October 14, 2022 was the deadline for voters to register to vote in order to cast a ballot in the November General Election. This deadline applies to people who plan to vote by mail, or on Election Day itself. Voters can still register and vote on the same day at an in-person early voting site, which begins on October 20. Voters can register at the DMV, at their county board of elections office, or by mail if they are not a first-time voter. For more information on registering to vote in North Carolina, click here.

On October 7, 2022, the two major party candidates vying for the open U.S. Senate seat in North Carolina took the debate stage for their first and likely only appearance together this year. Democrat Cheri Beasley spoke about the importance of codifying Roe v. Wade to protect women's rights and said she would support legalizing marijuana for both recreational and medical use. Beasley also urged President Biden and members of Congress to "work a whole lot harder" to lower inflation. Republican Ted Budd, who currently represents the 13th Congressional District, said Beasley would be a "rubber stamp" for President Biden's policies, and said he voted against certifying Biden's election to "inspire more debate." Most polls currently show the candidates in a statistical tie.

Health Oversight Committee Meetings

Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Health and Human Services

Legislators on the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Health and Human Services meet this week to hear presentations from Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Secretary Kody Kinsley, senior officials within DHHS who oversee child services, and medical examiners. Speakers presented on challenges that they are seeing within their respective fields, with all of them saying a shortage of available workers has created major barriers for success.

Secretary Kinsley provided a presentation with a financial update for DHHS and spoke about the ongoing efforts to mitigate continuing budget pressures within the department. He expressed concern over the impending financial cliff for funding for child care workers. During the pandemic, early childhood education grants were provided to the department to support supplemental pay for teachers and other early childcare staff. However, Kinsley noted that those subsides will expire in 2023.

Kinsley also spoke about the workforce challenges the department is experiencing. The vacancy rate within DHHS has increased by 11% since the beginning of the COVID pandemic and sits at 23.2% currently. It is even higher in state facilities, with 42% of psychologist, 44% of clinical social worker, and 44% of registered nurse positions vacant. This has forced the department to spend $65 million on contract staff, which Kinsley and lawmakers noted is not sustainable. The workforce challenges have led to increased wait times and a decrease in the number of people served.

Lawmakers on the committee suggested to Secretary Kinsley to submit a plan to the General Assembly before next year’s session begins with needs to alleviate some of the department’s workforce challenges.

Sherry Melton, a policy consultant with the NC Licensed Child Care Association, also gave a presentation where she addressed the workforce challenges childcare providers are experiencing. She asked legislators to consider easing some of the requirements for college education for some early education teachers. She and other speakers during the committee urged lawmakers to also consider extending the state COVID funding model that helped providers raise the pay for their staff.

Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Medicaid and NC Health Choice

Dave Richard, Deputy Secretary for NC Medicaid within DHHS, joined his colleagues to speak to lawmakers this week on the Joint Legislative Oversight Committee on Medicaid and NC Health Choice. Richard provided a presentation on Medicaid transformation updates. Over the last year, North Carolina has been preparing to make the transition to move more than two million Medicaid beneficiaries from a fee-for-service system to a managed care system. Richard told lawmakers the implementation date for tailored plans, which are specialized plans that offer integrated services for beneficiaries with behavioral health needs and developmental disabilities, is being moved from December 1, 2022, to April 1, 2023, in order to mitigate any disruptions.

Adam Levinson, the Chief Financial Officer of the Division of Health Benefits within DHHS, provided a presentation with a financial update on Medicaid enrollment. Lawmakers commended the department for finishing the 2022 fiscal year under budget, which continues a trend of the last few years. However, Levinson and lawmakers both noted there are other pending issues to watch in the next fiscal year. One is the end date of the public health emergency, which has allowed the department to cover additional beneficiaries who are currently eligible for Medicaid but will no longer qualify when the public health emergency ends. Richard estimated that there are approximately 300,000 individuals on the Medicaid rolls now who would no longer be eligible if the department were to complete a redetermination of eligibility. Levinson said he expects the public health emergency to be extended through the end of 2022 and told lawmakers the department should know next week if the federal government will make the extension.

Election Preview

There are less than 40 days to go before voters across North Carolina cast their ballots for who they would like to represent them in the US Senate and the US House, as well as in the state legislature and in judicial offices. For more information on how to register or how to vote in North Carolina, click here.

To catch up on all the races happening in North Carolina, you can check out the latest edition of Week in Review. For an overview of the races taking place in the Eastern part of the state, click here. For an overview of the races taking place in the Western part of the state, click here. This week we focus on legislative races in the central region of North Carolina, sometimes referred to as the Piedmont region.

Central North Carolina Legislative Races

Central North Carolina Senate Races

In both the House and Senate, Republicans are expected to remain in control following this year’s election, however, the Republican path to a supermajority is easier – but not likely – in the state Senate. According to the John Locke Foundation’s Civitas Partisan Index, of the 50 total Senate seats, 24 are likely to elect Republicans, four are “toss-up” districts, and five “lean Democrat.” Republicans need to win six of the toss-up or lean Democrat seats to take the supermajority (30 seats).

In November, voters in the central part of the state will decide the winners of the following races:

District 13: Wake (part)

Following redistricting, this new seat was created in Wake County with no incumbent. Lisa Grafstein, an attorney, won the Democratic primary in May and will face Republican David Bankert and Libertarian Michael Munger in the general election. The district is rated “safe Democrat.”

District 14: Wake (part)

Senate Democratic Leader Dan Blue, of Wake County, is seeking a seventh term this year. Before being elected to the Senate, Leader Blue served thirteen terms in the House, including as Speaker from 1991 to 1994. He faces Republican Chris Baker and Libertarian Matthew Laszacs in this district rated “safe Democrat.”

District 15: Wake (part)

Senate Democratic Whip Jay Chaudhuri, of Wake County, is seeking his fourth term this year. He faces Republican Emanuela Prister and Libertarian Sammie Brooks in this district rated “safe Democrat.”

District 16: Wake (part)

Following redistricting, this Wake County-based district is an open seat with no incumbent. Representative Gale Adcock (D-Wake), who serves as the House Deputy Democratic Leader, is seeking this seat, and will face Republican James Powers, Libertarian Dee Watson, and Green Party candidate Michael Trudeau. The district is rated “safe Democrat.”

District 17: Wake (part)

This southern-Wake County seat is always a competitive seat, and this year is no different. Incumbent Senator Sydney Batch (D-Wake) is running for re-election and faces Republican Marc Cavaliero, an information technology business owner, and Libertarian Patrick Bowersox. The district is rated “lean Democrat” and is a top priority of both parties to either hold or flip.

District 18: Granville, Wake (part)

Another newly configured district, District 18 was redrawn to be slightly more competitive. Incumbent Senator Sarah Crawford (D-Wake) opted to run for a House seat instead of re-election, making this an open seat. Democrat Mary Wills Bode, a nonprofit executive and attorney, faces Republican E.C. Sykes, an entrepreneur. Libertarian Ryan Brown is also running. The district is rated “lean Democrat” and is another top priority of both parties.

District 19: Cumberland (part)

Democrat Val Applewhite, a former Fayetteville City Councilmember, won her primary in May against incumbent Kirk DeViere (D-Cumberland). She faces former Republican Senator Wesley Meredith. The district is rated “likely Democrat.”

District 20: Chatham, Durham (part)

Incumbent Senator Natalie Murdock (D-Durham) is seeking her second term and faces Republican Alvin Reed in this district rated “safe Democrat.”

District 21: Cumberland (part), Moore

Following redistricting, incumbent Senator Tom McInnis (R-Moore) vacated his former district to run in this newly drawn district. He faces Democrat Frank McNeill, a businessman and former Aberdeen Mayor. Another top priority of both parties, this district is rated as a “toss up.”

District 22: Durham (part)

Incumbent Democratic Senator Mike Woodard, of Durham, is seeking his sixth term in this newly configured district. He faces Republican Larry Coleman and Libertarian Ray Ubinger in this “safe Democrat” seat.

District 23: Caswell, Orange, Person

Long-time House Representative Graig Meyer (D-Orange) is now running for his first term in the State Senate. He faces Republican Landon Woods in this “safe Democrat” district.

District 24: Hoke, Robeson, Scotland

Senator Danny Earl Britt (R-Robeson), who chairs the Senate Judiciary, Appropriations on Justice and Public Safety, and Transportation committees, is seeking re-election to a fourth term in this district rated as a “toss up.” He faces Democrat Darrell (BJ) Gibson, Jr., a Scotland County Commissioner and minister.

District 25: Alamance, Randolph (part)

Incumbent Senator Amy Scott Galey (R-Alamance) is seeking her second term, and faces Democrat Sean Ewing, a Mebane City Councilmember. The district is rated “likely Republican.”

District 26: Guilford (part), Rockingham

Senate President Pro Tempore Phil Berger (R-Rockingham), who leads the Senate, is running unopposed for a twelfth term.

District 27: Guilford (part)

Incumbent Senator Michael Garrett (D-Guilford) is seeking a third term and faces Republican Richard (Josh) Sessoms. The district is rated “likely Democrat.”

District 28: Guilford (part)

Incumbent Senator Gladys Robinson (D-Guilford) is seeking a seventh term in this downtown Greensboro based district. She faces Republican Paul Schumacher. The district is rated “safe Democrat.”

District 29: Anson, Montgomery, Randolph (part), Richmond, Union (part)

Incumbent Senator Dave Craven (R-Randolph) is seeking a second term in this newly drawn district. He faces Democrat Brooke Crump, an attorney, in this district rated “safe Republican.”

District 30: Davidson, Davie

Incumbent Senator Steve Jarvis (R-Davidson) is seeking a second term. Prior to joining the Senate, he also served a term in the House. Jarvis faces Democrat Monique Johnson in this district rated “safe Republican.”

District 31: Forsyth (part), Stokes

Incumbent Senator Joyce Krawiec (R-Forsyth), who chairs the Senate Health Care, Pensions, Retirement and Aging, and Appropriations on Health and Human Services Committees, is seeking her fifth term. She is unopposed.

District 32: Forsyth (part)

Incumbent Senator Paul Lowe (D-Forsyth) is seeking a fourth term in this Winston Salem based district. He faces Republican George Ware in this district rated “safe Democrat.”

District 33: Rowan, Stanly

Incumbent Senator Carl Ford (R-Rowan), who chairs the Senate State and Local Government and Appropriations on General Government and Information Technology Committees, is seeking a third term. Before joining the Senate, he served three terms in the House. He faces Democrat Tangela Morgan in this “safe Republican” seat.

District 34: Cabarrus (part)

Incumbent Senator Paul Newton (R-Cabarrus), who chairs the Senate Redistricting and Finance Committees, is seeking a fourth term. He faces Democrat Keshia Sandidge, a member of the Cabarrus County Board of Education. This district is rated “lean Republican.”

District 35: Cabarrus, (part), Union (part)

Incumbent Senator Todd Johnson (R-Union), who chairs the Senate Commerce and Insurance and Appropriations on Agriculture, Natural and Economic Resources Committees, is running unopposed for a third term.

District 37: Iredell, Mecklenburg (part)

Incumbent Senator Vickie Sawyer (R-Iredell), who chairs the Senate Transportation and Appropriations on Department of Transportation Committees, is running unopposed for a third term.

District 38: Mecklenburg (part)

Incumbent Senator Mujtaba Mohammed (D-Mecklenburg) is seeking a third term. He is running unopposed.

District 39: Mecklenburg (part)

Incumbent Senator DeAndrea Salvador (D-Mecklenburg) is seeking a second term. She faces Republican Mark Robeson in this district rated “safe Democrat.”

District 40: Mecklenburg (part)

Incumbent Senator Joyce Waddell (D-Mecklenburg) is seeking a fifth term. She faces Republican Bobbie Shields in this “safe Democrat” seat.

District 41: Mecklenburg (part)

Incumbent Senator Natasha Marcus (D-Mecklenburg) is seeking a third term. She faces Republican Bonnie Leone in this “safe Democrat” seat.

District 42: Mecklenburg (part)

Representative Rachel Hunt (D-Mecklenburg), who has served two terms in the House, is now running for the Senate. She faces Republican Cheryl Russo, a cardiologist. It is a top priority of Democrats to hold and is currently rated as “lean Democrat.”

District 43: Gaston (part)

Following Senator Kathy Harrington’s (R-Gaston) decision to not seek re-election, Republican Brad Overcash, an attorney, filed for the seat. He is running unopposed.

Central North Carolina House Races

Like the Senate, Republicans are anticipated to remain in control of the House following the election. According to the John Locke Foundation’s Civitas Partisan Index, of the 120 total Senate seats, 58 are likely to elect Republicans, 56 will likely elect Democrats, and six are “toss-up” districts. Republicans need to win six of the toss-up or lean Democrat seats to take the supermajority.

In November, voters in the central part of the state will decide the winners of the following races:

District 11: Wake (part)

Incumbent Representative Allison Dahle (D-Wake) is running unopposed for a third term.

District 21: Wake (part)

Democrat Ya Liu, a Cary City Councilmember, is running for this open seat. She faces Republican Gerard Falzon and Libertarian Joshua Morris. The district is rated “likely Democrat.”

District 29: Durham (part)

Incumbent Representative Vernetta Alston (D-Durham), who serves as caucus co-chair, is running unopposed for a second term.

District 30: Durham (part)

Incumbent Representative Marcia Morey (D-Durham) is seeking a third term. She faces Republican William Antico and Libertarian Guy Meilleur. The seat is rated “safe Democrat.”

District 31: Durham (part)

Incumbent Representative Zack Hawkins (D-Durham) is seeking a third term. He faces Libertarian Sean Haugh in this “safe Democrat” seat.

District 32: Granville (part), Vance

Incumbent Representative Terry Garrison (D-Vance) is seeking a fourth term. He faces Republican Frank Sossamon in this “likely Democrat” seat.

District 33: Wake (part)

Incumbent Representative Rosa Gill (D-Wake) is seeking a seventh term. She faces Republican Stephanie Dingee and Libertarian Chris Costello in this “safe Democrat” seat.

District 34: Wake (part)

This is an open seat following Representative Grier Martin’s (D-Wake) resignation earlier this year. Democrat Tim Longest, a Raleigh attorney, faces Republican Ashley Seshul and Libertarian Kat McDonald in this “safe Democrat” seat.

District 35: Wake (part)

Incumbent Representative Terence Everitt (D-Wake) is seeking a third term in the House. He faces Republican Fred Von Canon, a business owner, and Libertarian Joseph Serio. The district is rated “lean Democrat.”

District 36: Wake (part)

Incumbent Representative Julie von Haefen (D-Wake) is seeking a third term in the House. She faces Republican John Harris, who is the son of former Republican Congressional candidate Mark Harris. The seat is rated “likely Democrat.”

District 37: Wake (part)

Incumbent Representative Erin Paré (R-Wake), who is currently the only Republican legislator from Wake County and chair of the House Select Committee on Advancing Women in STEM, faces Democrat Christine Kelly, a former Holly Springs City Councilmember, and Libertarian Christopher Robinson. The district is rated “lean Republican.”

District 38: Wake (part)

Incumbent Representative Abe Jones (D-Wake) is running for a second term against Libertarian Christopher Mizelle in this “safe Democrat” seat.

District 39: Wake (part)

Incumbent Representative James Roberson (D-Wake) is seeking a second term and faces Republican Greg Jones in this “safe Democrat” seat.

District 40: Wake (part)

Incumbent Representative Joe John (D-Wake) is facing former Republican Representative Marilyn Avila and Libertarian Michael Nelson. The district is rated “lean Democrat.”

District 41: Wake (part)

This open seat features Democrat Maria Cervania, a Wake County Commissioner, against Republican Bruce Forster and Libertarian Kevin Terrett. The district is rated “safe Democrat.”

District 49: Wake (part)

Incumbent Representative Cynthia Ball (D-Wake) is seeking a fourth term in the House. She faces Republican David Robertson and Libertarian Michael Oakes. The district is rated “safe Democrat.”

District 50: Caswell, Orange (part)

Democrat Renee Price, who chairs the Orange County Board of Commissioners, faces Republican Charles Lopez in this open seat. It is rated “safe Democrat.”

District 51: Lee, Moore (part)

Incumbent Representative John Sauls (R-Lee) faces Democrat Malcolm Hall in this newly drawn district. It is rated “likely Republican.”

District 52: Richmond, Moore (part)

Incumbent Representative Ben Moss (R-Richmond) defeated incumbent Representative Jamie Boles (R-Moore) in the May Primary and is unopposed in November.

District 54: Chatham, Randolph (part)

House Democratic Leader Robert Reives, of Chatham County, faces Republican Walter Petty, a former Chatham County Commissioner. The district is rated “lean Democrat.”

District 55: Anson, Union (part)

Incumbent Representative Mark Brody (R-Union), who chairs the House Local Government – Land Use, Planning and Development Committee, is seeking a sixth term. He is running unopposed.

District 56: Orange (part)

Incumbent Representative Allen Buansi (D-Orange), who was appointed to fill the vacancy of former Representative Verla Insko who retired earlier this year, is running unopposed.

District 57: Guilford (part)

Incumbent Representative Ashton Clemmons (D-Guilford) is seeking a third term and faces Republican Michelle Bardsley. The district is rated “safe Democrat.”

District 58: Guilford (part)

Incumbent Representative Amos Quick (D-Guilford), who is the House Democratic Whip, is seeking a fourth term in the House. He faces Republican Chrissy Smith in this “safe Democrat” seat.

District 59: Guilford (part)

Incumbent Representative Jon Hardister (R-Guilford), who serves as Majority Whip and chairs the House Education – Universities and House Appropriations, Education Committees, is seeking a sixth term in the House. He faces Democrat Sherrie Young in this district rated “lean Democrat.”

District 60: Guilford (part)

Incumbent Representative Cecil Brockman (D-Guilford) is seeking a fifth term in the House. He faces Republican Bob Blasingame in this “safe Democrat” seat.

District 61: Guilford (part)

Incumbent Representative Pricey Harrison (D-Guilford) is seeking a tenth term in the House. She is running unopposed in this downtown Greensboro-based district.

District 62: Guilford (part)

Incumbent Representative John Faircloth (R-Guilford), who is a chair of the House Appropriations Committee, is seeking a seventh term in the House. He faces Democrat Brandon Gray, a small business owner and activist, in this district rated as a “toss up.”

District 63: Alamance (part)

Incumbent Representative Ricky Hurtado (D-Alamance) is seeking his second term and faces a rematch against former Republican Representative Stephen Ross. This district is rated “lean Democrat” and is a top pickup opportunity for Republicans looking to take a supermajority in the House.

District 64: Alamance (part)

Incumbent Representative Dennis Riddell (R-Alamance), who chairs the House Regulatory Reform and Appropriations, General Government Committees, is seeking a sixth term. He faces Democrat Rob Osborne, a retired emergency management manager for Duke Energy. The district is rated “likely Republican.”

District 65: Rockingham

Incumbent Representative A. Reece Pyrtle Jr. (R-Rockingham) is seeking a second term in the House. He faces Democrat Jay Donecker in this district rated “safe Republican.”

District 66: Wake (part)

Current Senator Sarah Crawford (D-Wake) opted to not run for reelection in her Senate seat and instead is running for the House in this open seat. She faces Republican Ives Brizuela de Sholar and Libertarian Micao Penaflor. The district is rated “safe Democrat.”

District 67: Montgomery, Stanly

Incumbent Representative Wayne Sasser (R-Stanly), who chairs the House Health and Appropriations, Health and Human Services Committees, is seeking a third term in the House. He is unopposed.

District 68: Union (part)

Incumbent Representative David Willis (R-Union), who serves as the House New Member Leader, is seeking a second term. He is unopposed.

District 69: Union (part)

Incumbent Representative Dean Arp (R-Union), who is a Senior Chairman for the House Appropriations Committee and chairs the House Energy and Public Utilities Committee, is seeking a sixth term in the House. He faces Democrat Leigh Coulter. The district is rated “safe Republican.”

District 70: Randolph (part)

Republican Brian Biggs, a Randolph County realtor, defeated incumbent Pat Hurley (R-Randolph) in the May primary, making this an open seat. Biggs faces Democrat Susan Lee Scott. The district is rated “safe Republican.”

District 71: Forsyth (part)

Democrat Kanika Brown, an activist and substitute teacher, is running unopposed in this open seat.

District 72: Forsyth (part)

Incumbent Representative Amber Baker (D-Forsyth) is seeking a second term in the House. She faces Republican Shelton Stallworthy in this district rated “safe Democrat.”

District 73: Cabarrus (part)

Following the decision by incumbent Representative Larry Pittman (R-Cabarrus) to not seek re-election, this became an open seat after redistricting. Democrat Diamond Staton-Williams, a Harrisburg City Councilmember, faces Republican Brian Echevarria. The district is rated “lean Democrat” and is a top priority of both parties to win.

District 74: Forsyth (part)

Incumbent Representative Jeff Zenger (R-Forsyth) is seeking a second term in the House. He faces Democrat Carla Catalan Day, a public health advocate. This district is rated as a “toss up.”

District 75: Forsyth (part)

Incumbent Representative Donny Lambeth (R-Forsyth), who is a Senior Chair of the House Appropriations Committee and chairs the House Health Committee, is seeking a sixth term. He is unopposed.

District 76: Rowan (part)

Incumbent Representative Harry Warren (R-Rowan), who chairs the House State Personnel Committee, is seeking a seventh term. He is unopposed.

District 77: Davie, Rowan (part), Yadkin

Incumbent Representative Julia Howard (R-Davie) is seeking an 18th term in the House. She is unopposed.

District 78: Moore (part), Randolph

Following Representative Allen McNeill’s (R-Randolph) decision to not seek re-election, this became an open seat after redistricting. Republican Neal Jackson, a pastor, faces Democrat Erik Davis. The district is rated “safe Republican.”

District 80: Davidson (part)

Incumbent Representative Sam Watford (R-Davidson), who chairs the House Local Government Committee, is seeking a fourth term. He faces Democrat Dennis Miller. The district is rated “safe Republican.”

District 81: Davidson (part)

Incumbent Representative Larry Potts (R-Davidson), who chairs the House Health and Appropriations, Health and Human Services Committees, is seeking a fourth term. He faces Democrat Joe Watkins in this district rated “safe Republican.”

District 82: Cabarrus (part)

Incumbent Representative Kristin Baker, M.D. (R-Cabarrus), who chairs the House Health and Appropriations, Health and Human Services Committees, is seeking a second term. She is unopposed.

District 83: Cabarrus (part), Rowan (part)

Republican Kevin Crutchfield, a business owner and farmer, is running unopposed for this open seat.

District 84: Iredell (part)

Incumbent Representative Jeffrey McNeely, who is a chair of the House Agriculture Committee, is seeking a second full term. He is unopposed.

District 88: Mecklenburg (part)

Incumbent Representative Mary Belk (D-Mecklenburg) is seeking a fourth term in the House. She faces Republican Anne Marie Peacock in this district rated as “safe Democrat.”

District 91: Forsyth (part), Stokes

Incumbent Representative Kyle Hall (R-Stokes), who is a chair of the House Appropriations Committee, is seeking a fourth full term in the House. He is unopposed.

District 92: Mecklenburg (part)

Incumbent Representative Terry Brown, Jr. (D-Mecklenburg) is seeking a second term in the House. He faces Republican Mario Robinson, Sr. The district is rated “safe Democrat.”

District 95: Iredell (part)

Incumbent Representative Grey Mills (R-Iredell), who chairs the House Election Law and Campaign Finance Reform Committee, is seeking a fourth term. He faces Democrat Amanda Kotis in this district rated “safe Republican.”

District 97: Lincoln

Incumbent Representative Jason Saine (R-Lincoln), a Senior Chairman of the House Appropriations Committee, is seeking a sixth full term. He is running unopposed.

District 98: Mecklenburg (part)

Incumbent Representative John Bradford (R-Mecklenburg), a Senior Chairman of the House Finance Committee, is seeking a fourth term in the House. He faces former Democratic Representative Christy Clark in this district rates as a “toss up.”

District 99: Mecklenburg (part)

Incumbent Representative Nasif Majeed (D-Mecklenburg) is seeking a third term in the House. He faces Republican Michael Anderson. The district is rated “safe Democrat.”

District 100: Mecklenburg (part)

Incumbent Representative John Autry (D-Mecklenburg) is seeking a fourth term in the House. He is unopposed.

District 101: Mecklenburg (part)

Incumbent Representative Carolyn Logan (D-Mecklenburg) is seeking a third term in the House. She faces Republican Steve Mauney. The district is rated “safe Democrat.”

District 102: Mecklenburg (part)

Incumbent Representative Becky Carney (D-Mecklenburg) is seeking an 11th term in the House. She faces Republican Cynthia Clementi in this uptown Charlotte-based district. The seat is rated “safe Democrat.”

District 103: Mecklenburg (part)

Following Representative Rachel Hunt’s (D-Mecklenburg) announcement to run for the State Senate, this district became an open seat. Democrat Laura Budd, an attorney, faces former Republican Representative Bill Brawley. The district is rated “lean Democrat” and is a top pick up opportunity for Republicans.

District 104: Mecklenburg (part)

Incumbent Representative Brandon Lofton (D-Mecklenburg) is seeking a third term in the House. He faces Republican Dom Pomeroy, a retired business executive, in this district rated “lean Democrat.”

District 105: Mecklenburg (part)

Incumbent Representative Wesley Harris, PhD (D-Mecklenburg) is seeking a third term in the House. He faces Republican Joshua Niday in this district rated “likely Democrat.”

District 106: Mecklenburg (part)

Incumbent Representative Carla Cunningham (D-Mecklenburg) is seeking a sixth term in the House. She faces Republican Karen Henning. The district is rated “safe Democrat.”

District 107: Mecklenburg (part)

Incumbent Representative Kelly Alexander (D-Mecklenburg) is seeking an eighth term in the House. He faces Republican Mark Alan Cook. The district is rated “safe Democrat.”

District 108: Gaston (part)

Incumbent Representative John Torbett (R-Gaston), who chairs the House State Government, Education K-12, Appropriations, Education Committees, and serves as Senior Chairman of the House Select Committee on an Education System for North Carolina’s Future, is seeking a seventh term. He is unopposed.

District 109: Gaston (part)

Incumbent Representative Donnie Loftis (R-Gaston), who was appointed last year to fill the vacancy of the late Representative Dana Bumgardner, is seeking his first full term. He faces Democrat Eric Hughes in this district rated “likely Republican.”

District 110: Cleveland (part), Gaston (part)

Incumbent Representative Kelly Hastings (R-Gaston), who chairs the House Appropriations, Capital, and UNC Board of Governors Nominations Committees, is seeking a seventh term in the House. He is unopposed.

District 112: Mecklenburg (part)

Following redistricting, this newly drawn district is an open seat. Former Democratic Representative Tricia Cotham is running to return to the House and faces Republican Tony Long. The district is rated “safe Democrat.”

Upcoming Legislative Meetings

Tuesday, October 18

12:00PM: House Session
12:00PM: Senate Session