2024 Nonpartisan Voter Guide Cumberland County North Carolina

The Governor manages the state’s operations, appoints agency heads, recruits new jobs, and can veto legislation.

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

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

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.

Think Your 1 Vote Doesn’t Matter? In 2020, a top state official won by less than 1 vote per city in N.C. What you do matters! 

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.

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

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

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. 

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

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

Several other presidential candidates from other political parties are on the ballot; they are profiled at ncvoter.org/guide.

Cumberland County voters are divided into 2 Congressional Districts. Vote for 1 candidate for the District where you live. See ncvoter.org/guide for more about your choices. Candidates are listed here in their order on the ballot.

DEMOCRAT

• President, Intl. Center for Educational & Economic Advancement; former Columbus County educator.
• Would “increase affordable housing, prevent evictions & homelessness,” and increase minimum wage.
• Would “strengthen anti-discrimination protections.”

Website: pridgenforcongress.com

REPUBLICAN

• Member of Congress, first elected in 2014.
• Would repeal Obamacare, reduce “onerous rules and regulations,” and promote natural gas production.
• Says public education should be controlled at the local level, without federal government involvement.

Website: davidrouzer.com

UNAFFILIATED

• Served 11 years in U.S. Army (Iraq, Syria, etc.).
• Supports Congressional term limits, protecting voting rights, and combating gerrymandering.
• Opposes gun control and supports individual liberties, including a woman’s right to abortion.
• Aims to bridge partisan divide to solve problems.

Website: etchisonforcongress.com

REPUBLICAN

• Member of Congress, first elected in 2012.
• Wants to “unleash American energy to lower   costs for everyone and create jobs.”
• Opposes access to abortion, gun control, and government masking mandates to fight COVID.
• Wants less taxes & regulation to help business.

Website: richardhudson.org

DEMOCRAT

• Former police detective and parole officer; now board chair of New Horizons Life & Family Services.
• Priorities: “Environmental Justice and Democracy issues”; raise minimum wage; address climate crisis.
• Supports free community college classes.
• Wants abortion access and affordable healthcare.

Website: nigelbristowforcongress.com

The N.C. General Assembly has 50 Senators and 120 Representatives serving 2-year terms. They adopt the state budget and laws affecting a wide range of topics. As in Congress, candidates have different views on how to represent the public interest on everything from abortion to tax fairness. See ncvoter.org/guide for more about the candidates in your District.

REPUBLICAN

• Real estate agent.
• Supports higher pay for teachers and tax-funded scholarships for children in private K-12 schools.
• Would invest in infrastructure, broadband access,    and upgrading telecommunication networks.

Website: electsemone.com

LIBERTARIAN

No website available

DEMOCRAT

• Now in N.C. Senate. Real estate agent.
• Would provide more funds for public schools and teachers; opposes public subsides to private schools.
• Supports access to abortion, resources for affordable healthcare & housing, and environmental protection.

Website: valapplewhitencsenate.com

DEMOCRAT

• Chief Executive of The Castle Livery.
• Supports “fully funding traditional public schools” and policies that “promote inclusivity, diversity, and justice.”
• Supports “protecting the environment [and] policies that promote sustainability and conservation.”

Website: butch4ncsenate.com

REPUBLICAN

• Now in N.C. Senate. Executive at Iron Horse Auction.
• Supports cutting taxes, “unnecessary government intrusion, [and] overbearing regulations.”
• Supports voter ID law and restrictions on abortion; opposes gun control and legalizing medical marijuana.

Website: mcinnisfornc.com

REPUBLICAN

• Army career veteran. Charter school board member.
• Wants lower taxes on businesses to spur economic growth and “trade course training” in K-12 schools.
• Supports tax-funded scholarships for families to send their children to private schools.

Website: bryantfornchouse.com

DEMOCRAT

• Licensed funeral service professional.
• Prioritizes job creation, affordable housing, com-munity revitalization, and environmental protection.
• Supports reproductive rights, expanding mental  health services, and “healthcare access for all.”

Website: votemikecolvin.com

REPUBLICAN

• Now in the N.C. House. Registered nurse.
• Would lower healthcare costs through free-market solutions and reducing “government mandates.” Supports government restrictions on access to abortion.
• Supports School Resource Officers (SROs) for safety.

Website: dianewheatleync.com

DEMOCRAT

• Business owner and grant writer.
• Wants to enhance the rural economy, create jobs, and assist “underserved Black/Brown farmers.”
• Advocates for “vulnerable communities” and healthcare for all, including access to abortion.

Website: electackles.com

REPUBLICAN

• Retired Army Lt. Colonel. Owns Venus Vogue.
• Wants “accountable, civil, and efficient” governance.
• Supports tax reduction, more resources for law enforcement, and infrastructure improvements.

Website: freddieformayor.com

DEMOCRAT

• Now in N.C. House. Attorney.
• Supports reforms to end “perpetual debt loop” for poor defendants and alternatives to incarceration.
• Supports higher pay for teachers & more resources for schools, especially “in rural & impoverished areas.”

Website: charlessmithfornc.com

DEMOCRAT

This candidate is unopposed

The 7 members of the County Commission adopt the budget for schools and other agencies, and they make decisions affecting land use, housing, transit options, conservation programs, the health department, and other vital services.

Voters living in District 2 will elect 3 Commissioners this year; voters in District 1 will elect Commissioners in 2026. If you live in District 2, you may vote for up to 3 of the candidates below.  Find your District at ncvoter.org/guide.

DEMOCRAT

• Owns marketing/advertising firm; former City Council member and N.C. Senator.
• Wants to safeguard drinking water & remove PFAS.
• Supports measures to promote small businesses, boost affordable housing, and expand broadband.

Website: kirkdeviere.com

DEMOCRAT

• President of Latinos United For Progress.
• Emphasizes “environmental & climate justice,” sustainable jobs, and improved mental health services.
• Would “foster partnerships” among local & county government bodies for equitable, “cohesive growth.”

Website: voteicaza.com

REPUBLICAN

• Owns Pappas Construction & other businesses.
• Priority: “spend wisely and bring business-like efficiency to government operations.”
• Would address PFAS poisons & the opioid crisis, recruit new industries, and retain military retirees.

Website: cumberlandfirst.org

REPUBLICAN

• Owns Willow Group Investments.
• Priority: “fortify the backbone of society − the middle class” − and bolster business & job creation.
• Wants to improve “safety and overall wellbeing” through crime reduction and quality healthcare.

Website: electpatelnc.com

DEMOCRAT

• Now serves on the Board of Commissioners.
• Priorities: “create jobs that allow families to prosper,” “develop long-term solutions to reduce homelessness,” “invest in our public schools,” and improve “foster care and mental health services.”

Website: tonistewartnc.com

REPUBLICAN

• Co-owns Tyson Commercial Real Estate.
• Says the county’s taxes are too high and its utility infrastructure should expand and be improved.
• Would invest more resources to support first responders, sheriff’s department, and 911 center.

Website: facebook.com/TysonforCommissioner

The 9-member Board of Education hires the School Superintendent and oversees finances and school policies. This year, 6 Board members are elected by District on a nonpartisan basis. See your District and ballot at ncvoter.org/guide.

• Retirement specialist at ValuTeachers Inc., professor at Gardner-Webb University, and educational consultant.
• Priority: “Innovate, Elevate, Transform Shaping the Future of Education.”

Web: Instagram.com/electKathi24

• Retired CCS administrator and mental health counselor.
• Priority: “enhance the opportunity for success for ’All students, Faculty, and Staff,’” and “equip students to truly become contributing and productive members of society.”

Website: votemaryhales.com

• On the Board of Education now. Retired from civilian career with the U.S. Army.
• Priority: be an advocate for students and parents, “do what is right and speak what is true.”

Website: none

• On the Board of Education now. Retired from U.S. Army.
• Priority: “strive to make sure all children have equal educational opportunities.”

Web: facebook.com/DJonesDistrict2

No information provided

• Former teacher & principal
• Priority: “advocate for equitable solutions,” community collaboration, and success for students and teachers.

Website: votehatch.wixsite.com/tomhatch

• Real estate agent.
• Priority: “make schools great again,” build community support for extracurricular activities and for school staff.

Web: facebook.com/bryan.moore.35175

• Retired instructional assistant for CCS.
• Priority: support the different ways children learn; “we must take the time to figure it out.”

Website: none

 No information provided

• On Board of Education now. Retired teacher and principal.
• Priority: continue implementation of CCS’s Strategic Plan; recruit and retain good teachers.

Web: facebook.com/vannforschoolboard

• Former teacher, athletic director, and principal.
• Priority: address the high number of low-performing schools, low salaries, bullying, and absenteeism.

Web: facebook.com/jackiewarner.549

• President of C2 Equipping Institute.
• Priority: support school choice, vouchers for private schools, and higher pay for “quality educators.”

Website: peltonboard.com

• On Board of Education now; retired CCS teacher.
• Priority: promote “a positive and inclusive academic environment where children feel safe, nurtured, and inspired to learn.”

Web: none

• Educator, Fort Liberty schools
• Priority: “our education system [should] encourage our children to think for themselves while respecting rules & regulations and their classmates.”

Website: none

• On the Board of Education now; Assistant Public Defender
• Priority: “bring Cumberland Co. Schools into the 21st Century” and create a positive learning environment.

Website: nathanwarfel.com

• District Court Judge, District 14, Seat 8: Tiffany Marie Whitfield
• District Court Judge, District 14, Seat 9: Lou Olivera
• District Court Judge, District 14, Seat 10: Cull Jordan
• County Register of Deeds: Andra Brewington

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

The Lt. Governor presides over the N.C. Senate and sits on the N.C. Board of Education and other boards.

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

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

The AG leads the Dept. of Justice, which protects consumers, defends state agencies, and advises local law enforcement.

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

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

The Superintendent heads the Dept. of Public Instruction, which implements Board of Education policies and state law.

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

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

The Secretary of State manages the registration of businesses, charities, and lobbyists and maintains N.C.’s official records.

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

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

The Treasurer oversees state investments, local government borrowing, and the state employee health & retirement plans.

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

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

The State Auditor reviews the financial management of agencies and programs that receive public funds.

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

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

The Commissioner leads the Labor Department, which inspects workplaces and enforces laws about worker health & safety.

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

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

The Commissioner leads the Dept. of Agriculture, which has the double role of promoting farm products and food safety.

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

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

The Commissioner regulates insurance rates & practices, licenses building inspectors, and trains firefighters & rescue squads.

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

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

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.

REPUBLICAN

Attorney and former state legislator, prosecutor, and judge advocate in the Army National Guard.

Website: jointom.com

DEMOCRAT

Current Court of Appeals judge; former Superior Court judge and attorney in private practice.

Website: judgecarolynthompson.com

DEMOCRAT

Attorney with over a decade of experience in trial and appellate  court litigation.

Website: eldredforjudge.com

REPUBLICAN

Current Court of Appeals judge; previously practiced law for 26 years in family firm.

Website: reelectjudgezachary.com

REPUBLICAN

Current District Court judge in Rockingham and Caswell counties and former district attorney.

Website: chrisfreemanforjudge.com

DEMOCRAT

Buncombe Co. Commissioner with mediation and appellate law practice; former public defender.

Website: martinforjudge.com