Observer endorsement: Our choices for NC House, Senate primaries

North Carolina Democrats believe they have a legitimate chance to flip enough seats in 2020 to regain a majority in the N.C. House and Senate. To do so, they need to hold on to seats that Democrats currently occupy. Two such incumbents in Mecklenburg County districts — Becky Carney in NC House District 102 and Mujtaba Mohammed in NC Senate District 38 — are facing multiple primary challengers.

No other incumbents, Republican or Democrat, have primary challenges on the Mecklenburg County ballot. Here are the Observer editorial board’s recommendations in those contested races:

NC House 102

Carney, now in her ninth term, faces three challengers in this central Charlotte district: former Young Democrats of Mecklenburg County president Jonathan Peebles, lab technician Leroy Dean, and Anthony Forman, a native of the Dominican Republican and former congressional district director for a Brooklyn congressman.

Carney, who is among the most senior members of the NC House, is a reliable fighter for moderate and progressive causes, including increased education funding and a higher minimum wage. Peebles, a development and operations director for the Latin American Coalition, says that’s not enough. He told the editorial board that Carney’s willingness to reach out and work across the aisle hasn’t accomplished much. He plans to advocate for economic development, job growth and criminal justice reform as a House member, and he believes the district needs a new voice in Raleigh.

We disagree. Carney has fared better than most Democrats in the General Assembly under a Republican majority. She’s well-respected by both Democrats and Republicans and Raleigh, and she’s co-sponsored dozens of bills on issues ranging from arts education to Medicaid expansion. She’s also worked with Republicans on issues such as rural access to health care, and she’s well-positioned with caucus and committee leadership roles even as a member of the minority party. “I am at the table discussing things,” she told the editorial board. “I want to go back because I’m not through.”

We recommend Carney for another term in the House.

NC Senate 38

In this district that stretches across central Mecklenburg, freshman Democrat Mohammed faces two challengers: IT professional and small business owner Laura Anthony and perennial candidate Roderick Davis, who nearly defeated then-incumbent Joel Ford in 2016.

Mohammed did defeat Ford in the Democratic primary two years later, and he brought a sharp intelligence and touch of brashness to Raleigh for his first term. He, like Carney, is respected by colleagues, and he’s a strong voice for progressive issues that appeal to his left-leaning district. He was a primary co-sponsor on bills that would restore Master’s pay to teachers and modify an often unfair school performance grading system, and a “Raise the Age” bill he co-sponsored that treated 16- and 17-year-olds as juveniles in the criminal justice system became law with overwhelming support.

Mohammed’s priorities include expanding Medicaid and restoring cuts to the state Department of Environmental Quality, he told the editorial board. He also will advocate for jobs growth, which he sees a social justice issue, not just an economic one.

We believe Mohammed is well-equipped to have an impact on the Senate, especially if Democrats are able to regain a majority. He’s a very capable representative for his district, and he has the potential to be among his party’s leaders in Raleigh. We recommend him for a second term.

This story was originally published February 23, 2020 at 4:00 AM.