All of The News & Observer’s endorsements in 2024 NC primary elections | Opinion
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2024 primary endorsements
The Charlotte Observer and News & Observer’s endorsements in the 2024 primary elections.
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Full versions of the Editorial Board’s endorsements in the 2024 primaries can be found at newsobserver.com/opinion. Our choices in contested Democratic and Republican primaries:
Governor
Attorney General Josh Stein is the clear choice in the Democratic primary. He represents his party’s best chance to defeat GOP frontrunner Mark Robinson, and he recognizes what’s at stake, both in this race and for his state.
In the Republican primary, we recommend state treasurer Dale Folwell. He’s a solid conservative who would be attentive to how state government serves its constituents in their everyday lives, but he steers clear of the virulent extremism that Robinson is known for.
Lieutenant governor
N.C. Rep. Jeffrey Elmore is a demonstrated conservative on issues including taxes, gun permitting and abortion, but he also has a history of working across the aisle as a legislator.
On the Democratic side, state Sen. Rachel Hunt is a fierce supporter of public education and reproductive rights, and she’s shown an ability to win close races against formidable Republicans.
Attorney general
Both Satana Deberry and Jeff Jackson would be a smart, strong attorney general who stands up for the rights of all North Carolinians. But we believe Jackson has the best chance of getting to that office — and preventing dangerous Dan Bishop from doing so.
Insurance commissioner
In the Republican primary, Robert Brawley has a significant background in insurance and deep knowledge of the industry.
Democrat Natasha Marcus, who has served on the Commerce & Insurance Committees as a state senator, brings a precise and thorough approach to everything she does.
Superintendent of public instruction
Democrat Mo Green has a deep knowledge of education challenges and a clear-eyed perspective of the political reality facing public education in a state with an unfriendly GOP-led legislature.
The editorial board is not endorsing in the Republican primary.
Labor commissioner
Jon Hardister stands out in the Republican primary for his firm grasp of the office’s responsibilities and constituents. He has a sharp mind and is among his party’s young leaders.
Agriculture commissioner
Republican Steve Troxler, who has held the position since 2005, has served North Carolina and its agriculture industry well, and the agriculture and agribusiness industries continue to thrive under his watch.
Secretary of state
Of the three Republican candidates, Jesse Thomas displays the fullest grasp of the essential responsibilities of the Secretary of State’s office.
State auditor
Jeff Tarte is the clear choice in the Republican primary. He’s a moderate Republican who understands that the state auditor is not and should not be partisan, and he has the fullest understanding of the state auditor’s office and how it operates.
State treasurer
In the Republican primary, we give a slight nod to Brad Briner for his experience and depth of knowledge in the financial and investment sector. Voters have two great choices in the Democratic primary, but we recommend Gabe Esparza, who would bring a fresh perspective and valuable diversity to the role and the council of state.
U.S. House
DISTRICT 2: In the Democratic primary, incumbent Deborah Ross has been an effective and energetic representative who pushes for progressive priorities but is ready to work with Republicans. In the Republican primary, we recommend Alan Swain, who also ran against Ross in 2022.
DISTRICT 4: We recommend Eric Blankenburg, who lists jobs and economic development among his top issues, in the Republican primary.
DISTRICT 13: We recommend Matt Shoemaker, a former U.S. Navy intelligence officer, in the Republican primary.
N.C. Senate
DISTRICT 13 (Rep): Scott Lassiter.
DISTRICT 14 (Dem): Dan Blue.
N.C. House
DISTRICT 33 (Dem): Monika Johnson-Hostler.
DISTRICT 35 (Rep): Mike Schietzelt.
Wake County Board of Commissioners
DISTRICT 5 (Dem): Tara Waters
N.C. District Court
DISTRICT 10A, SEAT 03 (Dem): Cindy Kenney.
DISTRICT 10C, SEAT 03 (Dem): Anna Elena Worley.
DISTRICT 10D, SEAT 05 (Dem): Kevin Boxberger.
DISTRICT 10E, SEAT 03 (Dem): Eric Chase.
BEHIND THE STORY
MOREHow we do our endorsements
Members of the combined Charlotte Observer and Raleigh News & Observer editorial boards are conducting interviews and research of candidates in municipal and state elections. The combined board is led by N.C. Opinion Editor Peter St. Onge, who is joined in Raleigh by deputy Opinion editor Ned Barnett and in Charlotte by deputy Opinion editor Paige Masten. Board members also include Observer editor Rana Cash and News & Observer editor Nicole Stockdale.
The editorial board also talks with others who know the candidates and have worked with them. When we’ve completed our interviews and research, we discuss each race and decide on our endorsements.
This story was originally published March 1, 2024 at 2:00 PM.
