Endorsements: Our choices in the crowded GOP and Dem primaries for NC Lt. Governor | Opinion

North Carolina’s lieutenant governor has a seat on the state Board of Education and a tie-breaking vote in the N.C. Senate, but little political power outside of the pulpit the position offers. The lieutenant governor also is elected separately from the governor in North Carolina, so voters can choose candidates from different parties for the two offices, as they did with current officeholders Roy Cooper and Mark Robinson.

It’s an odd and not particularly potent role other than representing your party as a high-ranking state officeholder. That hasn’t stopped 15 candidates, including 11 Republicans, from putting their names on the ballot in 2024. Here are our recommendations in the Republican and Democratic primaries:

Republican primary

The long list of GOP candidates includes political veterans and newcomers to public office. Three stand out: business executive and former state senator Deanna Ballard, state representative Jeffrey Elmore and political veteran Hal Weatherman.

Ballard, who grew up in Lincoln County, would bring significant experience to the role. She served in the NC Senate from 2016 to 2023, as well as at the White House, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the U.S. Department of Education. Conservative voters would be pleased by her record, which includes support for Opportunity Scholarships and helping write the Parents’ Bill of Rights for schools. Ballard is respected by thoughtful Republicans, who told the Editorial Board that she got work done without wading too deeply into unproductive partisanship.

Weatherman is a longtime political consultant who served as chief of staff to Lt. Gov. Dan Forest and U.S. Rep. Sue Myrick, but has not held elected state office. Among the most conservative candidates in the primary, Weatherman wants to further restrict abortion in North Carolina with a fetal “heartbeat” bill, and he’s proposing an election integrity unit that would monitor the North Carolina State Board of Elections from the lieutenant governor’s office.

Elmore is a teacher who’s served Alexander and Wilkes counties for six terms in the North Carolina House. He’s a demonstrated conservative on issues including taxes, gun permitting and abortion, but he told the Editorial Board that he also focuses on issues outside the partisan battles that consume politics these days.

Elmore has lived those words in and out of the House. He’s worked across the aisle, including with Democratic Gov. Roy Cooper, on millions in incentives for North Wilkesboro Speedway. He’s served on the board of the Blue Ridge Opportunity Commission, which supervises the Head Start program and supports underprivileged citizens. As lieutenant governor, he would focus on workforce development that would connect young people and skilled jobs, especially in rural North Carolina. It’s an issue where Elmore believes he could make a difference regardless of who wins the governor’s race. “There’s work to be done here,” he told the Editorial Board.

We agree. We recommend Jeffrey Elmore in the Republican primary.

Democratic primary

Three Democratic candidates are running: five-term state senator and retired Air Force Lt. Col. Ben Clark; state senator and attorney Rachel Hunt, and former Navy officer Mark H. Robinson.

Hunt, the daughter of former Gov. Jim Hunt, has the support of prominent Democrats across the state, and with good reason. She’s a fierce supporter for public education and would continue to advocate for public school funding in the lieutenant governor’s seat on the state board of education. She’s also a vocal defender of reproductive rights and voting rights.

Hunt has shown an ability to win close races against formidable Republicans, defeating a popular GOP incumbent in the North Carolina House in a previously pro-Trump Mecklenburg district. She was clear-eyed with the Editorial Board about the role of lieutenant governor, and she would represent her party well regardless of who wins the governor’s office.

We recommend Rachel Hunt in the Democratic primary.

This story was originally published February 18, 2024 at 9:49 AM.