Lisa Grafstein, candidate for NC Senate District 13
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Candidates for NC Senate District 13
Democrats Lisa Grafstein and Patrick Buffkin and Republicans Jeff Werner and David Bankert are running for North Carolina Senate in District 13. Get to know the candidates with the 2022 Voter Guide.
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Name: Lisa Grafstein
Political party: Democratic
Age on election night: 56
Website: lisagrafstein.com
Occupation: Civil rights lawyer, currently Litigation Counsel with Disability Rights NC
Education: B.A., Northwestern University J.D.; UNC - Chapel Hill
Have you run for elected office before? I have not previously run for elected office. I have worked on the campaigns of many other Democratic candidates.
Civic involvement: Commissioner, State Personnel Commission; Board Co-chair, NC Justice Center; President, Women’s Forum of NC; President, NC Association of Women Attorneys; Campaign manager: Robin Hudson for Supreme Court, 2006, Suzanne Reynolds for Supreme Court, 2008, Committee to Keep Judge Linda Stephens, 2006/2008.
School test scores dropped during the COVID-19 pandemic. What should North Carolina do to improve student performance?
Educators are working harder than ever and getting less respect. We have to equip our public schools to meet students’ needs, including treating and paying educators like the professionals that they are. We must invest the resources needed to give students a great education.
What do you want to happen in North Carolina if Roe v. Wade is overturned?
I will strongly oppose restrictions on women’s right to control our bodies and our access to health care, including abortion. I have been endorsed by Lillian’s List and Equality NC because of my strong commitment to prevent marginalization of women and the LGBT community through regressive laws.
What should North Carolina do to reduce violent crime?
We should address gun violence through measures like background checks. While violent crime has been decreasing in NC, people living in poverty and marginalized groups are more likely to experience violent crime. We should shift resources from lower priorities, such as nonviolent misdemeanors.
Should medical marijuana be legalized in North Carolina?
Yes. I am in favor of legalization of marijuana for medical use and support the decriminalization of marijuana use by adults.
What should the state’s minimum wage be? What policies would you support to help struggling North Carolinians?
I support the movement for a $15 minimum wage. Income inequality and the growing wealth gap are being made worse by the ways in which inflation harms middle- and lower-income families. Ensuring living wages is critical. After evaluating my record and views, the NC AFL-CIO has endorsed my campaign.
Should North Carolina expand Medicaid, and how?
Yes. The failure to expand Medicaid has already cost too much in lost federal revenue, and has caused too much human suffering. As a disability rights attorney, I have seen the devastating effects from lack of access to health care. Expanding Medicaid saves lives and money.
Is there an area where you disagree with your party? Why?
I am generally aligned with my party. My priorities include economic justice, voting rights, and racial equity. I am committed to environmental justice. These are progressive Democratic ideals. As a result, I’ve been endorsed by the Progressive Caucus of the NC Democratic Party and the Sierra Club.
What are your top issues? Pick up to three.
Voting and elections; health care, education.
This story was originally published April 21, 2022 at 8:25 PM.