Cheri Beasley, candidate for US Senate

Name: Cheri Beasley

Political party: Democrat

Age as of Nov. 8, 2022: 56

Campaign website: https://cheribeasley.com/

Occupation: N/A

Education: Duke University, Master of Laws, Judicial Studies (2018); The University of Tennessee College of Law, Juris Doctor (1991); Rutgers University/Douglass College, Bachelor of Arts (1988)

Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought): 1999-2009 - District Court Judge, 12th Judicial District of North Carolina; 2009-2012 - Judge on the North Carolina Court of Appeals; 2012-2020 - Justice and Chief Justice on the North Carolina State Supreme Court

Please list highlights of your civic involvement: ABA, National Association of Women Judges, NC Association of Women Attorneys, NC Association of Black Lawyers, NC Bar Association, Wake County Bar Association and Tenth Judicial District Bar, First Baptist Church, Junior League of Raleigh, The Links, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, SEANC/SEIU (past member)

What is your plan for limiting the effects of inflation?

There’s no doubt we need to lower costs. I would hold corporations accountable for flagrantly price gouging and putting their shareholders above the interests of working North Carolinians. We also must continue to grow a Made-In-America economy, so events abroad don’t raise prices here.

What is the federal government’s role in controlling or ending the COVID-19 pandemic?

The U.S. government should continue to fund vaccine production for Americans and support global vaccination efforts. Our government also plays a crucial role funding research and development of therapeutics, new vaccines to counter future variants, and studies on the long-term health impacts of COVID.

What is the federal government’s role in combating the effects of climate change?

Our government must partner with the private sector to cut carbon emissions in half by 2030 and invest in renewable energy and infrastructure to create good-paying jobs. And we must attend to the disproportionate impacts of climate change on low-income communities, communities of color, and farmers.

What is your plan for reducing violent crime?

We can and must act to reduce crime and keep people safe. I would invest in our police and help them better partner with communities, invest in crime and violence prevention programs in high risk areas, and fight to ensure dangerous offenders can’t get their hands on guns.

What should happen if Roe v. Wade is overturned?

Congress must protect reproductive health and codify Roe v. Wade. It’s a human right, a constitutional right, and essential health care. I will always fight to protect women’s rights to make their own health care decisions, including by supporting the Women’s Health Protection Act.

Is there an area where you disagree with your party? Why?

Both parties have failed NC — getting caught up in the politics of division instead of delivering results. Folks want to know that our next senator will unite us, uplift us, and fight for a thriving economy. I have served NC for over 20 years — listening to all sides and being an independent voice.

What are your top issues? Pick up to three.

Health care; economy and jobs; crime and safety.

Danielle Battaglia

McClatchy DC

Danielle Battaglia is the congressional impact reporter for The News & Observer and The Charlotte Observer, leading coverage of the impact of North Carolina’s congressional delegation and the White House. Her career has spanned three North Carolina newsrooms where she has covered crime, courts and local, state and national politics. She has won two McClatchy President’s awards and numerous national and state awards for her work.