What GOP challenger sees as most important issue in Moore & Randolph counties
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Dutton opposes state overreach to protect local government control.
- Proposes $45,000–$75,000 teacher base pay; backs Senate budget reconciliation.
- Sees wasteful spending and supports further income tax reduction.
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 78 who responded to our questionnaire, in order by the date their responses were received. Some candidates did not provide a photo.
District 78 is located in Moore and Randolph counties and is currently represented by Rep. Neal Jackson, a Republican. Jackson faces a challenger in the Republican primary, Mark Dutton.
Jackson did not respond to the questionnaire. Dutton’s answers are below.
Mark Dutton
Age as of March 3, 2026: 54
Political party: Republican
Campaign website: mark4nchouse.com
Current occupation: Retired
Professional experience: 30 years in state law enforcement
Education: Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in marketing from Appalachian State University
Please list any notable government or civic involvement: 25-year volunteer coach for local civic groups and public
What is the most important issue in your district and what do you want to do about it? State overreach on local government control. I will vote against bills removing local control.
The legislature sets teacher base pay. What do you think the salary range should be for teachers, from starting to 30+ experience? $45,000 - $75,000 base pay
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? Work with the Senate on budget reconciliation.
North Carolina’s income tax rate for individual taxpayers is 3.99%. Should that be reduced further? Yes.
Do you think the state is using taxpayer money efficiently? Why or why not? Mostly, but there is still wasteful spending.
Do you support legalizing medical marijuana use? Why or why not? Only if medical research confirms the value of it but only in an oil or pill form.
What do you see as the biggest barrier to health care access in your district, and what actions would you take to address it? This is mostly not an issue in my district, but I would work with health care providers to continue to improve access to quality care.