NEWS

 

There is only a primary on the Democratic ticket. Both candidates are Davidson residents.

Republican Candidate, Melinda Bales, is unopposed.

We sent a set of questions to Beth Helfrich and Lisa Jewel; the following is their campaign contact information and their responses to our questionnaire.

 

Beth Gardner Helfrich (D)

544 Potts Street

Davidson, NC 28036

[email protected]

Website:  https://www.bethhelfrichnc.com

Q1. What is the number one thing that Davidson voters need to know about you?

Voters should know that they can trust me: To serve capably, collaboratively, and with integrity.

Q2. Local voters haven’t had a primary for the N.C. House in recent years, what made you run – knowing that there would be a primary?

Our state legislature is operating without the usual checks and balances we should expect from government. District 98 is one of only a few toss-up seats that could break the supermajority in the House. In a critical race, in a critical year, voters deserve to send the best possible candidate into the general election. The stakes are just too high to not offer them a choice.

Q3. Why would you be the best candidate to run against Melinda Bales in November?

Because I can win. I have the experience, skillset, grassroots support, campaign infrastructure, and momentum in place to meet the scale and demands of the general election. I know I can energize the voters we need in order to take this seat.

 

Lisa Jewel (D)

125 N. Lynbrook Drive

Davidson, NC 28036

[email protected]

Website:  https://www.lisajewelnc.com

Q1. What is the number one thing that Davidson voters need to know about you?

Here is what matters to me right now – We need to restore women’s reproductive rights to North Carolina voters! Why does this subject rank clearly above all others? Because it’s about CONTROL of women’s bodies, their futures, and their privacy.  The appalling NC SB 20 bill that makes public knowledge of our bodily functions (including the date of a woman’s last period!) and puts them into a state database, strangely aligns itself to a digital scarlet letter “A,” except this one stands for abortion. Moreover, this database does not contain the information on who got the women pregnant in the first place. The database is in direct conflict with our HIPAA privacy laws. These legislators need to get their noses out of our bedrooms and doctors’ offices and get to work focusing on how to improve education, address global warming and how to get weapons of war off our streets. I want to bring sanity and dignity back to a chamber that has glorified hyper-partisanship. ALL citizens should feel like they have representation in Raleigh. I will be your loud, clear voice that can create political coalitions and meaningful messaging that will deliver hopeful, not restrictive changes to our state.

Q2. Local voters haven’t had a primary for the N.C. House in recent years, what made you run – knowing that there would be a primary?

I’ve spent the last 15 years helping get Democrats elected in North Mecklenburg. I had been a precinct volunteer, Democratic Precinct Judge, Chair of Davidson Precinct 127, Vice-Chair of Democrats of North Mecklenburg, and a State Executive Committee member, in addition to volunteering on multiple campaigns on the national, state, and local level. When Democrats lost this seat twice in 2020 and 2022, I knew we had to do something different.  I had both the political and professional experience that could help me be a great candidate, so I decided to step up! I was not a handpicked candidate by party insiders, but a citizen who knew that my rights were slipping away as a woman and traditionally when a candidate lost twice, they usually find another office to run for. I started this race in a primary, and I’m currently in a primary. My current primary opponent and I enjoy the democratic process of letting our District 98 neighbors getting to know us personally. I believe in the idea that citizens should choose their candidate. I’m so proud of the campaign that I’m running and believe the experience of campaigning and working to represent our citizens is a great honor.

Q3. Why would you be the best candidate to run against Melinda Bales in November?

I have watched so many campaigns over the years and worked with our elected officials. I announced my candidacy very early in January of 2023, because I wanted to make sure it was going to be about connecting to individual constituents, non-profits and community organizations that make up our economically, socially, and racially diverse District. We are not homogeneous and most of us hail from different places. This has been year of learning for me, and an opportunity for the community get to know me. I’ve made a difference for neighborhood groups, new businesses, and budding nonprofits. I’ve connected to multiple Democratic caucuses and elected officials. Along the way, I’ve met Melinda and I think she knows that I have made a name for myself in Huntersville, showing up for our community at town board meetings, Chamber events and social functions. We have very different visions for North Carolina. Mine is one of respect for Democracy, respect for our rights, responsibility for our children’s education and health, environment, and safety of our citizens. Our towns are changing and when you see the Democratic takeover of the Huntersville town board it shows you that the Republican influence is waning. Lastly, the independent voter now outweighs the number of Republican and Democratic voters in the district. My positions and knowledge of the community can be intimidating. I believe with our vibrant, professional and community centered campaign we can beat her in the general.