GOVERNOR
The Governor manages the state’s operations, appoints agency heads, recruits new jobs, and can veto legislation.
MARK ROBINSON
REPUBLICAN
Current occupation: Lieutenant Governor
- Supports lower taxes and also tax subsidies for private K-12 schools.
- Opposes gun control.
- Would block right to abortion in most cases.
- Opposes action on climate change as “junk science” & calls the civil rights movement “crap.”
- Would “crack down on illegal immigration and make our country safer.”
- As Lt. Gov., fought “indoctrination” in schools.
Website: markrobinsonfornc.com
JOSH STEIN
DEMOCRAT
Current occupation: Attorney General
- Supports more funds for teachers, public schools and child care centers.
- Would invest in “a clean energy economy” to create jobs and address global warming.
- Supports access to abortion & contraceptives.
- Supports an independent redistricting commission to protect voting rights.
- As Attorney General, sued scammers and makers of addictive drugs.
Website: joshstein.org
OTHER CANDIDATES
Due to space limits, this guide does not profile other candidates for Governor with under 5% of support, based on nonpartisan polling at the time of publication. However, you can read about all the candidates at ncvoter.org/guide.
Candidates in each contest are listed in the order that they appear on your ballot.
N.C. SUPREME COURT
The N.C. Supreme Court is not well known, but citizens elect its 7 Justices and its rulings affect everything: voting rights, fair prices, parental rights, racial bias, water quality, your privacy, and more. You can choose 1 Justice this year.
JEFFERSON GRIFFIN
REPUBLICAN
Current occupation: NC Court of Appeals Judge
- Former Wake Co. prosecutor and judge advocate general (JAG) officer in the Army National Guard.
- Says he is “an originalist and a textualist.” He “believes the words of the Constitution mean what they say,” and he values “the rule of law.”
- Says in his experience “the law is applied the same to all citizens.”
Endorsed by: More than three dozen sheriffs; N.C. Republican Party
Website: jeffersongriffin.com
ALLISON RIGGS
DEMOCRAT
Current occupation: NC Supreme Court Judge
- Former civil rights and voting rights attorney.
- Says courts should protect the “right to privacy [and] access to medical care.”
- Says she’s committed to “equal justice under the law” because she has seen the justice system hold people back rather than give them “access to equity and fairness.”
Endorsed by: Sierra Club; N.C. Young Democrats
Website: riggsforourcourts.com
Send Your Values to DC & Raleigh!
In addition to President, you can choose legislators to represent your concerns in Congress and the N.C. General Assembly. Vote for 1 candidate for U.S. House of Representatives, 1 for N.C. Senate, and 1 for N.C. House based on your Districts. District lines are new this year; find yours at ncvoter.org/distr.
PRESIDENT
KAMALA HARRIS
DEMOCRAT
- Says: “Building up the middle class will be a defining goal of my presidency.”
- Supports affordable child care and health care, paid family leave, and the right to an abortion.
- Wants new gun control and voting rights laws.
- Would fight price gouging by corporations.
- Supported the bipartisan immigration reform bill opposed by Trump.
Website: kamalaharris.com
DONALD TRUMP
REPUBLICAN
- Says: “My first acts as your next President will be to Close the Border, DRILL, BABY, DRILL, and Free the January 6 Hostages being wrongfully imprisoned!”
- Plans to replace Obamacare with insurance markets.
- Will combat fraud with new limits on access to voting.
- Wants to “certify teachers who embrace patriotic values,” end teaching about racism, and let parents elect principals.
Website: donaldjtrump.com
OTHER CANDIDATES
Several other presidential candidates from other political parties are on the ballot; they are profiled at ncvoter.org/guide.
U.S. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVE
Vote for 1 candidate for the District where you live. See the map or go to ncvoter.org/distr to find your District. Candidates are listed in their order on the ballot. See their websites and ncvoter.org/guide to learn about them.
District 1
- Democrat Don Davis;
- Libertarian Tom Bailey;
- Republican Laurie Buckhout;
District 2
- Green Michael Dublin;
- Democrat Deborah K. Ross;
- Republican Alan D. Swain;
District 3
- Republican Greg Murphy;
- Libertarian Gheorghe Cormos;
District 4
- Democrat Valerie P. Foushee;
- Libertarian Guy Meilleur;
- Republican Eric Blankenburg;
District 5
- Republican Virginia Foxx;
- Democrat Chuck Hubbard;
District 6
- Constitution Kevin Hayes;
- Republican Addison McDowell;
District 7
- Democrat Marlando Pridgen;
- Republican David Rouzer;
District 8
- Democrat Justin E. Dues;
- Republican Mark Harris;
District 9
- Unaffiliated Shelane Etchison;
- Republican Richard Hudson;
- Democrat Nigel Bristow;
District 10
- Libertarian Steven Feldman;
- Republican Pat Harrigan;
- Constitution Todd Helm;
- Democrat Ralph R. Scott Jr.;
District 11
- Republican Chuck Edwards;
- Democrat Caleb Rudow;
District 12
- Democrat Alma Adams;
- Republican Addul Ali;
District 13
- Republican Brad Knott;
- Democrat Frank Pierce;
District 14
- Democrat Pam Genant;
- Republican Tim Moore;
N.C. GENERAL ASSEMBLY
The General Assembly in Raleigh has 50 members in the N.C. Senate and 120 members in the N.C. House who represent Districts across the state. All members will be elected this year for a two-year term. They adopt laws affecting healthcare, jobs, schools, taxes, racial justice, roads, voting, climate change, abortion, guns and more.
As in Congress, Democratic and Republican legislators often disagree on issues. Learn about the candidates seeking to represent your district at ncvoter.org/guide and Vote411.org.
Differences between Democratic and Republican candidates reflect the differing positions of party leaders, like these from N.C. Senate leaders:
Example of Different Positions of Democratic vs. Republican Legislators in the General Assembly
DEMOCRATIC SENATE LEADER DAN BLUE
- “Stop giving corporate titans and millionaires tax cuts and invest that money in our public school teachers and students.”
- “Restore the Earned Income Tax Credit for working families.”
- “Stop the sale of assault weapons, enforce strict backgrounds checks, and enact strong red flag laws to keep vulnerable parties safe.”
- Opposes U.S. Supreme Court’s repeal of Roe v. Wade.
REPUBLICAN SENATE LEADER PHIL BERGER
- “Cut taxes on businesses and cut govt. regulation halting progress in the private economy.”
- “Increase the number of charter schools and funding for students to attend private schools.”
- Do not restore the Earned Income Tax Credit for working families.
- Opposes an assault rifle ban and strong red flag laws.
- Supports U.S. Supreme Court’s repeal of Roe v. Wade.
Pick More N.C. Top Officials
The Governor appoints leaders of some agencies (e.g., health and commerce), but voters elect 8 officials to lead other departments, plus the Lt. Governor. Here are the major party candidates for those positions.
Candidates are in order as they appear on the ballot
*A third party candidate for this office is profiled at ncvoter.org/guide
Lieutenant Governor*
The Lt. Governor presides over the N.C. Senate and sits on the N.C. Board of Education and other boards.
RACHEL HUNT
DEMOCRAT
- Supports investing in public school teachers rather than giving tax money to private academies.
- Emphasizes “standing with rural NC” for economic opportunity, broadband, and affordable housing.
- Supports access to abortion and healthcare.
- Promotes job training and housing for veterans.
Website: rachelhunt.com
HAL WEATHERMAN
REPUBLICAN
- Supports placing “armed school resource officers in each and every K-12 school.” Opposes gun control.
- Give companies tax breaks for apprenticeship jobs.
- For “Heartbeat” law to ban abortion after 6 weeks.
- Wants to integrate community college with universities to promote trades and practical skills.
Website: halweathermanfornc.com
ATTORNEY GENERAL
The AG leads the Dept. of Justice, which protects consumers, defends state agencies, and advises local law enforcement.
JEFF JACKSON
DEMOCRAT
- Supports criminal justice reform: stop racial bias in sentencing, reduce incarceration for non-violent offenses, and improve reentry programs. Also supports public access to police camera videos.
- Supports gun control: require universal back-ground checks and enact “red flag” protective laws.
- Supports expanding voting rights, independent redistricting, and ending secret money in politics.
Website: jeffjacksonnc.com
DAN BISHOP
REPUBLICAN
- Says: “Crime and lawlessness is out of control in our state and I believe restoring a culture of law and order is the most important job of the next AG.”
- Says he’s now “one of the toughest and most outspoken conservatives in Congress.”
- Supports stronger measures to stop voter fraud and “ballot-box stuffing.” Opposes independent redistricting commission to draw impartial political districts.
Website: votedanbishop.com
Superintendent of Public Instruction
The Superintendent heads the Dept. of Public Instruction, which implements Board of Education policies and state law.
MAURICE (MO) GREEN
DEMOCRAT
- Experience: Led Guilford County School System.
- Top goals: “Prepare each student for their next phase in life.” “Enhance parent and community support” and a “safe, secure learning environment.”
- Supports more funds for pre-K schools, rural youth apprenticeships, and an 8.5% raise for teachers.
- Opposes “taxpayer-funded private school vouchers for the very wealthy.”
Website: mogreenfornc.com
MICHELE MORROW
REPUBLICAN
- Experience: Homeschool teacher and nurse.
- Supports an “independent audit of the public school system” and will challenge “indoctrination centers.”
- Believes school funding must be “fueled by a fiscally conservative, free-market, competitive environment.”
- Opposes teaching students about race and racism.
- Opposes COVID mandates; says “teachers unions forced school closures.”
Website: morrow4nc.com
Secretary of State
The Secretary of State manages the registration of businesses, charities, and lobbyists and maintains N.C.’s official records.
ELAINE MARSHALL
DEMOCRAT
- Has served as N.C. Secretary of State since 1997.
- Says: “I’ve worked to cut red tape for entrepreneurs starting companies, prosecute criminals who masquerade as charities, and crack down on financial fraud.”
- Supports modernizing notary and other services.
Website: elainemarshall.com
CHAD BROWN
REPUBLICAN
- Serves on the Gaston Co. Board of Commission- ers; was previously Town of Stanley mayor.
- Would “promote innovation and small business growth” and “protect consumers from fraud and identity theft.”
Website: electchadbrown.com
TREASURER
The Treasurer oversees state investments, local government borrowing, and the state employee health & retirement plans.
WESLEY HARRIS
DEMOCRAT
- Plans to “protect our strong bond rating” and “expand our investment capacity” by moving more funds “sitting in cash” into higher-yield investments.
- Says: “The Treasurer’s office shouldn’t be a play-ground for partisan games.”
Website: harrisfornc.com
BRAD BRINER
REPUBLICAN
- Top priority: ”Remedy the chronic underperformance of the Retirement System” caused by “an irrational love of risk-free fixed income investments.”
- Would give a “fiduciary board of professionals,” not just the Treasurer, authority for investment decisions.
Website: bradbriner.com
AUDITOR*
The State Auditor reviews the financial management of agencies and programs that receive public funds.
JESSICA HOLMES
DEMOCRAT
- Current Auditor; former Wake Co. Commissioner.
- Says she is “committed to safeguarding taxpayer dollars as the NC Auditor, leveraging her expertise, integrity, and unwavering dedication to equitable policies for the betterment of N.C.”
Website: jessicafornc.com
DAVE BOLIEK
REPUBLICAN
- Former prosecutor and UNC-CH Trustees Board chair.
- Says: “Led fight at UNC to eliminate woke diversity” and has “expertise to root out government corruption.”
- Would expose waste in government, “scrub voter rolls,” and examine efficiencies at DMV and schools.
Website: auditordave.com
COMMISSIONER OF LABOR
The Commissioner leads the Labor Department, which inspects workplaces and enforces laws about worker health & safety.
LUKE FARLEY
REPUBLICAN
- Says: “Will fight for free enterprise, fair competition, and cutting government red tape.”
- Will protect workers who refuse orders to receive a COVID vaccine; opposes new heat stress regulations.
- Supports “accountability by keeping the commissioner’s picture on elevator certificates.”
Website: lukefarleync.com
BRAXTON WINSTON II
DEMOCRAT
- Says: “CNBC ranked NC as #1 state to do business [but] Oxfam ranked NC as worst state to be a worker. This is unacceptable. Our workers deserve better.”
- Will ensure workers “work in a safe environment.”
- Will be a “whole worker” advocate for fair pay, job rights, training, and affordable health care & housing.
Website: votebraxton.com
COMMISSIONER OF AGRICULTURE*
The Commissioner leads the Dept. of Agriculture, which has the double role of promoting farm products and food safety.
SARAH TABER
DEMOCRAT
- Current farm and food systems manager.
- Says Ag Dept. should promote high-value crops, like berries, fruits, hemp, etc.; canneries; farms in Appalachia; processing facilities for nuts.
- Supports innovating financing for farmers, co-ops, and profit-sharing models to boost rural jobs.
Website: taberfornc.com
STEVE TROXLER
REPUBLICAN
- Served as Commissioner of Agriculture since 2005.
- Has focused on “developing new markets for N.C. farm products, preserving working farms and protecting the state’s food supply.”
- Promotes meat production and the “Got To Be NC” ag marketing programs, which he says are successful.
Website: stevetroxler.com
COMMISSIONER OF INSURANCE
The Commissioner regulates insurance rates & practices, licenses building inspectors, and trains firefighters & rescue squads.
NATASHA MARCUS
DEMOCRAT
- Current state Senator and attorney.
- Says: “My mission has always been to stand up against corruption, corporate greed, and bad government.”
- Would “force insurance companies to justify their rates at public hearings,” which doesn’t happen now.
Website: natashamarcus.com
MIKE CAUSEY
REPUBLICAN
- Served as Insurance Commissioner since 2017.
- Would abolish Rate Bureau role in setting insurance rates because it “kills free enterprise.”
- Has added fraud inspectors, added consumer services, and cleared backlog of fire dept. inspections.
Website: mikecauseync.com
N.C. COURT OF APPEALS - Candidates for 3 seats
Court of Appeals judges hear appeals of criminal and civil cases from local courts; 3 of the Court’s 15 seats are open in 2024.
SEAT 12
TOM MURRY
REPUBLICAN
Attorney and former state legislator, prosecutor, and judge advocate in the Army National Guard.
Website: jointom.com
CAROLYN THOMPSON
DEMOCRAT
Current Court of Appeals judge; former Superior Court judge and attorney in private practice.
Website: judgecarolynthompson.com
SEAT 14
ED ELDRED
DEMOCRAT
Attorney with over a decade of experience in trial and appellate court litigation.
Website: eldredforjudge.com
VALERIE ZACHARY
REPUBLICAN
Current Court of Appeals judge; previously practiced law for 26 years in family firm.
Website: reelectjudgezachary.com
SEAT 15
CHRIS FREEMAN
REPUBLICAN
Current District Court judge in Rockingham and Caswell counties and former district attorney.
Website: chrisfreemanforjudge.com
MARTIN MOORE
DEMOCRAT
Buncombe Co. Commissioner with mediation and appellate law practice; former public defender.
Website: martinforjudge.com