Karen Burnette McCracken, candidate for NC Senate District 50
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Candidates for NC Senate District 50
Democrat Karen Burnette McCracken is running against Republican incumbent Kevin Corbin. District 50 covers Cherokee, Clay, Graham, Haywood, Jackson, Macon, Swain and Transylvania counties. Get to know the candidates with our NC 2022 Voter Guide.
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Name: Karen Burnette McCracken
Political party: Democrat
Age as of Nov. 8, 2022: 42
Campaign website: www.VoteMcCracken.com
Occupation: Marketing agent
Education: M.Div, Campbell; B.A. Gardner-Webb; Smoky Mountain High School
Have you run for elected office before? No
Please list highlights of your civic involvement: Throughout my life, the people around me who were making differences told me I could make a difference, and that’s how I’ve tried to live my life. From a child sewing a blanket for a local nursing home resident to an adult painting walls at a children’s home in Ukraine, I’ve tried to do my part to make life better for the people God puts in my path. I’ve coached softball, taught in three languages (without a translator), and picked up roadside litter. I’m in Rotary and faith-based organizations.
What are the three issues that you see as most important to your district and what will you do to address them?
Affordable, available health care — pass Medicaid expansion. Inflation — support the Protection from Price Gouging During Emergencies Act. Education — fund the Leandro plan.
At a time when costs are rising, state government has a surplus. How should it be used?
School funding.
Will you vote for Medicaid expansion in North Carolina?
Yes.
What has the legislature gotten right, and what has it gotten wrong, about public education in North Carolina?
Efforts are being made to recruit teachers of diverse demographics. We need to do more for teacher retention.
Should North Carolina change its abortion laws? How?
There should be fewer restrictions on abortion after 20 weeks.
Please add anything else voters should know about your position on the legality or availability of abortion in North Carolina.
The health and safety of the mother is of utmost importance. Rather than yelling at her or shaming her, we need to listen to her and support her.
Should medical marijuana be legalized in North Carolina?
Yes.
What, if anything, should the legislature do to shape curriculum dealing with topics of race, sexuality and gender?
Give more freedom to county boards of education.
Do you accept the results of the 2020 presidential election?
Yes.
This story was originally published October 7, 2022 at 3:58 AM.