Democrat Rachel Hunt, candidate for NC lieutenant governor, answers our questions
%20(1).jpg "N.C. Sen. Rachel Hunt, candidate for lieutenant governor in the 2024 North Carolina Democratic primary.")
READ MORE
Candidates for North Carolina lieutenant governor
The candidates for lieutenant governor in North Carolina are Republican Hal Weatherman, Democrat Rachel Hunt, Wayne Jones of the Constitution Party and Libertarian Shannon Bray. There is no incumbent. Get to know the candidates in our 2024 NC Voter Guide.
Expand All
To help inform voters about the Nov. 5, 2024, election, this candidate questionnaire is available to be republished by local publications in North Carolina without any cost. Please consider subscribing to The News & Observer to help make this coverage possible.
Name: Rachel Hunt
Political party: Democrat
Age as of Nov. 5, 2024: 59
Campaign website: RachelHunt.com
Current occupation: State senator, attorney, college counselor
Professional experience: College counselor, family law attorney
Education: University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill (BA) University of South Carolina (JD) University of California Los Angeles (CCC)
Please list any notable government or civic involvement: Former Resident Manager, Loudon County Battered Women’s Shelter; Former Chair Board of Directors, Charlotte Secondary School PTA; Former Board Of Directors, North Carolina Foundation for Public School Children; Coordinator - Leadership Providence, Providence United Methodist Church; Former Chair Board of Directors, Lillian’s List of North Carolina; Current Board Member - Hunt Institute.
What would be your top priority if elected?
If elected lieutenant governor, I’ll focus on making North Carolina the best state in the nation to live, work and raise a family. I’ll do that by advocating for more funding for local law enforcement, expanding job training programs in community colleges, increasing teacher pay, and expanding access to affordable child care.
What percentage raises should state employees and school personnel receive in the next state budget?
I would support the raises Gov. Cooper proposed in his most recent budget, a 5% raise for all state employees and an 8.5% increase for teachers.
Will you attend all Council of State meetings?
Yes.
How will you work with the other nine members of the council?
I look forward to working with the other members of the Council of State to address the issues that impact North Carolinians. For example, I would work with the Superintendent of Public Instruction to advocate for increased school funding and better conditions for our teachers and students, and I’ll work with the Commissioner of Agriculture to promote NC agriculture and ensure that our family farmers can continue to farm for generations to come, preserving local agriculture and sustainable food production.
The LG office has limited duties, one of which is presiding over the Senate. How often will you preside over sessions?
I will preside over the Senate as often as I can in conjunction with the other boards and commissions the lieutenant governor serves on.
How do you see your role on the State Board of Education, and what are your priorities for public education?
Our current pay structure is causing a loss of talented teachers in the profession and dissuading new educators from joining. That is why I proposed a budget amendment this session to raise teacher salaries and reintroduce master’s (degree) pay. By doing so, we can attract and keep top-notch teachers who will deliver the high-quality education our children deserve. If elected lieutenant governor, I am committed to collaborating with the legislature to ensure this proposal becomes law.
If you win, and the governor is from a different political party, how will that impact your role as LG?
My job as lieutenant governor will be the same regardless of who is governor. I’ll focus on being the voice of all North Carolinians in Raleigh and encourage whoever is governor to work with the legislature to improve our education system, expand access to quality child care and protect a woman’s right to choose.
Is there an issue on which you disagree with your party? What is your position on that issue?
I believe in finding common ground and working across party lines to address the issues facing our state and I differ from my party on the topic of education reform. I believe we must prioritize investing in public schools and ensuring students succeed. I’m open to new ways to improve our schools, like expanding vocational training and accountability measures to ensure that taxpayer funds are being spent effectively. By working together we can create a stronger and more prosperous future for NC.
.jpg)