An Unexpected Victory in North Carolina’s Primary Elections
In a surprising turn of events, a small-town accountant and minister unseated a long-standing incumbent in the recent primary elections. The outcome is expected to impact the Republican party’s ability to override Governor Josh Stein’s vetoes, as three moderate Democrats who previously supported veto overrides were defeated.
While two races in Charlotte garnered significant attention, the primary contest in a rural part of eastern North Carolina was an unexpected upset. Rep. Shelly Willingham, who had previously fended off challengers with ease, was defeated in House District 23 despite raising significantly more campaign funds than his opponent, Patricia Smith.
Smith secured 56% of the vote by winning majorities in both Martin and Bertie counties, while Willingham managed to win only in his home county of Edgecombe. Smith’s victory positions her to face Republican Brent Roberson in the upcoming November election, although the district traditionally leans Democratic.
In a conversation with WUNC News, Smith shared insights into her campaign and professional background. She has over four decades of experience as an accountant and has been a minister for more than 20 years. Her community involvement includes roles with the Martin County Democratic Party, the NAACP, and the Martin County Community Action board.
What motivated you to run for the state House this year?
“Our district has been at the bottom on every list for quite some time now, and so I feel like someone needs to jump in and try and see if we can pull things back up to par. Martin County is operating without a hospital, and I think that has been put on the back burner. We’re losing lives, having to travel far distances just to get Medicare and healthcare.”
Smith emphasized the need for a budget that allocates funds to the district, noting that previous resources have not been directed to the area. The incumbent’s occasional alignment with Republicans on key votes, such as allowing school employees to carry concealed weapons, was a significant issue during the campaign.
What are your views on the incumbent’s voting record?
“Yes, I feel like he was not a team player, and I also feel like he was deceiving the people by running as a Democrat and then switching over and voting with the Republicans.”
Smith expressed concerns about the implications of such votes on public safety and the future of the public school system, which she believes is under threat. Additionally, she criticized the incumbent’s support of legislation backed by Duke Energy that aimed to revise the state’s carbon reduction targets.
“I really don’t agree with the way that Duke is handling things right now. Let me just put it this way: I agree with economic development, but I agree with good economic development. I don’t agree with things that are going to cause a health hazard. I don’t agree with things that are going to be price gouging that’s going to cost us more money.”
For more insights from Smith, listen to the WUNC Politics Podcast.
