Key Legislative Seat Dems Must Win to Break Supermajority

Democrat Dante Pittman, a young North Carolina National Guard captain, is running for the NC House in Wilson County, challenging the Republican incumbent in an attempt to swing a traditional Democratic stronghold back to the left.

Pittman, a 28-year-old first-time political candidate, is less focused on his youth or his impressive resume, and more concerned with local issues, aiming to ensure the strongest representation for his community in Raleigh.

Key issues he’s focusing on include improving public schools, protecting reproductive rights, supporting farmers, and countering the GOP supermajority in the legislature.

“This is a pivotal time for this community. We have a lot at stake,” Pittman told Mikey’s Diner during a sit-down interview. “One part should not dominate the legislature.”

GOP Supermajority: Impact on Public Schools

Pittman asserts that the current Republican supermajority has hampered bipartisanship, leading to policies without broad support. He criticized the legislature’s focus and the lowering of the corporate tax rate to 2.5%, which he believes has detracted from necessary investment in education.

The state’s voucher program, which diverts public funds to private schools, is a particular concern for Pittman. The state is projected to spend around $541 million on vouchers this year, with a projected $5 billion over the next decade. Pittman believes these funds should be redirected to public schools and teacher pay.

Supporting Wilson County Farms and Agriculture

With agriculture being a key industry in Wilson County, Pittman highlights the necessity of supporting farmers and preserving farmland, particularly in the light of the state’s massive population growth and the corresponding loss of farmland. By 2040, North Carolina is projected to lose nearly 1.2 million acres of farmland, ranking it second only to Texas in potential farmland loss.

Defending Reproductive Freedom

Following the 2022 overturning of Roe v. Wade by the US Supreme Court, many states are now setting their own abortion laws. In North Carolina, Republican lawmakers passed legislation banning abortion at 12 weeks, with limited exceptions. Pittman emphasized the importance of choice in the matter, opposing further restrictive legislation.

Addressing Childcare and Lowering Costs

Childcare affordability is another pivotal issue for Pittman. Costs have risen by 32% since 2019, and full-time childcare averages at a whopping $9,480 a year in North Carolina. Pittman believes in expanding opportunities for families by increasing pay for childcare staff, thus incentivizing workers to stay in the field and increasing the availability of childcare slots.

Upcoming Election

To implement his policies, Pittman must first overcome incumbent Republican Rep. Kenneth Fontenot in the November election. While Fontenot won his 2022 race with a 9% margin, Pittman is confident the race will be closer this year and remains steadfast in his campaign’s message.