UNCW forum puts state legislative candidates in spotlight ahead of election
WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — With the November election just weeks away, candidates hoping to represent New Hanover County in the North Carolina General Assembly made their cases to voters during a candidates forum at the University of North Carolina Wilmington on Monday.
The forum featured candidates running for two North Carolina House seats and one state Senate seat, with discussions covering immigration, the state’s gas tax suspension, education funding, book restrictions and the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge replacement.
House District 18
Republican candidate Latisha Grady, who is challenging five-term Democratic incumbent Rep. Deb Butler, addressed immigration enforcement and its potential impact on American workers.
“Enforcement would look like if they had here illegally to have them deported, that they’re here illegally and the impact to that could mean more jobs for Americans particularly black Americans.”
Butler questioned the timing of North Carolina’s temporary gas tax suspension, which is scheduled to end after the November election.
“Let’s be clear about the suspension of the gas tax too. Isn’t it curious that it ends right after the election? Doesn’t that strike anybody as odd?”
Senate District 7
Senate Majority Leader Michael Lee, the Republican incumbent for Senate District 7, defended the state’s decision to temporarily suspend its gas tax, saying it provides financial relief to residents.
“I think it’s important for citizens now to have that relief going into November.”
Lee also pointed to the state’s financial reserves as a way to provide relief.
“Now we have a stabilization and reserve fund for just some of these very purposes to provide relief to citizens on a variety of accounts, whether it’s any type of non-recurring expense.”
His Democratic opponent, small business owner Jessica Bichler, addressed concerns about book banning in New Hanover County, emphasizing the importance of exposing students to different perspectives.
“More than essential that children are exposed to all different perspectives, from all different types of authors so that they can have grounded conversation in the places where we agree and in the places where we differ.”
House District 20
Education funding was a major focus for the candidates seeking to represent House District 20.
Democratic candidate Tim Merrick, a current New Hanover County Board of Education member, argued that the state needs to provide additional funding to schools to address staffing needs and student behavior.
“So whether we change the allotment formula or whether we get a student-weighted formula, either way there has to be enough money to have adults in the schools so we can deal with behavioral issues, so that we can make sure teachers can have a planning period.”
His Republican opponent, New Hanover County Commissioner Dane Scalise, highlighted increases in school funding during his time on the Board of Commissioners, saying education would remain a priority if elected to the General Assembly.
“We were able to increase school funding. I’ve done an increase to record levels of school funding every year since I’ve been on the commission. The first budget that I was involved in, 2023, new record level. New record level, 2024. New record level, 2025. New record level, 2026.”
Cape Fear Memorial Bridge replacement
The candidates also weighed in on one of the region’s most significant transportation projects: replacing the Cape Fear Memorial Bridge.
All six candidates were asked whether they opposed using tolls to fund the replacement project.
Five candidates raised their hands in opposition, with Lee being the only candidate who did not.
Lee said additional federal funding could be necessary because the project’s estimated cost has increased since a federal grant was awarded.
Additional candidate forums
A separate forum focused on North Carolina’s 7th Congressional District was also held Monday. Republican incumbent Rep. David Rouzer, who is seeking a seventh term, did not show up.
Another candidates’ forum is scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 14, at Leland Town Hall. That event will feature candidates running for the Brunswick County Board of Commissioners, along with candidates in several state races.
