EARLY VOTING STARTS TOMORROW!
It’s arguable that the 2020 election is the most important in most of our lifetimes, with the potential to completely transform the politics of this country and put us on a track to a future that, at the very least, is livable for our children and grandchildren. I believe it’s incumbent on all of us who care about the future of our community to participate, to speak up, and to do what we can to ensure that progressive candidates who will implement policies that put working people first WIN this election. Toward that end, here’s my statement on who’s getting my votes in this primary and why.
* By endorsing these people, I am not claiming that they make the right decision 100% of the time, would pass a leftist purity test, or are in any other way super-human.*
* indicates incumbents
PRESIDENT: Senator Bernie Sanders
I supported Bernie in 2016, but was honestly struggling hard between him and Warren this round. In the end, Bernie wins it for me because political institutions don’t make change on their own. Political movements inspire and win the change that political institutions implement, and Bernie is the movement leader that we need to inspire this country. His base is younger, browner, and more working-class and he has the power to expand the electorate and bring more people into the political process.
US SENATE: Erica Smith
Erica Smith has been an important voice for rural North Carolina in the NC Senate and will bring that strength to the US Senate. She supports full funding for public education, expanding Medicaid, common-sense gun control, transit, and investing in fighting climate change. Smith would be a strong contender against Thom Tillis.
US HOUSE: David Price *
David Price is the best choice in this race. Price’s senior leadership role in the house has advantages for our region and he continues to serve us well. He has co-sponsored the Medicare for All Act to provide free publicly-funded healthcare to everyone in the US, and supports initiatives to advance transit, sustainability, and common-sense gun control.
NC GOVERNOR: Roy Cooper *
Roy Cooper is the clear choice in this race. With Cooper’s veto, NC has been able to prevent some of the worst right-wing abuses in the NCGA over the last four years. Cooper has prevented local sheriffs from being forced into collaborations with ICE and fought hard for Medicaid expansion. In the event that a right-wing legislative majority remains in power, we will need Cooper’s veto pen again.
NC LT GOVERNOR: Chaz Beasley
Chaz Beasley is part of the next generation of great leaders in NC. In the NC House he has been a strong supporter of Medicaid expansion, full reproductive health access, fully funding public education, paying teachers what they deserve, and expanding transit options. As lieutenant governor, Beasley would have the deciding vote on any ties in the NC Senate, and I trust him with that power. Chaz is personable, values-driven, and will serve us all well.
NC AUDITOR: Beth Wood *
Beth Wood gets my vote here because she’s been doing this job for 10+ years and as far as I can tell she’s doing just fine.
NC COMMISSIONER OF AGRICULTURE: Jenna Wadsworth
Jenna Wadsworth is an up and coming leader with the ability to get things done. As a Soil & Water Conservation District Supervisor in Wake County, she’s well versed in rural issues and cares deeply about NC’s rural communities. Running in a statewide race like this without higher-level political experience takes real courage and vision from a young, progressive woman politician, and I’m here for it.
NC SUPERINTENDENT OF PUBLIC INSTRUCTION: Jen Mangrum
Jen Magrum has the ability to fight hard for our public schools and against the right-wing privatization agenda of the NCGA majority. Her platform emphasizes equity, restorative discipline, universal pre-K, school counselors, and improving teacher pay. She’s also a former teacher and is endorsed by our state teacher’s union.
NC TREASURER: Matt Leatherman
Matt Leatherman has a wealth of experience in the State Treasurer’s office and is committed to using the power of that office to advance the interests of working people in our state and a broader justice agenda. His commitment to doing his absolute best to serve the interests of teachers and other NC state employees is clear and his experience will give him the tools he needs to do so.
NC SENATE 20: Pierce Freelon
Pierce Freelon is a lifelong fighter for progessive causes, youth, and the arts. He’s a principled leader who continues to fight hard for what he believes in and has a strong and sincere desire to serve our community. He is dedicated to a progressive vision for our state and will fight hard for a $15 minimum wage, public education, Medicaid expansion, and marijuana decriminalization. Pierce will be a strong voice for change in the NCGA,
DURHAM COUNTY COMMISSION:
Nida Allam – Nida Allam is a values-driven leader with a strong progressive vision and a sincere desire to serve. She will work hard to ensure that Durham County moves in a more progressive direction.
Matt Kopac – Matt Kopac is a strong leader on economic justice issues and environmental sustainability. He will work hard to implement progressive policy solutions that improve the county and meet our economic development goals.
LeVon Barnes – LeVon Barnes is dedicated to our youth and public education and as a teacher himself, will be a strong voice for public schools on the board. His work as a youth mentor and coach has earned him the respect and trust of many young people, especially Black boys, in our school system.
Wendy Jacobs * – Wendy Jacobs is a committed chair and advocate at the county commission for education, jobs, healthcare, and other critical human needs. In her 8 years on the county commission, she has shown that’s she’s not afraid to fight hard for Durham’s residents and is leading on efforts to create universal pre-K, healthier food in schools, and more jobs for Durham residents.
Heidi Carter * – Heidi Carter is a strong advocate for public education, transit, and sustainability. She leads with her values and is not afraid to take a stand when needed. Heidi is leading on efforts to support our public schools, increase transit options, and promote sustainability.
DURHAM BOARD OF EDUCATION AT-LARGE: Steve Unruhe *
Steve Unruhe is a critical leader on the school board and has worked hard to build a collaborative and forward-thinking progressive majority on the board over the last four years. His work has been an important part of moving the school board into better relationships with DPS administration, parents, teachers, and the broader community. He is also a former teacher and endorsed by our teachers’ union.
DURHAM BOARD OF EDUCATION DISTRICT A: Jovonia Lewis
Jovonia Lewis is a powerful parent advocate and mother of 3 boys in Durham Public Schools. She’s a strong advocate for racial equity in educational and disciplinary practices and supports community schools. She will be a powerful voice on the board for DPS’s students and teachers of color and for an effective and equitable redistricting process.
Thanks for taking the time to read my endorsements! Don’t forget to get out and vote, and remember that YOU DO NOT NEED AN ID! Get more info at www.dcovotes.com/#VOTE