Endorsements: All of the Charlotte Observer’s choices in the 2022 primaries
READ MORE
Endorsements 2022
The Editorial Board’s recommendations for the primary elections on Tuesday, May 17, 2022.
Expand All
Endorsements: We’re asking about 2020 before we recommend for 2022
Endorsements: Our choices in North Carolina’s U.S. Senate primaries
Endorsements: All of the Charlotte Observer’s choices in the 2022 primaries
How to find the Charlotte Observer’s endorsements for 2022 primary races
How to find the News & Observer’s endorsements for 2022 primary races
Full versions of the Editorial Board’s endorsements in the 2022 primaries can be found at charlotteobserver.com/opinion. Our choices in contested Democratic and Republican primaries:
U.S. Senate
We have deep concerns with some of Republican Mark Walker’s positions, but we do believe he is principled and focused on real problems. His history of political independence should bring the most comfort in this primary to Republican voters worried about the direction of their party.
In the Democratic primary, Cheri Beasley brings strong experience as a public servant and trailblazer who could be a powerful voice for communities across North Carolina. We are troubled that she’s attempting to occupy a tentative and vague middle lane that will neither rally progressives nor stand up against the withering conservative attacks that are coming soon.
U.S. House
NC-12: Democratic incumbent Alma Adams has been an active representative for Charlotte despite her Greensboro roots, and she’s earned another term in Congress. Issues she’s championed include efforts to address Black maternal health as well as HBCUs, student debt and affordable housing. Republican Andrew Huffman, a Charlotte native who lives in Concord, has run a quiet campaign, but he’s a young, moderate candidate who would be a better fit than his opponent for a district that’s nearly two-thirds Democratic.
NC-14: In the GOP primary, business owner Jonathan Simpson is a fresh and independent voice in his party. We appreciate his thoughtful approach to issues like health care. Democrat Jeff Jackson has been an active and attentive leader for Mecklenburg County as a state senator. He’s been a consistently strong voice throughout his time in the N.C. Senate, especially on gerrymandering and criminal justice reform.
Charlotte
Charlotte Mayor: Democrat Vi Lyles has been an effective mayor, intentional bridge builder with Republicans, and steady leader on affordable housing and other equity issues. Republican Stephanie de Sarachaga-Bilbao offers a broad, moderate vision on public safety and affordable housing that should appeal to GOP voters.
Charlotte City Council at-large Democrats: Braxton Winston continues to be a powerful voice on the council, and he is becoming a more effective and collaborative council member. Larken Egleston has been a moderate, steady voice on the council who adeptly navigates difficult discussions, including police reform. Dimple Ajmera, who has long been a passionate voice for communities across the city, has worked hard to gain the respect of fellow council members and city officials. LaWana Slack-Mayfield is a smart and fierce advocate who has admitted to social media mistakes and should be given a second chance.
Charlotte City Council at-large GOP: David Merrill, Kyle Luebke, Carrie Olinski and Charlie Mulligan are four young candidates who bring a thoughtful grasp and moderate approach to issues facing the council. Republicans should be heartened to see such a deep field of strong candidates; the GOP bench has been thin in recent years.
CLTCC District 1 (Dem): Dante Anderson. District 2 (Dem): Malcolm Graham. District 3 (Dem): Victoria Watlington. District 4 (Dem): Darlene Heater. District 5 (Dem): Marjorie Molina. District 6 (Dem): Stephanie Hand.
Mecklenburg
Board of County Commissioners at-large: Democrat Pat Cotham is highly visible and active in the community, and she works hard to serve all county residents. Democrat Arthur Griffin is a respected leader with decades of community service under his belt. Democrat Yvette Townsend-Ingram boasts strong service to the community and provide fresh leadership on the board.
BOCC District 6 GOP: Desiree Zapata Miller says she’ll prioritize fiscal responsibility, as well as accountability and transparency.
Mecklenburg District Attorney: Spencer Merriweather’s firm, practical leadership as DA has been good for the county, and his pragmatism is needed in a county where safety currently ranks among the public’s chief concerns.
Mecklenburg Sheriff: Gina Hicks stands out for her sharpness and her nearly three decades of experience, including 18 years in a Mecklenburg sheriff’s office that is now in disarray under incumbent Sheriff Gerry McFadden.
North Carolina
NC House 103 (Dem): Laura Budd. NC House 107 (Dem): Kelly Alexander, Jr. NC House 112 (Dem): Tricia Cotham. NC Senate 37 (Rep): Vickie Sawyer. NC Senate 42 (Rep): Scott Stone.
NC Supreme Court (Rep): April Wood.
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.