All of The Charlotte Observer’s endorsements in 2024 NC primary elections | Opinion

Full versions of the Editorial Board’s endorsements in the 2024 primaries can be found at charlotteobserver.com/opinion. Our choices in contested Democratic and Republican primaries:

Governor

Attorney General Josh Stein is the clear choice in the Democratic primary. He represents his party’s best chance to defeat GOP frontrunner Mark Robinson, and he recognizes what’s at stake, both in this race and for his state.

In the Republican primary, we recommend state treasurer Dale Folwell. He’s a solid conservative who would be attentive to how state government serves its constituents in their everyday lives, but he steers clear of the virulent extremism that Robinson is known for.

Lieutenant governor

N.C. Rep. Jeffrey Elmore is a demonstrated conservative on issues including taxes, gun permitting and abortion, but he also has a history of working across the aisle as a legislator. On the Democratic side, state Sen. Rachel Hunt is a fierce supporter of public education and reproductive rights, and she’s shown an ability to win close races against formidable Republicans.

Attorney general

Democrats Satana Deberry and Jeff Jackson would each be a smart, strong attorney general who stands up for the rights of all North Carolinians. But we believe Jackson has the best chance of getting to that office — and preventing dangerous Republican Dan Bishop from doing so.

Insurance commissioner

In the Republican primary, Robert Brawley has a significant background in insurance and deep knowledge of the industry. Democrat Natasha Marcus, who has served on the Commerce & Insurance Committees as a state senator, brings a precise and thorough approach to everything she does.

Superintendent of public instruction

Democrat Mo Green has a deep knowledge of education challenges and a clear-eyed perspective of the political reality facing public education in a state with an unfriendly GOP-led legislature.

The editorial board is not endorsing in the Republican primary.

Labor commissioner

Jon Hardister stands out in the Republican primary for his firm grasp of the office’s responsibilities and constituents. He has a sharp mind and is among his party’s young leaders.

Agriculture commissioner

Republican Steve Troxler, who has held the position since 2005, has served North Carolina and its agriculture industry well, and the agriculture and agribusiness industries continue to thrive under his watch.

Secretary of state

Of the three Republican candidates, Jesse Thomas displays the fullest grasp of the essential responsibilities of the Secretary of State’s office.

State auditor

Jeff Tarte is the clear choice in the Republican primary. He’s a moderate Republican who understands that the state auditor is not and should not be partisan, and he has the fullest understanding of the state auditor’s office and how it operates.

State treasurer

In the Republican primary, we give a slight nod to Brad Briner for his experience and depth of knowledge in the financial and investment sector. Voters have two great choices in the Democratic primary, but we recommend Gabe Esparza, who would bring a fresh perspective and valuable diversity to the role and the council of state.

U.S. House

DISTRICT 8: We recommend Chris Maples, a former adviser to U.S. Reps. Richard Hudson and Dan Bishop, in the Republican primary. He’s a thoughtful conservative who has a solid grasp of the office he’s seeking to hold.

DISTRICT 14: In the Democratic primary, we recommend Brendan K. Maginnis, who has a particularly strong grasp of topics such as voting rights and the economy. We recommend Tim Moore to conservative voters looking for the most knowledgeable and experienced candidate in the Republican field.

N.C. House

DISTRICT 98 (Dem): Beth Helfrich.

DISTRICT 105 (Dem): Nicole Sidman.

DISTRICT 106 (Dem): Carla Cunningham.

N.C. Senate

DISTRICT 41 (Dem): Caleb Theodros.

DISTRICT 42 (Rep): Stacie McGinn.

Mecklenburg Board of County Commissioners

AT-LARGE (Dem): Pat Cotham, Arthur Griffin and Leigh Altman.

DISTRICT 2 (Dem): Charles Osborne.

DISTRICT 3 (Dem): George Dunlap.

This story was originally published March 1, 2024 at 2:00 PM.