Charlotte Observer endorsements: Our choices in NC Senate races

Senate Democrats have kept a united front in sustaining Gov. Roy Cooper’s vetoes of concerning legislation, but Republicans could regain a supermajority in the chamber by picking up just two more seats this year. Mecklenburg County’s six Senate races — which include one swing district — will help determine the balance of power.

Just four races are competitive. Incumbents Vickie Sawyer and Mujtaba Mohammed are running unopposed in Districts 37 and 38, respectively.

Here are the Editorial Board’s recommendations in those contested races:

NC Senate 39

In this southwest Mecklenburg district, incumbent Democrat DeAndrea Salvador is seeking a second term. Salvador, a Charlotte native and the youngest Black woman ever elected to the North Carolina Senate, has been remarkably effective as a member of the minority party in her first term — even playing a key role in negotiating last year’s energy compromise legislation.

She’s challenged by Mark Robeson, a thoughtful Republican and first-time candidate who is particularly sharp on fiscal issues. Robeson is a worthy opponent, but Salvador has been a truly impressive legislator, and she’s more than earned another term. We recommend Salvador.

NC Senate 40

Incumbent Joyce Waddell has represented this east Charlotte district since 2015. She faces a familiar opponent in Republican Bobbie Shields, who spent many years working in the public sector, including a stint as interim county manager.

Waddell is a dedicated senator who cares deeply about the issues facing her constituents, and she’s a consistent advocate for teachers and retirees. She has not, however, been especially effective in Raleigh.

District 40 is an undeniably Democratic district, but voters have a strong choice in Shields, a true moderate who supports Medicaid expansion and abortion rights. His breadth of knowledge and experience suggests he would be a more effective representative for this district. We give the nod to Shields.

NC Senate 41

Voters have an easy choice in this district stretching from Davidson to the airport. Incumbent Natasha Marcus is running for a third term against Republican Bonni Leone.

Marcus has been one of the strongest voices in the Senate, speaking out forcefully on issues like gerrymandering, funding for public schools and gun safety reform. As the current chair of the Mecklenburg County delegation, she’s also emerged as a leader. Her values align closely with this blue district, and Charlotteans have benefited from her leadership.

Leone has not run an active campaign, and she did not respond to an interview request from the Editorial Board. We strongly recommend Marcus.

NC Senate 42

This southeast Charlotte district is a competitive one, and with incumbent Jeff Jackson running for Congress this year, it’s also wide open. Democratic Rep. Rachel Hunt, who has represented much of this district in the House since 2018, is seeking to take Jackson’s place. Hunt is a fierce supporter of public education who has demonstrated an ability to work across the aisle during her time in the legislature. Much like Jackson, she would be a strong advocate in the Senate.

Her opponent is Republican cardiologist Cheryl Russo. Russo does not list any policy positions on her campaign website, nor did she respond to multiple requests for an interview. We recommend Hunt.

This story was originally published October 21, 2022 at 6:00 AM.