Johnston candidate challenges longtime NC House member in Republican primary
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Johnston County GOP primary: incumbent Larry Strickland against challenger Eric Bowles.
- Bowles emphasizes health care access, transport programs and support for providers.
- Bowles backs lowering income tax, $50,000+ teacher starting pay and medical marijuana.
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 N.C. House District 28 who responded to our questionnaire, in order by the date their responses were received. Some candidates did not provide a photo.
District 28 is located in Johnston County and is currently represented by Rep. Larry Strickland, a five-term Republican seeking reelection.
Eric Bowles is challenging Strickland for the Republican nomination.
Strickland did not respond to the questionnaire.
Eric Bowles
Age as of March 3, 2026: 57
Political party: Republican
Current occupation: Retired
Professional experience: Operation supervisor auditor
Education: High school and some college
Please list any notable government or civic involvement: Firefighter, supervisor, auditor
What is the most important issue in your district and what do you want to do about it? Health care access and low cost for individuals.
The legislature sets teacher base pay. What do you think the salary range should be for teachers, from starting to 30+ experience? $50,000 plus.
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 will ask for the representatives to stay until budget is passed; the people of North Carolina deserve that.
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? No, I think the money can be allocated in better ways than they do.
Do you support legalizing medical marijuana use? Why or why not? Yes, some patients need medical marijuana for pain.
What do you see as the biggest barrier to health care access in your district, and what actions would you take to address it? I will try to provide programs for individuals to have transportation to and from mandatory appointments. I’ll try to sculpt a better financial foundation for health care providers such as hospitals and such to try to stop long wait times to see a provider.