Christine Kushner, candidate for Wake County commissioner
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Seven candidates are seeking the Democratic nomination for two at-large seats that will expand the seven-person Wake County Board of Commissioners to nine. The winners of the March 3 primary will face Republicans Gary Dale Hartong and Kyle Stogoski in the Nov. 3 general election.
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The News & Observer is publishing questionnaires for candidates on the Wake County Board of Commissioners primary ballot to help voters learn where they stand on important policy issues.
Seven candidates are seeking the Democratic nomination for two at-large seats that will expand the seven-person board to nine. The winners of the March 3 primary will face Republicans Gary Dale Hartong and Kyle Stogoski in the Nov. 3 general election.
The Democratic primary is open to registered Democrats and the more than 380,000 unaffiliated Wake County voters. Early voting runs through Feb. 28 at a dozen locations.
Here are responses from Christine Kuushner.
- Name: Christine Kushner
- Age: 62
- Occupation and employer: Self-employed Policy Analyst
- Education: BA, UNC-Chapel Hill in journalism/political science; MPA in Public Affairs, Princeton University
- Endorsements (limited to three): Wake NCAE; Sierra Club of NC; Raleigh-Wake Citizens Association/Wake County Voter Education Coalition
- Previous political or civic experience (limited to three): Wake County Board of Education (four terms, former chair); Wake County Board of Health and Human Services (current member); board member (past president) Poe Center for Health Education
- Campaign website: christineforwake.com
- What is your favorite locally owned restaurant in Wake County? Cantina 18 in the Village District
- What is a piece of media (podcast, TV series, video game, book) that you recently finished and enjoyed: “Pride and Prejudice,” by Jane Austen, which I read whenever I need joy.
How do you identify your political ideology?
Lifelong NC Democrat – I believe in the power of using public systems to provide access to quality health care, education and public safety, and to creating an economy that provides livable wages and equal opportunity for all. There is still much work to do.
What perspective or life experience would you bring that’s missing from the Wake County Board of Commissioners now?
I bring a lifelong commitment to public service. I have extensive public service and leadership on a variety of boards, including 11 years on the school board, multiple nonprofits, PTAs, a national education board and a public social services board. My servant leadership has been committed to the common good, to equity and to improving the quality of life in Wake County. The county is most successful when it works closely with community organizations and includes their views in its decisions.
What issue personally motivated you to run for office, and what would you do about it if elected?
Like many, I have been appalled by the recent actions of both our General Assembly and the federal government. It has made the work of local government even more important as it has become a critical safety net, providing health care, mental health, public safety and education services, especially for our vulnerable populations. I am running for commissioner in 2026 to use my education, experience and training to advocate for improved local health and human services and public education; these efforts are key to community stability and quality of life in Wake County. I will be a commissioner committed to improving our schools, which includes supporting talented staff and educators. I will work to support our youth by leveraging the county’s mental health programs and staff, such as nurses, psychologists and social workers, to benefit our students and their families. County leaders must step in when our most vulnerable neighbors need our help.
Are there specific programs or services Wake County should add? If yes, please provide examples.
I am concerned about the mental health issues impacting our youth. I will support adding and embedding additional nurses, social workers and mental health professionals in our schools and throughout the county. Mental health supports for students will improve academic success and improve human services efficiencies. I will also seek ways to help the school system with special education services, so that teachers get more support for vulnerable students and their families. I support reducing the solid-waste stream going to the Wake County landfill. County government must continue to explore, with its 12 municipalities, ways to expand composting, improve recycling and find other strategies that can reduce the solid-waste stream and extend the life of the landfill. This is one of the most critical issues, along with water supply, that commissioners will face in the next decade.
Are there specific programs or services that should be cut? If yes, please provide examples.
The county should continue to investigate consolidation of public-safety services. There may be other public services that cities and the county could jointly provide to improve outcomes and reduce expenses and pressure on local tax rates. The county could expand pre-trial release programs for non-violent offenses as an alternative to jail to save money and have fewer people in the detention center. I support expanding diversion programs, which will decrease incarceration rates and lower costs compared to traditional prosecution. I would support working with the district attorney to expand alternatives like diversion programs, counseling, community service, or drug treatment, to address underlying issues for nonviolent offenders.
Is there something Wake County should be doing to support K-12 students and teachers that it’s not doing right now?
As stated above, Wake County should expand mental health services for our K-12 public school students. Wake County government should work closely with the school system to leverage resources and plan for the future. The county also could provide apprenticeship training and opportunities for students to gain career education in a variety of public settings–parks, social services, libraries, health care services, inspections and other services. High school students could greatly benefit from work experiences. The county should also expand restorative-justice programs and investigate similar strategies that create opportunities and resources for youth and young adults who have misdemeanor offenses.
What specific changes would you recommend to increase access to affordable housing in the county?
Economic success depends on stable housing and transit. Housing stability leads to education and workforce stability, and housing stability also supports public safety. County staff should work collaboratively with municipal leaders to address the housing infrastructure needed for our diverse population on a countywide basis. Linking expanded transit options, including Bus Rapid Transit, to housing options remains critical for expanding economic opportunity and giving residents more access to affordable housing options. I support expanded, means-tested assistance for property-tax relief for homeowners on fixed incomes, especially those affected by gentrification. I also support protecting people of color and vulnerable people from housing discrimination.
What separates you from your opponents and makes you the best choice for Wake County voters?
Experience and Endorsements – I have spent more than 15 years examining the $2-plus billion budgets of the county and school system, including capital budgets. This is important experience for the coming years, as public dollars become strained. I am knowledgeable about Wake’s school system and human services departments, and I have worked with many local elected officials. If I receive the support of our voters, I will be an effective and collaborative county commissioner on day one. In addition to my work on public boards overseeing education and public health and social services, I also am honored to have dozens of endorsements from local, state and community leaders as well as community organizations. With such relationships, I will work together with leaders in our 12 municipalities and at the state level to find solutions that will improve the daily lives of our residents. I am dedicated to protecting Wake County as much as possible in this increasingly authoritarian environment.
This story was originally published February 16, 2026 at 3:47 PM.
