Charlotte Observer endorsements: Our choices for NC Senate

N.C. Democrats are cautiously optimistic they can flip five seats in November and retake the majority in the North Carolina Senate. Here are the Observer editorial board’s recommendations in Mecklenburg’s contested N.C. Senate races:

Senate 37

Democratic incumbent Jeff Jackson faces a tough challenge in a district that has become starkly more competitive since being redrawn last year. The formerly blue Charlotte district now spreads farther into south Charlotte and takes in several redder precincts. It now leans slightly left.

The three-term senator is opposed by a formidable and capable candidate in Sonja Nichols, CEO of a Charlotte company that provides resources to startups. Nichols also is an accomplished member of Charlotte’s philanthropic community.

Libertarian Jeff Scott also is on the ballot.

There currently are no Black Republicans in the N.C. Senate, and Nichols sees herself as a bridge for N.C. Republicans. “I’m the voice that can speak to issues in the room,” she told the Editorial Board. She’s a solid, less-government conservative on issues such as Medicaid expansion, preferring to explore different approaches to health care access.

Jackson, a former assistant district attorney, has been one of his party’s most powerful voices. He’s also been attentive to his constituents, hosting in-person and virtual conversations and providing detailed updates during the COVID-19 pandemic. He’s reached across the aisle to build a bipartisan coalition that likely will result in independent redistricting, and he’s worked toward criminal justice reform.

We believe Nichols has a bright future in public service, but Jackson brings critical experience and a precise grasp of issues facing his district and state. We recommend Jackson.

Senate 38

First-term Democrat Mujtaba Mohammed faces Republican Jack Brosch in this district that stretches across central Mecklenburg. Mohammed has been active member of the minority party and one of the few to get legislation passed - a “Raise the Age” bill he co-sponsored that treated 16- and 17-year-olds as juveniles in the criminal justice system. He’s a sharp thinker with a strong voice, and he’s a reliable progressive who would be a leader if Democrats gain a majority in the Senate. We strongly recommend him.

Senate 39

This once-conservative south Mecklenburg district has changed dramatically with the addition of southwest precincts that give it more registered Democrats than Republicans overall. Democrat DeAndrea Salvador is facing conservative and abortion opponent Republican Joshua Niday for the open seat.

We strongly recommend Salvador, a project manager in the technology industry. Salvador would bring a thoughtful, balanced approach to the Senate that emphasizes infrastructure and business growth for her district while providing opportunity to all through stronger public schools and capital funding for entrepreneurs with non-traditional backgrounds.

Senate 40

This east Charlotte district features a rematch - three-term Democratic incumbent Joyce Waddell versus former Mecklenburg County Manager Bobbie Shields, a Republican. The dynamics haven’t changed - Waddell is a reliable Democrat in a blue district who is not very influential in her party. Shields, a conservative, would bring a breadth of experience and public service, and a desire to work across the aisle. We recommend Shields.

Senate 41

In this district that includes north and northwest Mecklenburg, Democrat Natasha Marcus has been exactly what we expected in her first Senate term - an exceptionally smart legislator and hard worker who was unable to get much done thanks to Republican leadership that mostly shuttled her bills to committee to die. She’s running against Christopher Cole, a conservative Constitution Party candidate who said he would likely caucus with Republicans.

We recommend Marcus, a solid progressive but independent thinker. She would flourish if Democrats win the majority.

A previous version of this editorial said that Senate 41 includes south and west Mecklenburg. The new legislative map has the district in north and northwest Mecklenburg.

This story was originally published October 7, 2020 at 3:21 PM.