Christine Kelly, candidate for NC House of Representatives District 37
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Candidates for NC House of Representatives District 37
Christine Kelly, Elizabeth Parent and Mary Bethel are the Democrats running for NC House District 37. The winner will face the incumbent, Republican Erin Pare, and Libertarian Christopher Robinson. Learn about the candidates in our 2022 Voter Guide.
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Name: Christine Kelly
Political Party: Democratic
Age on election night: 60
Website: www.christinekellyfornc.com
Occupation: Senior Marketing Manager, SAS Institute
Education: Bachelor of Mathematics, Master of Trust and Wealth Management
Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought): I was elected to Holly Springs Town Council 2017-2021. I ran for Holly Springs mayor 2021 but was not elected.
Civic involvement: I’m involved in Holly Springs Rotary, Holly Springs MLK, Jr. Committee, NC State Oaks Leadership Scholars Program Steering Committee, Wake County League of Women Voters Wake, Raleigh-Apex NAACP, Western Regional Food Security Action Group, NC Moms Demand Action, and NC Free Moms Hugs.
School test scores dropped during the COVID-19 pandemic. What should North Carolina do to improve student performance?
Unfortunately, most students suffered learning loss, especially among low-income students, and those with learning disabilities. Per Leandro, it’s time to fully fund our public education system from early childhood education through K-12 in order to provide an equitable, sound, and basic education.
What do you want to happen in North Carolina if Roe v. Wade is overturned?
Reproductive rights should be considered health care. An individual’s decisions regarding their pregnancy should be up to themselves, their doctors, and not the government. I oppose legislation that would limit a person’s right to make choices and decisions regarding their own bodies.
What should North Carolina do to reduce violent crime?
Violent crime is a symptom of systemic dysfunction, and is the responsibility of those in power to solve, instead of solely placing the blame on individuals. We need to investigate what support the communities that are most affected by violent crime need in order to repair and reduce harm.
Should medical marijuana be legalized in North Carolina?
I support passing the North Carolina Compassionate Care Act which has bipartisan support in the NC Senate. It set a list of conditions by which patients with certain conditions or in hospice would be allowed to use marijuana as treatment. I will support this bill when it comes before the NC House.
What should the state’s minimum wage be? What policies would you support to help struggling North Carolinians?
I support a phased-approach to raising the minimum wage to a living wage of $15 per hour.
Should North Carolina expand Medicaid, and how?
Medicaid should be expanded to provide health care coverage to some 500,000 North Carolinians. I support the work that the ‘Joint Legislative Committee on Access to Healthcare and Medicaid Expansion’ is doing as they search for ways to expand health care access to those most in need.
Is there an area where you disagree with your party? Why?
My values align with the Democratic Party, and I’m not aware of any areas where we disagree.
What are your top issues? Pick up to three.
Education; voting and elections; and pollution.
This story was originally published April 24, 2022 at 8:31 PM.