Melissa Swarbrick, candidate for NC House District 48
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Candidates for NC House District 48
Republican Melissa Swarbrick is running against Democratic incumbent Garland Pierce. District 48 covers Hoke and Scotland counties. Get to know the candidates with our NC 2022 Voter Guide.
Name: Melissa Swarbrick
Political party: Republican
Age as of Nov. 8, 2022: 57
Campaign website: www.swarbrickforhouse48.com
Occupation: Rehab specialist
Education: BS, political science/public policy from UNC-Pembroke and Master of Public Administration from UNC-Chapel Hill
Have you run for elected office before? No
Please list highlights of your civic involvement: I started out in high school as a church volunteer and candy striper at the local hospital. I have served on numerous boards and committee including the board of Moore Humane Society and as President of the Pinehurst Civic Group.
What are the three issues that you see as most important to your district and what will you do to address them?
1) Education — schools here are mostly low-performing. I will support increasing teacher pay and funding tutoring programs utilizing seniors and veterans. I will also sponsor legislation to fund trade schools in our district that provide certificate programs for trucking, electric, HVAC, plumbing, etc.
2) Crime — I will work with the police, not against them, to fund mentoring programs in the schools to teach kids that drugs, guns, and violence are not the path to success.
3) Economic development.
At a time when costs are rising, state government has a surplus. How should it be used?
I would use funds to make sure that we conquer the digital divide and allow all children access to the Internet. We learned from COVID what happens when kids don’t have access. I would also use some to fund trade schools.
Will you vote for Medicaid expansion in North Carolina?
No.
What has the legislature gotten right, and what has it gotten wrong, about public education in North Carolina?
RIGHT- Most of our schools are well functioning and have all the necessary equipment and classrooms.
WRONG- Critical race theory, not allowing parents access, not always using money for the real needs of a community (too many strings).
Should North Carolina change its abortion laws? How?
There should be a ban on abortion, with some exceptions.
Please add anything else voters should know about your position on the legality or availability of abortion in North Carolina.
Abortion must not be used as a form of birth control. I will support programs that provide birth control and educational materials, as well as the morning-after pill.
Should medical marijuana be legalized in North Carolina?
No.
What, if anything, should the legislature to do shape curriculum dealing with topics of race, sexuality and gender?
Let parents decide what their children learn about these topics. It is the parents’ decision, not the government’s.
Do you accept the results of the 2020 presidential election?
Yes.
