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.

One of the more fascinating – and at times controversial – races this year is North Carolina’s gubernatorial election, as the state is looking for its next governor to follow Roy Cooper, who is term-limited.

The contest between frontrunners Democrat Josh Stein and Republican Mark Robinson is being watched nationally, which has been the case for recent national election cycles as an indicator of where the state may lean in federal government races. Stein, who was raised in Chapel Hill, has served as North Carolina’s attorney general for eight years after a stint in the state Senate, while the Greensboro-based Robinson won his first campaign for elected office in 2020 to become lieutenant governor.

97.9 The Hill contacted the campaigns of the Democratic and Republican nominees to participate, and asked the following questions:

• Why were you inspired to run for this higher office?
• What are the top three issues you’ve built your campaign around?
• What is something you’ve learned about North Carolinians and their values during this campaign?
• What is something you’re proud of accomplishing during your tenure within the state government?
• How do you plan to work with a state legislature that is often divided on critical issues?
• When voters see your name on the ballot, what do you want them to think of?

North Carolina Governor

Mark Robinson (Republican)

Photo via Mark Robinson on Facebook.

Robinson did not respond to 97.9 The Hill’s and Chapelboro’s requests to participate in the questionnaire.

Mike Ross (Libertarian)

Photo via Mike Ross for NC Governor.

Vinny Smith (Constitution)

Photo via The Constitution Party of North Carolina State Executive Committee.

Josh Stein (Democratic)

Photo via Josh Stein for North Carolina.

Wayne Turner (Green)

Photo via A Green For Governor – Turner 2024.

Early voting in the local and statewide elections for the 2024 general cycle will run through Saturday, Nov. 2 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.

Featured photo via Associated Press photos.

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