A state House primary rematch in Eastern NC. Where Pierce, Wray stand on issues
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Rematch in NC House 27 pits incumbent Pierce against former Rep. Michael Wray.
- Both candidates focus on rural opportunity, schools, Medicaid and jobs.
- Both support higher teacher pay and policies to support rural hospitals.
To help voters learn which candidates are on their ballot and where they stand on important policy issues, The News & Observer is publishing candidate questionnaires in all state and federal races in North Carolina on the March 3, 2026, ballot.
Below are the candidates running for NC House District 27 who responded to our questionnaire, in order by the date their responses were received. This primary in Eastern North Carolina is between two Democrats: Rep. Rodney Pierce and former Rep. Michael Wray. The district includes Halifax, Northampton and Warren counties.
It’s a rematch of the 2024 Democratic primary, when Pierce narrowly defeated Wray, who was then the incumbent, by fewer than 50 votes.
Rodney D. Pierce
Age as of March 3, 2026: 47
Political party: Democratic
Campaign website: www.piercefornc.com
Current occupation: Consultant/Historian
Professional experience: 9 years of professional experience as a teacher/educator
Education: B.A. in Criminal Justice, N.C. Wesleyan University (Summa Cum Laude)
Please list any notable government or civic involvement.: Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Roanoke River Basin Bi-State Commission
What is the most important issue in your district and what do you want to do about it? The most important issue in House District 27 is access to opportunity in our rural communities, especially through education, health care, jobs and public safety. I am focused on fully funding public schools so every child can succeed, supporting rural hospitals and Medicaid expansion to improve care, advocating for economic development and job creation, and strengthening public safety to ensure families can live, work and thrive in safe, healthy communities.
The legislature sets teacher base pay. What do you think the salary range should be for teachers, from starting to 30+ experience? Teacher pay should reflect the professionalism, skill, and responsibility the job requires. Starting salaries should be at least $50,000, with steady increases that reward experience, advanced training, and long-term commitment. Teachers with 30+ years should earn $80,000–$90,000 or more. Competitive pay helps recruit and retain educators, reduce turnover, and show respect for the vital role teachers play in strengthening our schools, communities, and North Carolina’s future.
As of January, North Carolina was the last state not to have passed a new, comprehensive budget. What would you do to help make sure a budget passes? I would work with both parties, keep communication open, and focus on shared priorities like education, healthcare, public safety, infrastructure and economic stability. I would push for early, transparent negotiations and avoid political gridlock that delays progress. Passing a timely budget is essential because delays harm local governments, state employees, schools and families who depend on consistent funding and services across North Carolina.
North Carolina’s income tax rate for individual taxpayers is 3.99%. Should that be reduced further? North Carolina’s income tax rate of 3.99% is already among the lower state rates. Any decision to reduce it further should balance taxpayer relief with the need to fully fund public schools, health care, public safety, infrastructure and essential services. I support policies that provide fairness and relief where possible, but not at the expense of critical investments that help our communities grow and ensure long-term economic stability for all residents.
Do you think the state is using taxpayer money efficiently? Why or why not? I believe North Carolina can always improve how it uses taxpayer money. While many programs provide essential services, there is room for greater efficiency, transparency and accountability. I support careful budgeting, regular audits and prioritizing funding for education, health care, public safety and infrastructure to ensure every dollar is spent wisely, benefits communities and builds trust between the government and taxpayers across the state.
Do you support legalizing medical marijuana use? Why or why not? Yes, I support legalizing medical marijuana because it can provide relief for patients with chronic pain, epilepsy and other serious conditions. Legalization allows regulated, safe access under medical supervision, reduces criminal justice burdens and generates tax revenue that can fund education, health care and public safety. Proper oversight protects public safety while giving patients a legal, effective treatment option and supporting community programs.
What do you see as the biggest barrier to health care access in your district, and what actions would you take to address it? The biggest barrier to health care access in House District 27 is the shortage of local providers, particularly in rural areas, along with transportation challenges and affordability. Many families must travel long distances for care or delay treatment due to cost. I would support expanding Medicaid, increasing funding and incentives for rural health care providers, investing in telehealth, and improving transportation so residents can access timely, affordable care close to home.
Michael Wray
Age as of March 3, 2026: 58
Political party: Democratic
Campaign website: wrayfornc.com
Current occupation: Small business owner
Professional experience: Owner and operator of a small hardware store in Gaston, and independent insurance agency in Roanoke Rapids. Been involved in land management, timber industry.
Education: Attended Barton College (then Atlantic Christian) in Wilson
Please list any notable government or civic involvement: Served on the Gaston Town Board. Served 10 terms in the N.C. House. Founder of the N.C. House Sportsmen Caucus, recipient of the Long Leaf Pine Award (Gov. Josh Stein awarded it).
What is the most important issue in your district and what do you want to do about it? Affordability is a huge issue impacting rural North Carolina. Job creation and economic development are critical for our region, which are Tier 1 counties including Halifax, Northampton and Warren counties. We have to work harder to build economic prosperity in rural North Carolina.
The legislature sets teacher base pay. What do you think the salary range should be for teachers, from starting to 30+ experience? We have to do a better job funding public education in North Carolina. That starts with increasing teacher pay. My wife Kay is an elementary school teacher. I see how hard she works every day to uplift her students. I have supported pay raises for teachers in the past and will continue to do so. I will also support pay raises for state employees, too.
As of January, North Carolina was the last state not to have passed a new, comprehensive budget. What would you do to help make sure a budget passes? The fact we don’t have a comprehensive budget is the sole responsibility of the Republican leadership. The GOP leadership in the state House and state Senate can’t get a budget passed to serve the people of North Carolina and that’s not bold, strong leadership. We do have a continuing resolution in place, but our citizens deserve better. If I am in Raleigh, I would communicate to the leadership that as legislators we need to get a budget passed and address the critical needs facing our state.
North Carolina’s income tax rate for individual taxpayers is 3.99%. Should that be reduced further? I believe our state will be facing some serious financial challenges in the next few years. We must fund our schools. We need to raise pay for state employees, especially our corrections officers and our State Highway Patrol. I think the 3.99% tax rate is fair and working. I would not support further tax cuts at this time. We need to fund the critical needs we are facing.
Do you think the state is using taxpayer money efficiently? Why or why not? I think we can always look at new ideas to save money. I believe state government needs to focus on efficiency. We need to be competitive when paying our employees. We need to look at making sure our state government can deliver results while keeping operations efficient.
Do you support legalizing medical marijuana use? Why or why not? I support the legalization of medical marijuana and the de-criminalization of recreational marijuana. I think there are health care benefits to using medical marijuana and I think there is no way to effectively police recreational marijuana so we should look at legalizing, taxing and controlling recreational marijuana.
What do you see as the biggest barrier to health care access in your district, and what actions would you take to address it? Access to affordable health care insurance is the biggest barrier. I was a primary sponsor for Medicaid expansion (House Bill 76 passed on March 23, 2023). I was proud to work across party lines to get this legislation passed. In House District 27, Medicaid expansion provided access to more than 17,000 patients and is providing financial security for our hospitals and providers. Seeing Medicaid cuts coming out of Washington is frightening. I will work diligently to protect our Medicaid expansion program.
