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North Carolina U.S. Senate race
With the November election ahead, the candidates campaign across the state.
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North Carolina could see new restrictions on abortion if the U.S. Supreme Court overturns Roe v. Wade, as the high court appears to be poised to do, according to a draft ruling published by Politico on Monday.
Candidates running in this year’s U.S. Senate race and in each of North Carolina’s 14 congressional districts would be able to draft and vote on possible federal legislation related to abortion. And at the state level, lawmakers in the state Senate and House could pass legislation restricting or banning abortion within North Carolina if the Supreme Court lifts the federal protections of Roe.
As part of our Voter Guide for the statewide primary elections on May 17, we asked all candidates running in contested primaries for Congress and the state legislature in five Triangle counties what should happen if the Supreme Court overturns Roe. Questionnaires went to candidates in Wake, Durham, Orange, Chatham and Johnston counties; they were not sent to candidates who are not on the primary ballot.
Candidates for Congress were asked the following question: What should happen if Roe v. Wade is overturned? Candidates for NC House and Senate were asked: What do you want to happen in North Carolina if Roe v. Wade is overturned? Below are the answers for each candidate who returned our questionnaire.
Candidates for US Senate
Republican candidates Ted Budd, Benjamin E. Griffiths, Kenneth Harper, Jr., Charles Kenneth Moss, Lichia Sibhatu and Debora Tshiovo as well as Democratic candidates Chrelle Booker and Constance Johnson didn’t respond to the questionnaire.
Robert Colon, a Democrat, didn’t respond to the Roe v. Wade question, but he responded to others.
If Roe v. Wade is overturned, what will and should happen is that each state will determine the legality of abortion. Each state must consider the input of its individuals (not national PACs or lobbyists) alongside the input of medical experts to make the most accurate and representative decisions.
If the Supreme Court of the United States tries to overturn it, I will create a bill that states life begins at conception regardless of how the child was conceived.
Planned Parenthood must be defunded. Life in the womb must be respected and preserved.
Planned Parenthood needs to go away. States should be handling health care and educating/counseling. The federal government should not be involved.
I am Pro-Life and truly value the life of the unborn. As a mother of a son who survived cancer at 6 months old, I know how precious every life is. I do believe in exceptions, and I am also a strong advocate for adoption.
It should probably go back to being a state issue limited only by our Constitution and its amendments.
The same thing that happens with every Supreme Court decision: the law should be followed.
States should immediately move to protect pre-born children and their mothers from the abortion industry. I will continue to support the sanctity of human life at all stages and look for ways we can provide the resources and support women need when facing unexpected pregnancy.
I believe abortion is the business of the patient and treating physician. In the instances of rape, incest and life of the mother there should be no restrictions.
Congress must protect reproductive health and codify Roe v. Wade. It’s a human right, a constitutional right, and essential health care. I will always fight to protect women’s rights to make their own health care decisions, including by supporting the Women’s Health Protection Act.
If elected, I will propose a privacy bill of rights, which will include a right to our own bodies.
Alyssia Rose-Katherine Hammond, Democrat
A women’s/girl’s body is her body her choice all the time, every time and at any time.
Abortion should be a medical decision that is only considered in the most extreme circumstances like rape, incest, or medical life saving measures to save the mother.
Overturning Roe v Wade will initially massively increase birth rates, especially among low-income women, eventually leading to increased poverty levels, increased (violent) crime and economic catastrophe. In addition, it will open the door to reverse many civil liberties gained since 1960.
If overturned, then each state would need to pass legislation that protects women’s reproductive health care. At least 15 states and Washington, D.C., have enacted laws that would automatically keep abortion legal if Roe is overturned.
As a lawyer, I don’t answer hypotheticals of that nature.
Candidates for US House of Representatives District 2
Republican candidates Mahesh (Max) Ganorkar and Adina Safta didn’t respond to the questionnaire.
Christine Villaverde, Republican
The Roe v. Wade decision should be considered bad law and illegitimate from a legal standpoint. Abortion should be a states’ rights issue.
Candidates for US House of Representatives District 4
Democratic candidate Matt Grooms and Republican candidate Robert Thomas didn’t respond to the questionnaire.
Protecting a women’s reproductive rights and right to choose is paramount to respecting women and moving society forward. If Roe v. Wade is overturned, Congress must pass swift and strong legislation to ensure women have access to safe abortions. In Congress, it will be a top priority for me.
Stephen J. Valentine, Democrat
If Roe v. Wade is overturned the Congress should legislate to protect women’s reproductive rights.
Congress must pass the Women’s Health Protection Act.
If it is overturned, the right to an abortion will be determined on a state-by-state basis and lead to more women, especially those who are impoverished and from minority backgrounds, dying due to complications from underground abortions.
Congress should not be reactionary and wait for this to occur. It should immediately codify the tenets of Planned Parenthood vs. Casey into law and protect this fundamental constitutional right.
We need federal action to guarantee people’s right to make basic decisions about their bodies. Last year, my life was at risk from an ectopic pregnancy, and I had an abortion that saved my life. We must codify Roe at the federal level to ensure our basic rights.
The reproductive rights of women need to be protected as federal law. We have relied too long on the opinions of a Supreme Court whose demographics can sway based the political party in power. We must legislate to protect the rights of all people and provide equitable resources for every citizen.
States should be able to enact their own laws. The power should always be in the power of the states that is not constitutionally given to the federal government. My personal belief is that abortion should be illegal at all stages of development.
Candidates for US House of Representatives District 9
Republican candidates Francisco Rios, Mike Andriani and Jen Bucardo didn’t respond to the questionnaire.
States should be able to determine the policies best for their citizens.
Candidates for US House of Representatives District 13
Democratic candidate Jamie Campbell Bowles and Republican candidates Kelly Kathleen Daughtry, Kent Keirsey, Jessica Morel and DeVan Barbour did not respond to the questionnaire. Republican candidate Kevin Alan Wolff could not be reached.
Congress should change statute to explicitly protect reproductive health care rights.
If that happens, we will have reached minority rule in the U.S. and our elections would need to be altered to allow more competition to Red v. Blue (needs to happen anyway). Less than 20% of Americans want abortion banned in all cases. 80-85% believe it needs to be legal in at least some cases.
Family planning decisions should be between a woman and her doctor, not the government. In Congress, I’m committed to protecting a woman’s right to choose and I support passing a law that would codify Roe v Wade. I will base my policy views on all issues on science rather than politics.
I will always fight to defend the right to privacy and a woman’s right to choose. Action is needed whether or not Roe v. Wade is overturned. In Congress, I will co-sponsor and vote for the Women’s Health Protection Act to enshrine women’s rights to make their own health care decisions into law.
I support meaningful funding for organizations such as Crisis Pregnancy Centers and Pregnancy Resource Centers for women in desperate need with an unplanned pregnancy. As Republicans, it is our duty to protect families; that is why I will also work to break down red tape in the adoption system..
Abortion should be made illegal throughout the United States. No exceptions.
My teenage daughter was born at 24 weeks. She weighed 1.5 pounds. I believe all life is sacred and worthy of legal protection because I’ve seen what God can do when we fight for every child, including the unborn. If we’re serious about protecting life, we must also make the adoption process easier.
Candidates for NC House District 33
Provide access to affordable health care services associated with reproductive services.
The choice to terminate a pregnancy is not one that should be made by politicians in Raleigh or elsewhere. It is a decision that should be made by the people involved and their health care providers. Abortion should be protected in North Carolina with that principle in mind.
Candidates for NC House District 34
Republican candidates Joshua Jordan and Ashley Seshul did not respond to the questionnaire.
Candidates for NC House District 35
Republican candidate Fred Von Canon did not respond to the questionnaire.
Candidates for NC House District 37
Reproductive rights should be considered health care. An individual’s decisions regarding their pregnancy should be up to themselves, their doctors, and not the government. I oppose legislation that would limit a person’s right to make choices and decisions regarding their own bodies.
Fight for it to be reinstated. Access to safe abortion is a necessity.
If Roe v. Wade were to be overturned, the legality of abortion would be up to each state. I would like to see North Carolina codify Roe into the state constitution or pass a Freedom of Choice Act.
Candidates for NC House District 40
The North Carolina legislature should adopt abortion laws which are in the best interest of its citizens. In many policy areas (e.g., health, education, business, energy), the legislature has preeminent jurisdiction. I support restrictions on abortion.
The protection of women’s privacy rights and access to health care as well as the First Amendment rights of abortion proponents and opponents must be sustained.
Candidates for NC House District 50
I will fight to codify Roe in state law. Reproductive justice is about more than just abortion. I will promote legislation that promotes the full range of services that allow women to have control over their bodies including investing in expanded OBGYN access.
I would want North Carolinians to stand up and fight for women’s rights. North Carolina to challenge.
Candidates for NC House District 53
Republican candidate Howard Penny Jr. did not respond to the questionnaire.
The sanctity of life must be preserved. How far are humans willing to go to deny a baby their God-given right to life? I will continue to fight for the unborn and defend their most sacred right to life.
Candidates for NC House District 54
Republican candidates Craig Kinsey and Walter Petty did not respond to the questionnaire.
Candidates for NC House District 56
I believe that reproductive health care is a right, including abortion care. I will fight to defeat any new legislation undermining that right and advocate for the repeal of recently-enacted anti-abortion laws. I will continue my work to elect pro-choice Democrats statewide.
North Carolina should codify Roe v. Wade. The Whole Women’s Health Act would eliminate arbitrary restrictions on the right to choose, like the required 72-hour waiting period. Such restrictions threaten the health of women, do not change minds and put an undue burden on access to reproductive care.
Candidates for NC House District 66
We must protect a woman’s right to choose the health care that is best for them, and it will be critical that North Carolina not restrict access to health care. I have and will continue to fight to make sure everyone has access to comprehensive health care.
Safe, legal access to abortion has played an invaluable role in accelerating women’s rights. We’re going to build on that progress in North Carolina, not roll it back. I don’t know what’s unclear about this. Reproductive health care is health care, and health care is a human right.
Frank (Jeremiah) Pierce, Democrat
We should be writing policy to protect women and their rights to choose. We have the power to create a law that protects them no matter what happens.
Candidates for NC Senate District 10
Republican candidates Jill Homan and Benton Sawrey did not respond to the questionnaire.
I want to see this state ban abortions in NC. I do not want to see NC become an abortion hub like has occurred in Oklahoma. I am pro-life & a Christian and believe life begins at conception.
Candidates for NC Senate District 13
I will strongly oppose restrictions on women’s right to control our bodies and our access to health care, including abortion. I have been endorsed by Lillian’s List and Equality NC because of my strong commitment to prevent marginalization of women and the LGBT community through regressive laws.
If Roe v. Wade is overturned, I want to see North Carolina take independent action to protect reproductive rights for North Carolinians, by adopting the Roe v. Wade protections through statute and constitutional amendment.
We will need to see in what manner how Roe vs. Wade would be overturned first.
Adoption not abortion.
Candidates for NC Senate District 18
Republican candidate Dimitry Slabyak did not respond to the questionnaire.
The voice of those who cannot speak for themselves must be heard and we need to work with community leaders to provide sustainable solutions for parents who might be struggling. North Carolina can be a model for providing compassionate solutions that honors the life of the preborn and the lives of the parents.
Candidates for NC Senate District 22
The N.C. General Assembly should enact legislation that allows abortions only (in) cases of medical necessity.
Repurpose tax dollars wasted upon funding Planned Parenthood targeting young women of color and use it to provide ultrasound services to help educate young women who are in distress.
Candidates for NC Senate District 23
Republican candidates Bill Cooke and Landon Woods did not respond to the questionnaire.
Jamie DeMent Holcomb, Democrat
As state senator, I will always vote to uphold a person’s right to choose and protect access to safe abortion and reproductive care so I want to see our state legislature come together to protect these rights at a state level.
We need to ensure that women do not lose further protections in North Carolina, both in our courts and legislature. I have voted against every bill that would restrict access to abortion. I will continue to work to elect pro-choice champions including in our courts.
This story was originally published May 03, 2022 1:40 PM.
