The state primaries aren’t until March 5, but several statewide races are already lining up on one party’s ticket.
Whiteville native Chuck Stanley announced this week that he is seeking the Republican nomination for State Commissioner of Labor. Stanley earned 257,883 votes, missing the 2020 nomination by only 15,000 votes, behind Josh Dobson and ahead of Pearl Burris Floyd. Dobson went on to win the seat that fall. Dobson said last week that he is not seeking reelection, and has no plans to seek another elected office.
Stanley said he plans to use much the same strategy he followed in 2020, when he and his wife visited every Walmart in the state, except for four locations, and almost every Lowes store.
“People want to see you face to face and be able to talk to you,” he said.
Stanley said he wants to cut government waste and red tape, and aggressively defend worker’s rights.
“North Carolina is an at-will state,” Stanley said, “but an employer should have to explain why they fire a good worker after 28 years, when he’s only got two years to retirement.”
Other Republican hopefuls for the post include Jon Hardister and Luke Farley.
The best-known Democrat candidate for the labor post is Charlotte Mayor Braxton Wilson, who was featured prominently during the 2020 riots in the queen city. Wilson has been a staunch critic of police and law enforcement.
Cary businessman Jesse Thomas threw his hat into the ring Thursday in the state governor’s race.
The Republican is a former CEO of a healthcare firm. Thomas said he will focus on eliminating the state income tax, expanding school choice, improving pay for overperforming teachers, implementing the recently passed Medicaid expansion bill, and eliminating the fentanyl epidemic.
Thomas is the second conservative Republican African American to enter the governor’s race. Lt. Governor Mark Robinson is currently leading in polls for the GOP gubernatorial nominee. Robinson is the first Black man elected to the state’s second highest position, and has had a contentious relationship with Democrat Gov. Roy Cooper.
Treasurer Dale Folwell, former Congressman Mark Walker, and former State Sen. Andy Wells are also vying for the Republican nod.
Democrat attorney General Josh Stein and State Supreme Court Justice Mike Morgan have announced their bids for the Democrat nomination.
Democrat State Sen. Rachel Hunt is running for lieutenant governor.
The state treasurer’s position currently held by Folwell will have two state representatives facing each other, depending on the spring primary.
The first two candidates for that position are State House member Wesley Harris, a Democrat, and Republican John Bradford.
One of the state’s most powerful congressmen is changing gears next spring. Representative Dan Bishop is expected to announce today that he will be running for North Carolina attorney general. The conservative Republican was endorsed by Donald Trump and is known for a strong stance on law and order.
Bishop faces Republican Thomas Murry in the primary. Tim Dunn is the only announced candidate for attorney general so far.
The official filing date for all state offices is Dec. 15.
