stability for producers, not leaving them in limbo. That means engaging early with federal partners, giving farmers time to adapt, and ensuring state regulations are clear, consistent and focused on safety rather than punishment. At the same time, the current patchwork approach to THC products is not sustainable. North Carolina should move forward toward a more coherent cannabis policy that prioritizes public health, consumer safety and access to legitimate medical use. I support advancing medical marijuana legislation and creating a regulated framework that replaces today's gray market with clear standards, testing and oversight. We can protect farmers, safeguard consumers and reduce uncertainty by addressing this issue directly instead of allowing federal action and inaction in Raleigh to dictate outcomes by default. 11, Governor Josh Stein recently signed Iryna's Law, which eliminates cashless bail, requires mental health evaluations for certain defendants, and attempts to restart the death penalty by requiring alternative execution methods if lethal injection is unavailable. The law also accelerates death penalty appeals. Where do you stand on the death penalty in changes made by the law? He said I do not support the death penalty. The risk of wrongful convictions is real and once an execution is carried out, there is no way to correct those mistakes. Those risks fall disproportionately on marginalized defendants and people who cannot afford strong legal representation. Restarting executions by changing methods or accelerating appeals does not address the underlying problems with capital punishment. It simply reduces the time available for review in a system that has already proven it can get things wrong. Public safety depends on a justice system that is fair and credible. That means adequately funding public defenders so caseloads do not overwhelm the right to a meaningful defense, using mental health evaluations appropriately, and resisting the politicization of the courts. Judges and prosecutors should be focused on applying the law fairly, not signaling that they are tough on crime. A speedy trial should never come at the expense of accuracy or due process. 12, tech companies are investing heavily in North Carolina data centers, bringing jobs and tax revenue but also consuming significant electricity and water resources. How should the state balance data center investment with environmental protection and community concerns? He said North Carolina and especially the triangle has long been a hub for technology and innovation and data centers are now part of that growth. They bring investment and tax revenue but they also place significant demands on electricity, water and local infrastructure. If the state wants to continue attracting these projects it needs to be honest about their full impact not just the economic upside. That means clear expectations from the start large energy and water intensive projects should plan for how they will affect the grid and local systems and they should be responsible for the cost associated with that demand. The state should strengthen oversight require transparency around resource use and give local governments a meaningful role in citing decisions. Growth should work for the communities hosting it, not leave them managing higher costs or strained infrastructure after the fact. 13, give an example of an opinion, policy, vote or action you changed based on constituent feedback. If you have not yet held elected office, describe a time when you changed your position on an issue after listening to those affected by it. He said as technology became more common in classrooms, I was initially open to the idea that personal devices like phones could be managed in ways similar to other educational tools. Like many people I believe the challenge was less about whether technology belonged in schools and more about how it was used. Over time listening to teachers, parents and students changed that view. Educators were clear about the impact phones were having on attention, classroom management and student well-being, and newer research reinforced those concerns. Based on that feedback and evidence, I came to support clearer limits on cell phone use during the school day with appropriate exceptions. That experience reinforced how I try to approach policy. Listen to the people closest to the issue, pay attention to the evidence, and be willing to adjust it when it becomes clear something is not working as intended. Number 14 Are there any issues This questionnaire has not addressed that you would like to address. He said one issue that cuts across many of these questions is how the General Assembly actually does its work. Too often we see the majority party focus on passing bills without taking the time to understand how a law will be implemented, how it will be overseen, and what kind of follow-through to expect from the legislature, along with how a bill will be funded so the burden doesn't fall on local governments and taxpayers. Whether it is education funding, infrastructure, healthcare, or environmental policy, families feel the consequences when the state does not plan carefully or revisit policies that are not working as intended. I am running to bring a more disciplined and accountable approach to governing. I plan on being a representative that values evidence, listens to communities, and treats policy making as an ongoing responsibility, rather than a one-time vote. One website page that came up on his Google search was from Rhodes College. It says Winn Decker introduces Vice President Biden at an It's on Us event. It was published on October 18th, 2016. Chemistry alumnus Winn Decker of 2015 recently introduced Vice President Joe Biden to a group of members of the It's on Us campaign, which focuses on sexual assault awareness and prevention on college campuses. Decker, who is a graduate student at North Carolina State University, recently completed a year-long appointment to the It's on Us Student Advisory Committee, launched in 2014 in a partnership between the White House and Generation Progress. Decker also served as the It's on Us campaign director at Rhodes. Another website I saw has Winn Decker, the Senior Manager of State Initiatives. It says Winn Decker, PhD, currently serves as the Senior Manager of State Initiatives at Common App, focusing on enhancing post-secondary access through educational technology solutions at the state level. Additionally, Winn is the founder of W. Decker Strategies, where comprehensive training sessions on workforce development and DEI principles are conducted. Previously, Winn held the position of Deputy Director for Higher Education at the Hunt Institute, leading workforce development initiatives informed by K-12 and Higher Education Systems. Prior experience includes roles as senior policy analyst at North Carolina State University, where policy and financial analysis were conducted to aid local workforce development strategies and research assistant for the United States Senate Committee on the budget, compiling research to support legislative efforts. Winn holds a PhD in public administration and a master's in higher education administration from North Carolina State University, as well as a bachelor's in chemistry from Rhodes College. There's also a LinkedIn for W. Decker Strategies. It says Business Consulting Services, located in Fuquay Varina, North Carolina. It says about us, W. Decker Strategies is a North Carolina-based consulting firm that works at the intersection of policy, education, workforce development, and technology. The firm specializes in strategic facilitation, policy research and analysis, AI-driven productivity and advancement and workforce and economic development. We partner with education leaders, policymakers, and nonprofit organizations nationwide to help strengthen systems, improve decision making, and deliver results that expand opportunity and efficiency. Our work is grounded in rigorous data analysis, practical strategy, and an understanding of how policy operates in real communities. We focus on helping organizations use evidence effectively, align stakeholders, and design solutions that are fiscally responsible, operationally realistic, and responsive to local needs. Whether supporting education systems, workforce pathways, or public sector initiatives, our approach emphasizes clarity, accountability, and long-term public value. Decker Strategies is led by Dr. Winn Decker, who brings more than 10 years of experience in policy analysis, facilitation, advocacy, and strategic planning. He holds a PhD in public administration slash policy, policy with a focus on public budgeting and has worked extensively across education policy and state and local governance. The firm is committed to long-term partnerships that help organizations navigate complexity, adapt to change, and achieve measurable impact. And it was founded in 2023. And you can also find Winn Decker on both Facebook and Instagram. And that brings us to the second candidate who is running for the North Carolina House of Representatives for District 37, and that is Ralph Clements. His website is RalphClements.com. It says Ralph Clements, House District 37. Ralph Clements for House District 37, experience new leadership for Wake County. Why I am running this campaign. The current North Carolina legislative leadership has prioritized personal interest over public service, advancing policies that reduce support for veterans, limit healthcare resources, and cut essential programs. These actions, coupled with divisive rhetoric, undermine our community's well-being. As a Wake County resident with over 35 years of business leadership experience, I am committed to restoring effective government, rebuilding public trust, strengthening public education, ensuring access to quality healthcare, and keeping North Carolina affordable for all citizens. Wake County's natural beauty, strong schools, and economic opportunities make it an exceptional place to live. It is imperative that government works for all of its citizens. Join our campaign to return power to the people. There is a button where you can donate. There are links for Instagram, Facebook, and Blue Sky. There is a link where you can donate. There's a tab where you can meet Ralph, and it says Ralph Clements was born in Lenore County, North Carolina, and grew up in Raleigh. The son of Wake County public school teachers, his family has lived in and around Wake County for at least seven generations. After attending Wake County Public Schools, Ralph earned a degree in computer science at NC State University. He and Christine got married at the Raleigh Rose Garden 34 years ago and have two grown children. Ralph's early career involved working on computer systems for the military and manufacturing companies. For the last 30 years, he has been a consultant to healthcare leaders, working with dozens of hospitals across the U.S. and improving their computer systems to provide better patient care. Whether developing business strategies or installing new technologies, each assignment required pulling together a diverse group of people and leading them in solving complex problems. As a community volunteer, Ralph has been a youth soccer coach, scout leader, church leader, American Red Cross instructor, and has led nonprofits with multimillion dollar budgets. His consistent leadership in various roles showcases his dedication and effectiveness. Ralph is running for office to provide experienced leadership, address real issues, and move away from divisive politics. The people of Wake County can trust Ralph's integrity and benefit from his proven ability to bring diverse groups together. It goes on to say business and technical leadership. Ralph's management consulting work has included working with hospital executives to lead the transition of multiple, complex information systems as hospital facilities were acquired and added to a large health system. This has often included building technical infrastructure such as data centers and networks and deploying the specialty devices care providers use while treating patients. System security, performance, and reliability are essential. Before serving healthcare clients, Ralph worked on systems in North Carolina's textile industry, applying high-tech solutions to fight back against cheap labor from overseas. He also worked for the NC Army National Guard, where he was recognized for exceptional service by the U.S. Army Chief of Staff, School Volunteer Service. Ralph founded a volunteer fundraising organization to support the choral music program at a new public high school, raising money to supply materials and opportunities not covered in the county budget. He also led the building the stage sets for theater classes, emphasizing creativity and economy. Volunteer Scout Leader. Ralph served 10 years in multiple roles as a Boy Scouts adult volunteer, unit leader, summer camp director, training instructor, and regional activities director. He was thanked with multiple awards, including the District Award of Merit, Church Service. Elected as a Presbyterian elder in 2005, Ralph served as a congregational leader and as a chairman of the board of directors for the Presbytery, a regional governing body. Ralph led multiple group trips to the Gulf Coast and the Appalachian Mountains to serve communities affected by disasters, including several trips to Mississippi and Louisiana after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. There is a tab for priorities. Legislative priorities. Ralph Clements is committed to addressing a wide range of issues that impact our community. We need to get the legislature back to working for the people, support public education, ensure healthcare access, and guide smart development for affordability and sustainability. Restore trust in state government, end the Republican majority, and get the legislature back to working for the people. Pass timely and appropriate state budgets that reflect our values and priorities. Establish an independent commission to draw fair district maps and end gerrymandering. Communicate clearly to the public about legislative accomplishments. Protect Governor Stein's veto. Make NC the education state again. Make teacher and administrative pay nationally competitive. Expand access to high-quality pre-K and strengthen child care services and staff pay. Provide more school counselors, nurses, social workers, and psychologists for better mental health support and lower student-to-support staff ratios. Monitor student progress accurately to guide oversight and accountability. Support low-income students, English learners, and students with disabilities with quality resources. Increase per student funding to meet these goals. Restore the income cap for private school vouchers. Work to end the private school voucher system and restore this funding to public schools. Work to provide free school breakfast and lunch for all North Carolina students. Protect access to healthcare. Ensure that all citizens have access to quality affordable health care, including comprehensive mental health care services. Work to ensure women continue to have access to comprehensive reproductive health care and eliminate maternity deserts. Restore women's health care decisions to women and their doctors only. Support rural hospitals and counties without access to a hospital. Keep life affordable. Work to make housing and rents more affordable and control property insurance costs. Work to bring down healthcare and prescription drug costs. Protect Medicaid funding. Lead municipalities for regional planning. Manage rapid regional population growth. Work to develop walkable and sustainable communities. Cooperate on infrastructure such as transportation, water supply, and wastewater management for fairness and sustainability. Protect our environment. Encourage and reward the use of sustainable energy. Manage development of high energy users like data centers and Bitcoin mines. Hold polluters accountable to the people. There is a tab for video journal. There is one that says on the road with Ralph, Veterans Day. People who respect the services of our veterans would not use them for political stunts. There's another that says on the road with Ralph, toll roads. The third is Wake County has a housing problem. Work day, work day with habitat for humanity. The next, on the road with Ralph. Let's talk about the North Carolina healthcare crisis. And the last is Meet Ralph Clements. There is a tab that says join us. Ralph Clements, House District 37. Experience new leadership for Wake County. Get involved with the Ralph Clements campaign. Become part of positive change in our community. Join the Ralph Clements campaign and make a real impact. Whether it's canvassing neighborhoods or organizing fundraising activities, there are numerous ways for you to contribute. Let us know how you'd like to get involved. You could become a volunteer. Join us in our mission to create a better future for our community. Your dedication and support can truly make a difference in the upcoming election. You could host a campaign event. You can play a vital role by hosting a house party or organizing an event to promote Ralph Clemens' vision. Your enthusiasm and commitment will help us reach more people and spread our message effectively. The third option is to donate. Make a contribution. Your generous contributions can fuel our efforts to bring about positive change. Every donation, no matter how big or small, will directly support our campaign and the initiatives we stand for. To find out more, you can fill out the form below. And you can also mark how you would like to help, whether it's canvassing, hosting a house party, making phone calls, or supporting in another way. And then there is an NC Democrats logo at the bottom of his website. And that is the totality of his website. Looking him up on a Google search, I found his Ballotpedia page. It says Ralph Clements of the Democratic Party is running for election to the North Carolina House of Representatives to represent District 37. He is on the ballot in the Democratic primary on March 3rd, 2026. He did answer a couple of Ballotpedia's survey questions. Please list below three key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office? Number one, public trust in government has been eroded by Republican extremists in the legislature. They have taken funding from public schools and eliminated critical services for veterans and children. Their gerrymandering of voting districts has limited the public's ability to elect reasonable representatives. During my career of over 35 years of business leadership, I have worked in multiple industries across the U.S. and five foreign countries. Through that experience, I learned how to work with difficult people in difficult situations. The people want government that is responsive and fair. The business world wants government that is reliably stable. I plan to use my career experience to find reasonable solutions, get government working again. Number two, North Carolina's constitution makes education a fundamental right, mandating, quote, a general and uniform system of free public schools. My parents were both Wake County public school teachers, so I know the stress felt by educators both on the job and from low salaries. When I attended Wake County schools, North Carolina was known as the education state. Republican politics have led us to the bottom of school systems with teacher pay and expenditures per student among the lowest in the U.S. Education is the key to building communities, job markets, and our economy. Better educated people make better workers, customers, and neighbors. We need to invest in our schools, educators, and students to prepare to compete in the global economy. Number three, North Carolina should be a leader in healthcare, with multiple medical schools, teaching hospitals, and biotech research companies. Republicans have cut funding, closed rural hospitals, and reduced services. Twenty counties in NC do not have hospitals, and twenty more do not have labor and delivery services. Some expectant mothers are two plus hours drive from neonatal care. ER services have been reduced, putting more people at risk. Preventative services have been cut also, leading to later problems and costs. I have worked in healthcare for 30 years, helping hospitals plan, implement, and manage information technologies. With reasonable funding and caring leadership, we can guarantee access to quality health care for all our citizens. What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about? He said, I want to return North Carolina to a leading position in education by building a school system that prepares students to lead in the world economy. NC students are not only competing with other U.S. states, but also China, South Korea, Japan, and European countries too. Educators should be competing for the privilege of teaching in North Carolina. I want to leverage our state's healthcare capabilities to be a leader in healthcare across the U.S. We have med schools teaching hospitals and life science industries that would be the envy of many states and countries. I want NC to lead in green energy policy and implementation. Our research universities have the talent to innovate tech solutions, and we have the geography and climate to make these work. Ralph did complete our NC Deep Dive Voters Guide questionnaire. Number one, experience and preparation. What experience prepares you for the responsibilities of this role? He said, with more than 35 years of experience in business leadership, I have held roles across the military, government, and a range of industries throughout most of the United States and several other countries. My professional background includes developing robust solutions for complex technical challenges through assembling and leading diverse teams. My community service work includes serving as a school volunteer, youth sports coach, and Red Cross instructor. Within scouting, I have held multiple leadership positions at the regional level. Additionally, I have been a Presbyterian church elder for over two decades, contributing to both local and regional leadership initiatives. Number two, top priority. What is the first state issue you would prioritize and how would it specifically affect Wake County? He said the primary concern is addressing the dysfunction within our state government. The current Republican majority in the legislature has led to a halt in legislative progress, with limited action on measures intended to benefit citizens, alterations to district boundaries affecting voting rights, and frequent overrides of the governor's vetoes rather than pursuing constructive compromises. It is essential to restore balanced representation in the legislature, safeguard Governor Stein's veto authority, and encourage lawmakers to focus on policies that serve the interests of all residents. Number three, decision making. How do you decide between party priorities and the needs of a district that may not always align with them? He said reconciling party priorities with local specific actions is dependent on the issue involved. Party priorities need to be broad based with clear goals and motivations. This is like the tension between strategic and tactical decisions that I deal with all the time in my career. When party and local issues cannot be aligned, I will defer to what is best for my district. Compromise and limits. What is one area where compromise is necessary and one where it is not? He said budgeting processes are how we develop and communicate priorities. Compromise is expected in every case. The protection of individual rights, voting, legal protection, speech, and assembly cannot be compromised. Independence and representation. When would you say no to party leadership to better represent your constituents? He said a situation that would directly cause harm to the people of my district. Number six, concrete example. Can you describe a specific problem in your district or county and explain how your approach would differ from current solutions? He said, Wake County continues to experience rapid population growth. This is a great place to live and raise a family. However, the main component of the affordability crisis is housing costs. We need to regulate the trend of corporate real estate speculation, which is driving up costs, eliminate monopolistic ownership of rental housing, to maintain competition and lower prices, and significantly invest in developing communities where people can live, work, and shop without extensive travel. Number seven, accountability. How should voters hold you accountable if they feel you are not representing their constituents' interests? He said I plan to conduct monthly town hall meetings to keep in contact with constituents, not just during campaign season, but all year long. Constituent outreach and service is a main component of serving in the House. Number eight, learn more. How can voters learn more about you, your values, and your priorities? He said information about me and my legislative priorities is on the campaign website, www.relfclements.com. I like talking with voters about how I make decisions rather than offering comfortable platitudes or vague policy statements. There is an IndyWeek article that says NC House District 37 Ralph Clements that was published on February 6th, 2026. Name Ralph Clements, age 59, party affiliation, Democrat, occupation and employer, management consultant, self-employed. If he is answering in ways that he has answered the previous questionnaires, I won't necessarily read that, so if you're interested in reading more, you can absolutely do so. Number one, what in your background qualifies you to represent the people of your North Carolina district effectively? What would you cite as your biggest career accomplishment? These questions have been answered in the previous questionnaires. Number two, what do you believe to be the three most pressing issues facing the next General Assembly? What steps do you believe the state should take to address them? He said, My main goal is to restore regular legislative operations by ending the Republican supermajority, reinstating the governor's veto, and passing laws that benefit citizens. We need sustained investment in public education, meeting constitutional and court requirements. This means competitive pay for educators, secure retirement benefits, upgrades to infrastructure and materials, and bold bipartisan tax reform. Everyone should have reliable access to quality health care, including mental health. We must fully fund Medicaid, address care shortages in NC, and use our universities and hospitals to improve preventative care and make healthcare a right for all. Number three, North Carolina expanded Medicaid two years ago. However, federal budget cuts now threaten the program due to a state trigger law that ends. Expansion if federal support drops below 90%? How would you address Medicaid funding to maintain coverage for the millions of North Carolinians enrolled? He said the Medicaid expansion provides coverage to hundreds of thousands of low-income adults who previously lacked access to affordable health care. This initiative reduces expenditure on emergency services and enhances preventative care, leading to long-term cost savings and improvements in both quality of life and healthcare affordability. Additionally, the expansion decreases uncompensated care, thereby helping to prevent the closure of rural healthcare facilities. Expanding coverage generates economic benefits for local communities by reducing absenteeism due to illness and creating additional employment opportunities within the healthcare sector. State contributions comprise less than 10% of the total program cost. Should the trigger law prompt funding reductions, a significant portion of these advantages would be lost. Expansion does not rely on new funding sources. Instead, it generates cost savings that help offset expenditures. Federal funding stimulates local economies, lowers the frequency of costly emergency room visits, and reduces hospital expenses related to treating uninsured individuals, decreasing the need for supplementary financial support. Some states allocate revenue from alcohol and tobacco sales to offset healthcare expenses and employ provider incentives to encourage the use of cost-effective preventative care, thus supporting sustained patient wellness over time. The General Assembly has recently passed legislation limiting local control over zoning and development standards to address housing shortages. Do you support the legislature's approach of limiting local zoning authority to increase housing supply or should municipalities retain greater autonomy over land use decisions? He said local government should maintain housing policies, including affordable unit requirements and inclusionary zoning. Housing costs are a major burden, with about 40% of Wake County residents spending over 30% of their income on housing. Zoning should support higher density, transit-oriented development, and protect housing access for all North Carolinians, including low-income households, people with disabilities, and those on fixed incomes. Number five, how would you address the rising costs of housing, childcare, and basic necessities facing North Carolina families? He said housing costs are rising due to limited supply and corporate investment. Solutions include supporting multi-unit housing for the missing middle, regulating against price gouging, and easing lot size, parking, and design restrictions. Building homes near workplaces also helps. To reduce child care expenses, increase workplace care options, offer employer tax credits, and expand school care programs. Lower basic costs by regulating monopolies in pricing, providing portable benefits for contract workers, expanding child tax credits, negotiating drug prices, improving public transit, and managing utility bills to avoid unfair subsidies. Tropical storm Chantel flooded the triangle in 2025, and coastal erosion threatens the outer banks. With much affordable housing located in flood-prone areas and FEMA resources stretched thin, what is your plan for climate resilience and disaster relief? He said it's important to eliminate political influence from disaster relief efforts. There have been instances where assistance was withheld from states led by the Democratic Party or those that did not vote for Trump, which is both unlawful and unacceptable. FEMA's resources are already limited and further strain arises when they are managed based on political considerations rather than professional expertise. Additionally, residential development should be avoided in regions known to face natural hazards. The Outer Banks, for example, are barrier islands that will naturally shift over time. Insurance policy should discourage payouts for vacation homes in these areas, as such payments can raise costs for everyone else. Flood plain maps must be updated to account for climate change impacts. Tax incentives could help encourage moving housing out of at-risk locations. When houses in vulnerable regions are destroyed, reconstruction should only occur after their susceptibility to future disasters is properly addressed. Number seven, the General Assembly recently passed a new congressional redistricting map. This marks the state's seventh congressional map since 2016. How do you view the most recent redistricting? And do you support independent redistricting processes, or do you believe that the legislature should retain this power? He said the Republican-led legislature has engaged in extreme gerrymandering, as in an illegal and unethical way to limit the voting power of certain racial communities. After years of partisan district drawing and subsequent legal battles, North Carolina should establish an independent commission to determine voting districts free from political influence. Similar commissions have been implemented successfully in several other states. North Carolina ranks 43rd nationally in teacher pay. How would you address teacher compensation and what will you do to ensure a budget passes that adequately funds education? He states, educator salaries in North Carolina remain low due to ongoing reductions in public education funding and the diversion of resources to private institutions lacking accountability. The state constitution guarantees the right to a high quality public education. Historically recognized as the education state, North Carolina has the potential to regain this reputation. Access to quality education supports numerous community benefits, including improved employment opportunities, higher wages, better health outcomes, and an enhanced standard of living. To attract and retain highly qualified educators, North Carolina should implement competitive pay and benefits packages. Additionally, tax policies should be evaluated to ensure they support sustainable investments in schools, educators, and staff. Private schools receiving public funds ought to be regulated to guarantee appropriate use of these resources and adherence to performance standards. North Carolina currently has a 12-week abortion ban with certain exceptions. Some legislators have proposed further restrictions. Do you support the current law? Do you believe access should be expanded? Or would you support further restrictions? He states abortion is healthcare and should be a decision made by the patient and doctor. If needed, a constitutional amendment could protect healthcare freedoms, including abortion, from state interference. 10. Federal legislation will ban most hemp derived THC products like Delta VIII by November 2026, threatening North Carolina's hemp industry. Meanwhile, recreational marijuana remains illegal and medical marijuana bills have stalled. What is your position on hemp regulation and how would you address the upcoming federal ban, if at all? He said Congress should provide clear federal definitions and regulations, especially regarding THC products to safeguard children. State laws should require age restrictions for intoxicating hemp products, mandate independent lab testing, and set standards for packaging and labeling to ensure transparency and prevent inappropriate marketing to children. Overall, regulations should prioritize public health and safety. 11. Governor Josh Stein recently signed Iryna's Law, which eliminates cashless bail, requires mental health evaluations for certain defendants, and attempts to restart the death penalty by requiring alternative execution methods if lethal injection is unavailable. The law also accelerates death penalty appeals. Where do you stand on the death penalty and changes made by the law? Court errors have led to wrongful convictions and in some cases death sentences, so I oppose the death penalty. Iryna's law was quickly enacted after a high-profile crime, but does not address root causes like inadequate mental health care, lack of community support, and substance abuse. The law increases jail populations by holding suspects longer, and its unfunded mental health requirements strain hospitals and police resources. 12. Tech companies are investing heavily in North Carolina data centers, bringing jobs and tax revenue, but also consuming significant electricity and water resources. How should the state balance data center investment with environmental protection and community concerns? He said North Carolina offers strong transportation, data infrastructure, and seismic stability for new data centers. However, environmental concerns should be weighed when granting tax exemptions for these large facilities. Data centers provide minimal long-term job growth, mainly limited to short-term construction roles. Infrastructure like power distribution often takes longer to finish than the center itself. And reliance on local generation can create additional environmental challenges. Number 13, give an example of an opinion, policy, vote, or action you changed based on constituent feedback. If you have not yet held elected office, describe a time when you change your position on an issue after listening to those affected by it. He said recent discussions with various religious organizations have highlighted intricate challenges concerning school vouchers. Instead of implementing a total prohibition, it is advisable to develop regulations that ensure private schools receiving state funding meet established performance and management standards. Question 14, are there any issues this questionnaire has not addressed that you would like to address? And he did not answer that question. Looking up his campaign finance information, the cash on hand at the beginning is $1,941.15. Total contributions from individuals has been $8,100. Political party committees has been $1,000, making his total receipts $9,100 in contributions. Under expenditures, he has spent $2,764.45 so far. And the cash on hand at the end of the reporting period was $8,276.70. And this reporting period covered $924 to $1231 of last year. Moving on to the third candidate who is running for the North Carolina House of Representatives for District 13. His name is Marcus Gadson. His website is gadsonfornc.com, and that's for spelled out F-O-R. It says Marcus Gadson for North Carolina. There is a picture that says the news and observer endorsed with quote, one candidate stands out. We recommend Marcus Gadson. It says husband, father, nationally recognized constitutional law expert. Marcus will flip House District 37 for Democrats. A constitutional law professor at UNC and former public high school teacher, Marcus has dedicated his career to community service. He served on the NCACLU Board of Directors and as secretary in Raleigh Apex's NAACP's Education Committee. Now Marcus is running for State House. As the parents of two young boys, Marcus and his wife understand the urgency of making life more affordable and protecting our state's democracy from self-serving politicians. There is a video, I believe that video was there is a video for his campaign announcement, and it says, quote, I will work tirelessly to make North Carolina the most affordable place in America to live, work, and raise a family and ensure the government serves the interests of hardworking citizens. For Southern Wake County, there is a button where you can donate, and then it says lower the cost of living, support public safety, promote education, protect democracy, advance reproductive justice. Do you share Marcus's vision? We hope you'll join us. Click here to learn more about Marcus, here to sign up and volunteer, and here to donate. If you click on the About tab, it says, again, there's a picture that says the News and Observer endorsed, husband, father, and constitutional law professor, former public high school teacher, has been active in the NCACLU, Raleigh Apex NAACP's Education Committee, and NC Advisory Committee to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights. And then Harvard and Harvard Law Grad and noted author. About me. My name is Marcus Gadson, and I'm running to represent District 37 in the General Assembly. As we approach America's 250th anniversary, I'm mindful of just how many opportunities this country has given me. I received generous financial aid to afford college, have the chance to work at my dream job teaching law students, and I have just recently achieved my goal of owning a home, which I share with an incredible wife and two wonderful boys. In an era of dysfunctional politics and bitterness, I would be remiss if I did not express profound gratitude for my share of the inheritance we all have in our timeless founding documents, the promise that all of us are created equal and have worth and dignity. It is because I have been given so much that I am taking this opportunity to give back. If you send me to the General Assembly, I will do everything in my power to give you the same chance to live your dreams that I've had to live mine. In particular, I will work tirelessly to make North Carolina the most affordable place in America to live, work, and raise a family, and ensure the government serves the interests of hardworking citizens and not the whims of career politicians. I have worked to serve the community over the past several years as a member of the NC Advisory Committee to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, a secretary in the Raleigh Apex NAACP's Branches Education Committee, and a member of the Local Rules Advisory Committee for the Eastern District of North Carolina, and I have taught hundreds of students about our state and federal constitutions and watched with pride as they make their mark after graduating. I look forward to drawing on all these experiences to serve you in the General Assembly. There's a tab that says Issues. Issues, affordability. North Carolina is experiencing a cost of living crisis that is breaking too many budgets. In the legislature, I will work to make expenses more manageable by advocating for policies that make quality housing more affordable, provide significant tax relief to hardworking North Carolinians rather than large corporations, and protect Medicaid. Public education. Education is one of the most important things state governments do. A quality education ensures that students master the important skills they need to succeed in their careers, helps them appreciate the qualities that make America an exceptional nation, prepares them to meet their responsibilities as citizens, and builds their character. In the General Assembly, I will work to make North Carolina number one in America at teaching, reading, and math. In addition, I will insist that our schools really focus on providing excellent civics instruction, and I will advocate for providing more mental health resources to our students. Public safety. Crime destroys lives. It prevents people from feeling safe in their own homes and discourages businesses from opening in certain areas. Black and Native American North Carolinians are far likelier than North Carolinians of other races to be victims of crime. Instead of using the National Guard for publicity stunts, I will use my position in the General Assembly to provide real solutions that lower crime and make all North Carolinians safer while giving those who have been held accountable a chance at redemption. Protecting democracy. It has taken centuries to turn America into a thriving democracy that gives all citizens a voice in their government while respecting the rule of law. That ideal has been under vicious assault by our General Assembly and courts for years. The General Assembly has repeatedly engaged in racial and partisan gerrymandering. These practices have allowed the ruling party in the General Assembly to draw congressional and state legislative district lines to keep itself in power and disenfranchise its political opponents as a practical matter. Our state courts are staffed by partisan judges who must consider how ideologically and politically motivated donors will react to their decisions. In the General Assembly, I will advocate for using an independent commission to draw districts so we can finally end partisan and racial gerrymandering, and I will push to end partisan election of judges so that North Carolinians across the political spectrum can have confidence in our courts. Reproductive justice. A generation took reproductive choice for granted, but we cannot. The U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade and allowed legislatures to interfere with one of the most personal and difficult choices a woman could ever have to make. Now, prominent voices in the legislature want to ban abortion from conception without an exception for rape. I trust women. That's why I plan to introduce a constitutional amendment in the General Assembly restoring the Roe framework as a matter of state law. At the same time, I will work with legislators across the political spectrum to provide adequate health care and support to mothers during pregnancy. There's a button to volunteer. It says, volunteer. We're a grassroots campaign. We need real people like you. Sign up to volunteer today and help us win. And there's a tab for endorsements. Testimonials and endorsements. The News and Observer, NC Now National Organization for Women PAC, Rick Glazier, former NC Rep and Democratic Whip. It says Marcus Gadson, 38, a UNC law professor, wants the legislature to do more to support public schools and increase teacher pay. He also backs tax changes that would restore the state earned income tax credit, lower the tax on clothing and over-the-counter medicines, and allow a deduction for rent payments. I want to use tax policy as a lever to put more money in the pockets of North Carolinians, he said. One candidate stands out. We recommend Marcus Gadson. And that was under the News and Observer endorsement. He's endorsed by Reverend Dr. Portia W. Rochelle, former president of the Raleigh Apex NAACP. As a former president of the Raleigh Apex NAACP, who has worked for decades to advance civil rights and expand opportunity in our community, I can say without hesitation that Marcus has consistently shown a genuine commitment to racial justice and the well-being of our neighbors. I worked with him for years and saw firsthand his integrity, work ethic, and desire to serve. I am proud to endorse his campaign for District 37's seat in the General Assembly. Tom and Donna McAlanan, veteran Wake County educators, says my wife and I have taught in Wake County since 1996. Donna is a current media specialist at Apex Middle School, and I am recently retired from Fuquay Verena Elementary School. We met Marcus at our intermediate tennis class run by the town. After class, we talked, and when he discovered we were teachers, he immediately asked for us to share our feelings and experiences, genuinely interested in how we can improve education for our kids. Weeks later, Marcus and I met at a coffee shop and discussed overcrowded classrooms, overworked teachers with unrealistic expectations put upon them, and way too much testing taking the place of instruction. He listened and refreshingly explained how he'd do his best to make improvements in these areas, but it will take time, he honestly explained. He actually cares and wants to serve to make our community and world a better place. We're proud to endorse and support Marcus Gadson as our representative in the NC House. It's refreshing to interact with such a sincere, caring, and honest person that will do all he can to better our lives. Dr. Michael Pritti, former chair of the Public School Forum of NC and superintendent of Pitt, Guildford, Birdie, Pamlico, and Wayne County Schools. I am enthusiastically supporting the candidacy of Marcus Gadson for the NC General Assembly, House District 37 in southern Wake County, Fuquay Varina, and surrounding areas. His commitment to his family, his law students, and to our state is based on values that I also hold deeply. Responsible citizenship, fair elections, a belief in the founding principles of America, and the right of all of our children in North Carolina to be afforded a quality public school education. Mark Gadson epitomizes our state's motto, essay quam videre, to be, rather to seem. I am drawn to people who exude honesty and integrity. Let's enhance our North Carolina General Assembly by working to elect Marcus Gadson to the NC House in the spring and the fall. Teresa Thomas Burchard, I'm endorsing Marcus Gadson's candidacy for District 37 seat in the General Assembly. We need someone who understands how important protecting our democracy is for its own sake, and so that we can actually achieve policies that lower the cost of living and support public education. As a scholar with deep expertise about North Carolina's Constitution, who has written a book on constitutional crisis and how we can avoid it in the future, I believe Marcus is best positioned to do this. That's why I am supporting him in the Democratic primary on March 3rd. Diane Ford, advocate for reproductive justice. I am endorsing Marcus Gadson in my individual capacity because he has the courage, integrity, and the legal perspective North Carolina desperately needs right now. As a student, I witnessed Marcus's devotion to equipping the next generation of leaders, and I cannot think of anyone better to fearlessly take on the issues threatening North Carolina. I trust his commitment to protecting democratic institutions and restoring reproductive freedoms. I believe his leadership will move us forward together. There is a button where you can donate, along with buttons for Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. And that is the totality of his website. I did find a site from the UNC School of Law that says Marcus Gadson, Associate Professor of Law, Areas of Expertise, Civil Procedure, Constitutional Law, State and Local Government Law. Biography, Marcus Gadson joins the faculty from Campbell University, where he won Professor of the Year three times in a row. He is one of the nation's leading authorities on state constitutions and has published articles in top journals like the NYU Law Review, Michigan Law Review, and Georgetown Law Journal. He is also the author of Sedition: How America's Constitutional Order Emerged from Violent Crisis, which argues that constitutional crisis has been a constant in American history and explains how that history affects Americans today. Before entering the academy, Professor Gadson practiced at Steptoe and Johnson in Washington, D.C. and served as a law clerk to Bernice Donald of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit. He graduated from Harvard Law School. Professor Gadson offers courses in civil procedure, state constitutional law, and North Carolina Constitutional Law. There was an article from Campbell University that says Assistant Law Professor Marcus Gadson publishes book Examining Constitutional Crisis. It was written March 17th, 2025. In light of the protesters who stormed the nation's capital on January 6, 2021, Campbell Law School Assistant Professor Mark Gadson has written a new book examining how Americans have weathered constitutional crises throughout our history and offers some advice on how to save our constitutional system. It talks more about the book, and then it goes on to say Gadson, who was the law school's recipient of the Dean's Excellence in Teaching Award for 2022, joined the Campbell Law Faculty as a tenure track professor in 2019. He teaches civil procedure, state constitutional law, and race justice in the law, and his students have voted him 1L Professor of the Year five times. Beyond the classroom pedagogy, Gadson is a deeply respected, recognized scholar whose research focuses on civil procedure and the emerging emphasis on state constitutional law issues. His scholarship has appeared or is forthcoming in top-ranked journals such as the Michigan Law Review, UCLA Law Review, and Georgetown Law Journal. Gadson graduated with honors from Dartmouth College and earned his JD from Harvard Law School, where he was named an academic fellow. Gadson began his prestigious legal career as a law clerk to Judge Bernice B. Donald of the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit in Memphis, Tennessee. From there, he moved into private practice as an associate at one of the country's leading law firms, Steptoe and Johnson, where he successfully represented clients at both the trial and appellate level. There is a C-SPAN website that has a video of him from September 17th, 2025, lectures in history, how constitutional order emerged from crisis. During Reconstruction, a campaign to overthrow the South Carolina government succeeded, triggering a constitutional crisis. University of North Carolina professor and author of Sedition, Marcus Gadson, analyzed the history behind the event. And then it's a video of him on C-SPAN talking about that. IndyWeek did have an article for him as well. NC House District 37, Marcus Gadson, published on February 6th of this year. It says, Marcus Alexander Gadson, he's 38 and a Democrat. Occupation and employer. He's a law professor at the University of North Carolina. And like the other candidates, if he is resaying what he said in the other questionnaires, I'll go ahead and skip that for now. But if you're interested, you can find this IndyWeek article online. Number one, what in your background qualifies you to represent the people of your North Carolina district effectively? What would you cite as your biggest career accomplishment? I have served the community over the past several years as a member of the North Carolina Advisory Committee to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, a secretary of the Raleigh Apex NAACP branch, a member of the governing board of the North Carolina ACLU, and a member of the Local Rules Advisory Committee for the Eastern District of North Carolina, and I have taught hundreds of students about our state and federal constitutions and watch with pride as they make their mark after graduating. I have written a book about the history of constitutional crisis in America and am coauthoring a textbook about state constitutional law. This gives me a unique expertise to make some of the constitutional reforms we need in North Carolina. I am the proudest that I received an award for outstanding teaching for all six years I served on Campbell University's law faculty. Number two, what do you believe to be the three most pressing issues facing the next General Assembly? What steps do you believe the state should take to address them? One, lowering the cost of living, two, supporting our public schools and promoting public safety, and three, strengthening our democracy. I address the cost of living crisis in my answer to question five, so I will address the other objectives in my answer to this question. Supporting public schools. Number one, focus on improving basic reading and math skills. Too many children in North Carolina schools struggle with basic math and reading skills. In fact, North Carolina students perform worse than the national average on standardized tests of reading and are still doing worse than they were before the COVID-19 pandemic. Yet, despite these outcomes, North Carolina gives salaries to teachers and funding for schools well below the national average. This is unacceptable. In the General Assembly, I will work to make North Carolina number one in America at teaching reading and math. Research and common sense show that one of the best ways to do that is to provide every student with a high-quality, experienced teacher. But the state's low teacher salaries prevent us from hiring and retaining qualified teachers, leading to staffing shortages. In the General Assembly, I will support increasing education funding to bring teacher salaries in line with the rest of the country. This will make the state a more attractive place to teach and ensure that every child, regardless of background, has an excellent teacher. In exchange for this increased funding, I will also insist on holding public schools accountable for teaching students the skills they need. Number two, teach students about the North Carolina Constitution and government. Every North Carolinian lives under two constitutions, one for the United States and one for North Carolina. When they leave school, North Carolina students will be affected just as much by the North Carolina Constitution as they will by the United States Constitution. The North Carolina Constitution decides who becomes a judge in North Carolina state court, protects rights that the United States Constitution does not, like the right to an education, and limits how the state taxes them. Yet most students learn little or nothing about the North Carolina Constitution in school. In the General Assembly, I will advocate for funding to ensure school districts have a strong curriculum on the North Carolina Constitution and that teachers have the training they need to teach it. 3. Give students the mental health resources they need. I will advocate for more funding to ensure that every school offers mental health services to students who need them. Suicide is a second leading cause of death for children between 10 and 18. Anxiety around everything from school shootings to bullying is especially high. The federal government is now refusing to provide funding for mental health services to cope with these challenges, so the state must step in. Promoting public safety. Number one, provide funding to eliminate police shortages. Police departments across North Carolina, from the State Highway Patrol to local departments here in District 37, have long said they need more officers. Police and correctional officers have been resigning faster than we can replace them. In the General Assembly, I will therefore work to provide law enforcement and correctional officers with a salary increase, hire the additional officers the state needs to keep us safe, and provide them with the training to succeed. At the same time, I will always insist on accountability for police misconduct and that the police treat everyone with dignity and respect. Two, reform the criminal justice system to hold the truly dangerous accountable. Unfortunately, some people really do threaten our safety, and the legal system needs the resources and the ability to try and imprison them before they victimize more of us. Yet our courts spend considerable time and resources on debt collection, including putting North Carolinians in jail. At the same time, too many North Carolinians have been falsely convicted of crimes they did not commit, and too many of those accused of crimes who may be innocent lack the resources to defend themselves adequately. Every dollar spent pursuing the wrong people is a dollar we don't have to spend pursuing the right people. In the General Assembly, I will work tirelessly to reform the criminal justice system to ensure it treats every North Carolinian fairly while taking and keeping those who are dangerous off our streets. Promote rehabilitation of criminals to change lives and reduce re-offending. Almost 50% of those who serve time in a North Carolina prison commit crimes after release. This is at least double the reoffending rate of countries like Norway. To put it bluntly, prison isn't working in North Carolina. In the General Assembly, I will insist that the taxpayer dollars used on our prisons are put to better use and that as many inmates as possible leave prison ready to work a job and lead a productive life. I will also work to make it easier for people with felony records to vote and work as an incentive to obey the law upon release from prison. By reducing our reoffending rate, we will ensure that fewer North Carolinians become victims of crime. Strengthening democracy. In my answer to question seven, I explain why we need an independent redistricting commission. I believe our democracy is a precious inheritance that we must safeguard. I want to mention two ideas relevant to that end now. Number one, pick judges for their legal ability and fairness instead of their political party. In the General Assembly, I will propose an amendment to the North Carolina Constitution ending partisan elections for judges and imposing term limits. Instead, we would rely on an independent commission to propose judges for public consideration and then let North Carolinians vote on whether to approve them. These changes will reduce the incentive and opportunities for judges to behave like partisan politicians. Two, provide a citizen-sponsored initiative process to amend the North Carolina Constitution. Right now, the only way to change the North Carolina Constitution is to get the General Assembly to propose amendments. This allows special interests and self-interested politicians sole control over a constitution that belongs to we the people. As a member of the legislature, I will propose an amendment allowing North Carolina citizens themselves to place an amendment on the ballot for consideration by their fellow citizens when enough of them petition to do so. This will enable us the people to change our constitution even when the General Assembly is determined to stand in the way. North Carolina expanded Medicaid two years ago. However, federal budget cuts now threaten the program due to a state trigger law that ends expansion if federal support drops below 90%. How would you address Medicaid funding to maintain coverage for the millions of North Carolinians enrolled? He said, I have two primary objectives. The first is to address the reimbursement rate for medical services. It is currently too low. The result is that many medical providers don't accept Medicaid patients or limit the number of Medicaid patients they see. The second is to revisit the trigger law to make clear that we will maintain Medicaid expansion even if federal support drops. That leaves the question of how we will pay. We need to pause planned tax cuts for high earners and corporations to make revenue available for these objectives. Number four, the General Assembly has recently passed legislation limiting local control over zoning and development standards to address housing shortages. Do you support the legislature's approach of limiting local zoning authority to increase housing supply, or should municipalities retain greater autonomy over land use decisions? He said, as discussed below, we need to simplify land use and zoning laws to make it easier and quicker to build, while balancing the need to ensure housing is environmentally sustainable and supported by necessary infrastructure. My preferred solution would be for localities to take the lead on this first. I believe it is incredibly important to respect local government decisions wherever possible and that we be wary of encroaching on their authority. Number five, how would you address the rising cost of housing, child care, and basic necessities facing North Carolina families? He said, I will use a mix of tax policy and regulatory reform. Let me begin with the tax changes I will advocate for that will make life more affordable for North Carolinians. Bring back the state-level earned income tax credit. Bring back a child independent care credit. Create a tax deduction for money spent on renting housing. Lower the state and local sales tax for necessities like food, over-the-counter medication, cleaning supplies, and clothes throughout the year. Cumulatively, these changes will leave more money in the pockets of working and middle-class North Carolinians. With extra breathing room in their budgets, they will be better able to meet their living expenses. Our housing affordability crisis has a straightforward cause. North Carolina doesn't have enough homes. When there aren't enough homes for everyone who needs one, landlords and developers can charge more to sell and rent housing. They know that we will have to compete for the limited housing available by offering to pay more than our neighbors do. The result, astronomical price increases. The solution is relatively straightforward. We need to make it easier to build and reduce delays. Zoning laws that regulate what housing we can build have grown so complicated that only wealthy corporations with teams of lawyers can afford to go through the building process. Even then, new developments take too long. We need to reform zoning to make the building process as quick and straightforward as possible for North Carolinians who care about North Carolina. When a North Carolinian asks, can I build? Our answer should be yes. I believe making more housing available and directing tax relief to working and middle-class North Carolinians will make life significantly more affordable. Number six, climate disasters are intensifying. Hurricane Helene devastated western North Carolina in 2024, tropical storm Chantel flooded the triangle in 2025, and coastal erosion threatens the outer banks. With much affordable housing located in flood-prone areas and FEMA resources stretched thin, what is your plan for climate resilience and disaster relief? He said, I want to acknowledge that fighting climate change will take a sustained national effort beyond the capacity of any single state legislature. I would make two points. First, the state must step up where federal resources fall short by maintaining a dedicated, well-funded disaster resilience and recovery fund to bridge gaps left by FEMA and support local governments before and after storms. Second, I would push for coordinated planning across state agencies to address coastal erosion, flooding, and extreme weather as interconnected challenges. I want to underscore how important it is to begin addressing these challenges now. If we fail to do so, the state will inevitably have to address them in the coming years, and it will be much more expensive to do so. These costs will fall on individuals and businesses. Number seven, the General Assembly recently passed a new congressional redistricting map. This marks the state's seventh congressional map since 2016. How do you view the most recent redistricting and do you support independent redistricting processes, or do you believe the legislature should retain this power? He says, I have special expertise on this subject, given that I teach a class on the North Carolina Constitution and on state constitutional law generally. I believe the latest round of redistricting is wrong and violates the North Carolina Constitution. North Carolina's Constitution contains several clauses relevant to the issue at hand. Our Declaration of Rights says that all persons are created equal. It insists that all political power is instituted solely for the good of the whole, and it promises that all elections shall be free. Beyond these substantive guarantees, the North Carolina Constitution also places strict procedural limits on how often the General Assembly can be redistricted. Article 2, Section 5.4 says the Senate districts and the apportionment of representatives shall remain unaltered until the return of another decennial census of population taken by order of Congress. This last provision avoids gamesmanship and ensures stability in districting. If that principle matters when drawing General Assembly districts, shouldn't it also matter when drawing congressional districts? These texts cumulatively demonstrate the North Carolina Constitution's overarching commitment to a fair political process that represents all citizens and honors their equal dignity and worth. When North Carolina's founders were drafting our first state constitution in 1776, they sought advice from John Adams. Adams urged that the legislature should be in miniature and exact portrait of the people at large. To do strict justice at all times, the legislature should provide for equal representation so that the people should have equal interest in it, and Adams warned North Carolinians great care should be taken to effect this and to prevent unfair, partial, and corrupt elections. All of the provisions I mentioned live in the shadow of that noble vision for how American politics is supposed to operate. The General Assembly considered none of this when it remade North Carolina's congressional maps. Indeed, the Senate redistricting chairman, Ralph Heis, was transparent that, quote, the motivation behind this redraw is simple and singular. Draw a new map that will bring in an additional Republican seat to the North Carolina Congressional Delegation, end quote. As soon as the Senate Republicans passed the new map, President Trump thanked them on Truth Social. Politicians cannot be trusted with redistricting, and so I support an independent redistricting commission. Our recent history shows that they will choose partisan advantage over fair competition every time. I will therefore propose an amendment to the North Carolina Constitution creating an independent commission to draw maps for state and congressional elections. This will ensure that our maps are chosen to keep elections competitive and reflect the political diversity of our state. The General Assembly failed to pass a 2025 to 2027 budget, leaving teachers without raises. North Carolina ranks 43rd nationally in teacher pay. How would you address teacher compensation? And what will you do to ensure a budget passes that adequately funds education? He writes, in the near future, I would like to see our average teacher salary statewide be at least $69,000, which would match the average salary in Virginia, a state we are losing teachers to. In the long term, I would like to see public school teachers paid like university professors. If elected, I will build and sustain bipartisan support for a comprehensive teacher pay raise by intentionally bringing conservative and rural districts into the coalition from the start. Those communities understand that strong schools are essential to local opportunity, and I want them to help shape the bill so it reflects the needs of every part of North Carolina. By raising literacy and math scores statewide, we can also attract more conservative business leaders who recognize that a stronger workforce begins with competitive teacher pay. The research triangle in Charlotte, especially, are places that many international corporations are coming to, and offering them a well-educated workforce is a lure. Framing the bill as an economic development strategy, not a partisan fight, creates the broad, durable support necessary to move legislation through a divided general assembly. Finally, I plan to appeal to state pride. We are one of the only state constitutions to place a right to education in our Declaration of Rights alongside guarantees to religious freedom and jury trials. Yet teacher retention and student performance are below the national average. Let's unify our state around the goal of being the best in America at teaching, reading, and math. Number nine, North Carolina currently has a 12-week abortion ban with certain exceptions. Some legislators have proposed further restrictions. Do you support the current law? Do you believe access should be expanded? Or would you support further restrictions? He said no, I don't support the current law. I want to codify the ROE framework into state law. I support doing this by adding an amendment to the North Carolina Constitution that codifies Rho so that future legislatures can't undermine it. Number 10. Federal legislation will ban most hemp derived THC products like Delta VIII by November 2026, threatening North Carolina's hemp industry. Meanwhile, recreational marijuana remains illegal and medical marijuana bills have stalled. What is your position on hemp regulation and how would you address the upcoming federal ban, if at all? He said, My position is that North Carolina should legalize medical marijuana and not impose criminal or civil penalties on recreational marijuana while warning young people about the dangers of addiction. I want to be up front and say that I will have limited ability to address the federal ban on hemp derived products. As a legislature, I will swear an oath to uphold the U.S. Constitution and the upcoming congressional ban will be the supreme law of the land, unless and until it is found unconstitutional. I would seriously study constitutional infirmities in the ban and then support lawful efforts to pursue challenges based upon the them in court. Number 11. Governor Josh Stein recently signed Iryna's Law, which eliminates cashless bail, requires mental health evaluations for certain defendants, and attempts to restart the death penalty by requiring alternative execution methods if lethal injection is unavailable. The law also accelerates death penalty appeals. Where do you stand on the death penalty and changes made by the law? He said, let me begin with capital punishment. Although there are people who deserve to be executed for heinous crimes, I believe we should continue North Carolina's de facto moratorium since 2006 on capital punishment because of the problems experienced in administering it fairly and the number of people who have been exonerated nationwide. I am especially concerned about the changes Iryna's law has made to the death penalty in North Carolina. Death penalty cases are very complicated and require time and careful attention to detail. Iryna's law requires that any case more than 24 months old be scheduled for a hearing between December 2026 and December 2027. I worry that this compressed timeline does not give courts adequate time to study death penalty cases and therefore heightens the risk of executing an innocent person. Second, I support requiring mandatory mental health evaluations in cases of those accused of violent crimes who have been involuntarily committed recently. However, Iryna's law should have robustly invested in providing mental health resources to those who need them before they commit crimes to better protect victims, but it failed to do so. In addition, Iryna's law should have provided greater funding for police and correctional officers to better protect law-abiding citizens. I would also add that I support the law providing funding for 10 assistant district attorneys and five legal assistants in Mecklenburg County, as Iryna's law did. 12, tech companies are investing heavily in North Carolina data centers, bringing jobs and tax revenue but also consuming significant electricity and water resources. How should the state balance data center investment with environmental protection and community concerns? He said I am glad to see tech companies investing in North Carolina and want to see them continuing to do so. We also need to be mindful of the environmental impact and the impact on things like utility bills. In the General Assembly I will study ways to coordinate with utilities to ensure that extra electricity costs are not passed on to consumers and that new facilities commit to environmental sustainability. I will also study ways to use tax incentives and policies to encourage data centers to operate in ways that benefit the whole community. Number 13, give an example of an opinion policy vote or action you changed based on constituent feedback. If you have not yet held elected office, describe a time when you changed your position on an issue after listening to those affected by it. He said I have never held elective office before. One issue where I have changed my mind is on permitting students to use technology such as laptops in my law school classes unless a student has an accommodation. I used to be against the idea. I believed forbidding technology like laptops created an environment more conducive to learning. However, two things changed my mind. The first was hearing from students with accommodations who felt uncomfortable using technology when it was banned for students without accommodations because it outed them as having an accommodation when they would prefer not to share that information. Second, many students told me about how much it cost to print out readings for multiple classes while living on a tight budget and explained how being able to pull readings up on a laptop or a tablet would help them save money. Number fourteen, are there any issues this questionnaire has not addressed that you would like to address? He did not answer that question. I was able to find Marcus Gadson's campaign finance information on the North Carolina State Board of Elections. It runs from 71 of 2025 through 1231 of 2025. His cash on hand at the beginning was zero. His aggregated contributions from individuals is $1,151 dollars contributions from individuals has totaled $32,3908. Political party committees is $500 that brings us total receipts and contributions to $34,0418. So far his expenditures have totaled $2,21278 leaving him with $31,829. There is another article by Campbell University that says School of Law Marcus Gadson that was published in August 16th of 2022 from J. Rich Leonard, the Dean of the Norman A. Wiggins School of Law it says Professor Marcus Gadson is the law school's recipient of the Dean's Excellence in Teaching Award for 2022. Professor Gadson joined Campbell Law Faculty as a tenure track professor in 2019. He teaches civil procedure to two-thirds of the first year students, a core doctrinal class that every student who earns a Campbell law degree must master. Professor Gadson also lends his personal and scholarly interests to critical upper level electives, regularly teaching seminars, courses on race, justice and American law and state constitutional law. Professor Gadson is renowned among students for fostering a classroom environment that is compassionate, approachable and intellectually engaging. He has a special skill for taking deeply complex material and making it accessible to incoming students who are encountering the law for the first time. Professor Gadson employs a host of teaching tools, resources and formative assessments to foster student success in his classes. His commitment to student learning outcomes, engaging podium style and genuine care for students are vital qualities that make Professor Gadson a worthy recipient of the Dean's Excellence in teaching award. Professor Gadson's supportive engaging teaching style is best described by the students under his care. His student course evaluations for class preparation, knowledge of the subject matter and effective teaching methods are stellar. Professor Gadson's reputation as an intellectually gifted academic who channels difficult subjects into understandable concepts is reflected by the following comments reprinted from recent evaluations. Professor Gadson is brilliant, empathetic, respectful and helpful beyond anything that is asked of him. He goes above and beyond to not only help us do well in law school, but also to prepare us for the real world. The world needs more professors like Professor Gadson. Professor Gadson is a credit to the legal profession and a credit to teaching. Schools would be lucky too and students would be better for having more teachers like him. Professor Gadson made class more entertaining and interesting. He made class enjoyable rather than a chore. Not many teachers can do that. Professor Gadson is brilliant yet incredibly humble and kind. I wish I could have him teach all of my classes. Professor Gadson is an excellent source of knowledge and articulates difficult concepts with ease. He also helps students learn through engaging in a compassionate and humorous manner. He is very intelligent in the subject manner, no and no pun intended and really helped me understand some complex ideas. A truly enlightened person, a kind professor. Gadson is the goat the student body has repeatedly recognized the profound impact Professor Gadson has on students pursuing their first year studies. Beginning in his second full year at Campbell Law, Professor Gadson has been voted 1-L Professor of the year in consecutive years in 2020, 2021 and 2022. Beyond his classroom pedagogy, Professor Gadson is a deeply respected, recognized scholar whose research focuses on civil procedure and the emerging emphasis on state constitutional law issues. It lists various publications. In addition to his heavy teaching load Professor Gadson serves Campbell law in a host of ways. Notably he serves on a multitude of committees including academic appeals, curriculum, academic standards and support, law school, community diversity and student life and library committee Professor Gadson also serves as the chair of the Judicial Clerkship Task Force Committee. Professor Gadson graduated with high honors from Dartmouth College, earning an AB in history and a minor in Asian and Middle Eastern Studies while being named a James O. Friedman Presidential scholar he later received his juris doctorate from Harvard Law School where he was named an academic fellow. At Harvard Law, Professor Gadson served on the Harvard Journal on Legislation and was a member of the Black Law Students Association, Harvard Mediation Program, and the Ames Moot Court Competition. Professor Gadson began his prestigious legal career as a law clerk to Judge Bernice B. Donald of the United States Court of Appeals for the Sixth Circuit in Memphis, Tennessee. From there he moved into private practice as an associate at one of the country's leading law firms Steptoe Johnson, where he successfully represented clients at both trial and appellate level. Campbell Law is fortunate to have such an exceptional professor, colleague and friend who is committed to the lives and careers of its students. There is a website for the Journal of Legal Education from the Association of American Law Schools and it's an article that Marcus Gadson wrote entitled The Legal Education in the Era of Black Lives Matter, if you would like to look at that. And that is the entirety of what I found on the Google search. So again this race is for the North Carolina House of Representatives for District 37. It will be on the Democratic ballot. If you are picking up a Democratic ballot you will be eligible to vote for one of the three candidates running in this race and again they are Winn Decker, Ralph Clements and Marcus Gadson. And that brings this episode of the NC Deep Dive to a close make sure you check out all the other relevant episodes for the 2026 primary election at www.ncdeepdive.com, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Audible or wherever you currently listen to your podcast, I will be including helpful links for each candidate and voting in general on our website show notes, including our NC Deep Dives Voters Guide for the 2026 primary election. We were blessed to have many candidates that took the time to share their thoughts and speak to voters within Southern Wake County. The voters guide is arranged by party affiliation and organized in such a way to make it relatively easy to find the races or the candidates you might be interested in. All candidates' websites are linked if I was able to find one. I also consciously chose to arrange the voters guide starting at the end of the ballot. So often we are aware of the larger races yet don't hear about or take the time to learn about the smaller ones. As always, if you have any questions, concerns or topics you'd like to share, you may contact us via social media or by emailing ncdeepdive at gmail.com. If you found value in this episode, we'd love for you to subscribe, review and share it to help us in our mission to help voters make their most informed choices. Thank you for engaging with this episode and becoming a more informed citizen. Democracy is a team sport. Together we make democracy work and our communities a better place to work, play and live. Your vote matters your voice matters you matter. Until next time my friends, Namaste the Love and Light in me sees and honors the love and light in you