Article Summary –
Democratic gubernatorial candidate Josh Stein campaigns in North Carolina, joined by Supreme Court Justice Allison Riggs and others, urging voters to break the Republican supermajority. The focus is on local races that affect education, healthcare, and gerrymandering. Secretary Elaine Marshall supports rural businesses. Election Day is November 5th.
The Democratic nominee for governor was joined by Supreme Court Justice Allison Riggs, Secretary of State Elaine Marshall, as well as legislative candidates Dante Pittman and Raymond Smith.
“I’m running because I love our home state, and I believe in its promise that if you work hard, where you come from should never limit how far you can go,” Josh Stein told the crowd at Casita Brewing Company in downtown Wilson.
With Election Day approaching, Stein is holding events statewide to get out the vote. With early voting over, anyone wishing to cast a ballot must do so on Tuesday, November 5th. For those voting, you can find your local precinct here by entering your information.
Wilson County, a swing county, is crucial for Democrats on Tuesday. President Joe Biden narrowly won here in 2020, and Governor Roy Cooper won by 10%.
Stein, leading in many polls over Republican Mark Robinson in the gubernatorial race, hopes Democrats break the Republican supermajority in the General Assembly to implement his agenda.
Cooper faced a supermajority for half his term, allowing Republicans to override his vetoes. Stein urged support for Dante Pittman and Raymond Smith to help implement proposals and counter the supermajority.
“What I need is a legislature with Dante and Raymond, who are going to uphold that veto,” Stein said.
Pittman, running in House District 24 against Republican Representative Ken Fontenot, emphasized the stakes for Wilson and Eastern North Carolina.
“People are hearing our message. They know about breaking the supermajority, ensuring good public schools, and affordable healthcare in Eastern North Carolina.”
Smith, running in Senate District 4 against Buck Newton, stressed the importance of down-ballot races like his and Pittman’s on everyday lives.
“I think a lot of times we get caught up at the top of the ticket. The top pales compared to the remainder,” he said, noting impacts on education and redistricting.
@cardinalandpine Speaking in Wilson, NC Supreme Court @Justice Allison Riggs says Tuesday’s election will impact education, clean water, air, and gerrymandering. #nc #northcarolina #courts #election #wilson
♬ original sound – Cardinal & Pine
Justice Allison Riggs emphasized the impact of judicial elections and mentioned the Court of Appeals races.
“Our courts decide issues affecting you daily. If you care about resources for public schools in Wilson, fight for our courts with me,” Riggs said.
Regarding education, Riggs highlighted clean water, air, and gerrymandering as key issues. If re-elected, Democrats could flip the court before the 2030 Census.
“We need to keep my seat to win back our State Supreme Court,” she said.
Secretary of State Elaine Marshall, the first woman elected statewide in 1996, supports small businesses in rural areas like Wilson through Rural RISE.
“I am disturbed by the urban-rural divide, which causes brain drain from rural counties. It’s starving out some rural counties,” Marshall said.
She emphasized the importance of growing local businesses. “We need to grow businesses from within, and this program shows entrepreneurs what resources are available,” Marshall said.
Stein emphasized North Carolina’s global impact on Tuesday.
“The path to the White House runs right up I-95 North. We shape the future of the state, the nation, and the world,” Stein told the crowd.
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