Who is running for lieutenant governor of North Carolina?

Who is Running for Lieutenant Governor of North Carolina?

The lieutenant governor is the second-highest-ranking official in the executive branch of government in North Carolina, serving as the vice chair of the State Senate and the presiding officer over the Senate. In 2022, there will be an election to determine the next lieutenant governor, and several candidates have announced their bids for the office.

The Candidates

There are currently seven candidates running for lieutenant governor, including four Republicans and three Democrats. Here are some brief summaries of each candidate’s background and campaign platforms:

Republican Candidates:

• Victory Roberts: A veteran, businesswoman, and Christian leader, Roberts has experience working in the military, in the private sector, and in non-profit organizations. Her campaign platform focuses on reducing taxes, cutting regulations, and improving education.
• Mike Oakes: A lawyer and small business owner, Oakes has a strong background in government and public service. His campaign emphasizes job creation, healthcare reform, and public safety.
• Stacy Eggers: A lawyer and Army veteran, Eggers has experience in the public sector, including serving as the commander of the Western Judicial District of North Carolina. His campaign platform centers around education, healthcare, and job creation.
• Larry Hollingsworth: A retired Army officer and business owner, Hollingsworth has a background in public service and the private sector. His campaign emphasizes fiscal responsibility, education reform, and national security.

Democratic Candidates:

• Yvonne Lewis Holley: A Durham city council member, Holley has experience in local government and community activism. Her campaign platform focuses on healthcare reform, education, and social justice.
• Nida Bahgat: A Durham county commissioner and small business owner, Bahgat has a background in government and entrepreneurship. Her campaign emphasizes education, healthcare, and economic development.
• Lisa Wolfe: A veteran, teacher, and non-profit executive, Wolfe has experience in the public sector, education, and non-profit organizations. Her campaign platform centers around education reform, healthcare reform, and veterans’ affairs.

Campaign Issues and Debates

The 2022 election for lieutenant governor has seen a number of campaign issues and debates, including:

• Tax Reform: Several candidates, including Victory Roberts and Larry Hollingsworth, have called for reducing taxes and simplifying the state tax code. Others, like Mike Oakes and Yvonne Lewis Holley, have emphasized the need to address income inequality and invest in public services.
• Education Reform: All candidates have highlighted the importance of education in North Carolina, with some emphasizing the need for increased funding, while others have proposed changes to the state’s school system, such as school vouchers or charter schools.
• Healthcare Reform: Many candidates, including Nida Bahgat and Lisa Wolfe, have emphasized the need to improve healthcare access and affordability, including expanding Medicaid and promoting rural healthcare services.
• Job Creation and Economic Development: Candidates have emphasized the importance of creating jobs, improving education and workforce development, and attracting businesses to North Carolina.

What the Next Lieutenant Governor Can Achieve

The next lieutenant governor will play a key role in shaping North Carolina’s policy agenda, serving as the presiding officer of the State Senate and working closely with the governor. Here are some significant opportunities for the next lieutenant governor:

• Healthcare Reform: The lieutenant governor will have a role in shaping the state’s healthcare policy, including decisions about Medicaid expansion and the regulation of healthcare providers.
• Education Reform: The lieutenant governor will serve on the State Board of Education and will have the opportunity to influence education policy, including issues such as charter schools and school funding.
• Job Creation and Economic Development: The lieutenant governor will work closely with the governor and the North Carolina Economic Development Partnership to promote job creation, attract businesses to the state, and develop the workforce.

Conclusion

The election for lieutenant governor in North Carolina is an important opportunity for voters to choose a leader who will prioritize their needs and values. The seven candidates running for office bring a range of experience and perspectives to the campaign, and voters should take the time to research and engage with each of them before making their decision. Whether it’s addressing income inequality, improving education and healthcare, or creating jobs and economic growth, the next lieutenant governor will have the opportunity to shape North Carolina’s future in important ways.

Candidates at a Glance:

Election Timeline:

• Primary elections: May 17, 2022
• Runoff election (if necessary): July 26, 2022
• General election: November 8, 2022