During this election season, 97.9 The Hill and Chapelboro spoke with candidates for local races representing Orange County. Each answered the same set of questions regarding their decision to run for elected office, their background in the community and what they wish for residents to think of when voting this fall. Their answers (lightly edited for clarity and brevity) are shared here, as well as links to their respective campaign websites or pages. If a candidate did not respond or chose not to speak with 97.9 The Hill and Chapelboro, it will be designated with no audio. The order of candidates below is in the alphabetical order of their last names.

North Carolina Senate District 23 covers all of Orange County, as well as Caswell and Person counties to the north. The election drew no primary contenders, and the general race is a straight-ahead contest. District 23 is currently represented by Democratic Sen. Graig R. Meyer, and this election will see Meyer opposed by Republican challenger Lauren Pichardo.

97.9 The Hill reached out to each candidate in the race to ask the following questions:

• Why were you inspired to join this race?
• What are the top three issues your campaign is built on?
• How do you believe the town should approach addressing broad issues like the challenging housing market, environmental resiliency, and economic sustainability? What are some policies you support or strategies you would advocate for if elected?
• What is something you believe the Board of Orange County Commissioners has done well in the last four years, and what is something you would have done differently?
• When voters see your name on the ballot, what do you want them to think of?

NC Senate District 23

(1 seat)

 Graig R. Meyer (D)

Photo via Committee to Elect Graig Meyer.

Lauren Pichardo (R)

Photo via Laura Pichardo for NC State Senate District 23.

Early voting in the local and statewide elections for the 2024 general cycle begins on Thursday, Oct. 17 in North Carolina. Election Day is set for Tuesday, Nov. 5.

More of the 2024 Candidate Introductions for local elections can be found on Chapelboro’s Local Elections page.

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