Here are all the Charlotte Observer’s endorsements in Tuesday’s primaries
The combined editorial boards of the Charlotte Observer and Raleigh News & Observer have talked to candidates and others this election season to learn about the people who seek your vote Tuesday.
Here’s a recap of our recommendations for contested 2020 primary races on the Mecklenburg County ballot. The board made recommendations in competitive and notable races, but not all races. Our full recommendations in all races can be found at charlotteobserver.com/opinion.
U.S. Senate
In the Democratic primary, Cal Cunningham offers a wider appeal, a diverse coalition of supporters and the most well-funded Democratic campaign, and he does so without compromising Democratic Party values. His candidacy provides the best opportunity for voters who want to unseat the Republican incumbent, Thom Tillis.
U.S. House - N.C. 09
In the Democratic primary, Cynthia Wallace is a moderate who will appeal to the suburban and rural persuadable voters in the newly drawn 9th, and her familiarity with agri-business and passion for issues such as equal pay for women could provide inroads with critical blocs of voters against incumbent Republican Dan Bishop.
U.S. House - N.C. 12
Incumbent Democrat Alma Adams has a challenger on the ballot, Keith Cradle, but Cradle has withdrawn from the race.
N.C. Attorney General
The Republican primary winner will face incumbent Josh Stein. Christine Mumma, well-known as an advocate for the wrongly convicted as executive director of the North Carolina Center on Actual Innocence, understands that the job is about achieving justice, not racking up convictions or making political points.
N.C. Treasurer
The Democratic primary winner will face incumbent Dale Folwell. Aaron “Ronnie” Chatterji of Durham would bring energy and imagination to the treasurer’s office, along with a deep understanding of business and economics.
N.C. Lieutenant Gov.
In the Republican primary, former N.C. Rep Scott Stone of Mecklenburg is a strong but not bombastic conservative who brings a thoughtful, deliberate approach to his work. He’s also a successful businessman who is the kind of public face Republicans should want to express their values.
In the Democratic primary, N.C. Sen. Terry Van Duyn has quickly earned the respect of Senate colleagues, and as the former Democratic Whip she’s uniquely qualified to rally support for Gov. Roy Cooper’s agenda if he is re-elected.
N.C. Superintendent
In the Republican primary, state Rep. Craig Horn’s five-term experience in the legislature and years as chair of both the House’s K-12 Education and Education Appropriation Committees uniquely position him to work on education.
In the Democratic primary, UNC Greensboro education professor Jen Mangrum is strongly supported by teachers and is best situated to successfully engage in the political debates that will decide how North Carolina will treat its students and educators.
N.C. Agriculture commissioner
The Democratic primary winner will face incumbent Steve Troxler. Wake County’s Jennifer Wadsworth would be an advocate for small farmers who is brimming with ideas to make a low-profile office a driver of economic change.
N.C. House 102
In the Democratic primary, incumbent Becky Carney is well-respected by both Democrats and Republicans and Raleigh, and she’s well-positioned with caucus and committee leadership roles even as a member of the minority party.
N.C. Senate 38
Democrat Mujtaba Mohammed has been a very capable first-term representative for his district, and he has the potential to be among his party’s leaders in Raleigh.
Meck commissioners at-large
Three seats are up for grabs. No Republicans are running.
Pat Cotham is independent, driven and willing to investigate questions that come before commissioners. Pastor Ray McKinnon has impactful experience as commissioner on the Charlotte Housing Authority Board and as a member of the Leading on Opportunity Council. Attorney Leigh Altman displays a firm grasp of the challenges facing the board and county and would advocate for more resources for job training, pre-K education and mental health support.
Meck District 3
Incumbent George Dunlap has grown in his role as board chair. He declined to speak to the Editorial Board about this race; the Observer doesn’t endorse candidates who refuse to participate in an interview.
Meck judges
In the Superior Court Republican primary, voters face a difficult choice between two exemplary judges, sitting Superior Court judge Casey Viser and District Court judge David Strickland. We recommend Viser, who brings almost 20 years of Superior Court experience as an attorney and judge.
In the District Court Democratic primary, Charlotte attorney Lynna Moen has been recognized by peers as a “rising star” who has demonstrated an ability to handle the workload the job brings.
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.
This story was originally published March 2, 2020 at 3:24 PM.