1. What motivated you to run, and what do you hope to accomplish?

I ran for the North Carolina General Assembly to ensure that Durham and the Triangle have a strong, consistent voice at the state level—one that understands our growth, our diversity, and our ongoing challenges. Too often, state decisions overlook the real needs of working families, communities of color, and rapidly growing regions like ours. My goal is to deliver results-driven leadership that protects opportunity, strengthens public systems, and ensures that state policy works for the people who live here every day.
 

2. Top Three Policy Priorities

Education & Workforce Development – Ensuring equitable school funding, strong public schools, and clear pathways from education to quality jobs.

Affordable Housing & Infrastructure – Supporting smart growth that keeps Durham livable, inclusive, and economically competitive.

Health & Community Well-Being – Advancing policies that promote access to care, public health preparedness, and healthier communities.

These priorities reflect what I hear most from constituents and what will most directly shape long-term opportunity in our region.
 

3. Defining Success & Accountability

Success means delivering tangible outcomes: legislation passed, funding secured, and constituent needs addressed. I measure success by whether families are better off at the end of my term than at the beginning. I stay accountable through regular communication with constituents, transparent reporting on legislative work, and being accessible and responsive year-round—not just during election season.
 

4. Relationships to Advance an Agenda

I work to build productive relationships across party lines, regions, and sectors. That includes fellow legislators, local governments, business leaders, educators, advocates, and community organizations. Progress in Raleigh requires collaboration, persistence, and mutual respect.
 

B. Local & Constituency Focus
5. Engaging Constituents & Marginalized Communities

I prioritize direct engagement—community meetings, neighborhood events, partnerships with local organizations, and accessible communication. It’s especially important to ensure that historically marginalized communities have meaningful input into the policymaking process and see their concerns reflected in state action.
 

6. Addressing Key Regional Needs

Affordable Housing: Support state investments, local flexibility, and tools that expand housing supply while protecting existing communities.

Education: Advocate for fair funding, school infrastructure investment, and support services for students.

Health Equity: Strengthen community-based health initiatives and preventive care.

Infrastructure: Secure funding for transit, broadband, water systems, and sustainable growth.

Economic Opportunity: Support small businesses, workforce training, and inclusive economic development.
 

C. Policy Areas

7. Education & Workforce

I support strong public education from early childhood through higher education, increased per-pupil funding, and partnerships between schools, community colleges, and employers. Workforce development should align with regional industries and create real economic mobility for underserved communities.
 

8. Health & Public Health

The legislature has a critical role in supporting local public health systems, ensuring emergency preparedness, and advancing policies that reduce health disparities. Health equity must be considered across housing, transportation, education, and economic policy.
 

9. Housing & Infrastructure

I support legislative strategies that incentivize affordable housing production, fund infrastructure tied to growth, and promote climate resilience—while respecting local planning and community input.
 

10. Economic Development

Attracting business and maintaining strong neighborhoods are not competing goals. Economic development should prioritize job quality, workforce readiness, infrastructure, and community benefits so growth strengthens—not displaces—local residents.
 

11. Budget & Funding

I approach the state budget with a focus on equity, accountability, and outcomes. I prioritize investments that show measurable impact, reduce disparities, and leverage state dollars to support local needs.
 

12. Navigating Partisanship

My style is pragmatic and solutions-oriented. I focus on shared interests, data-informed decision-making, and building trust—even when perspectives differ.
 

D. Leadership, Values & Style

13. Leadership Experience

My experience in public service and community leadership has prepared me to navigate complex policy challenges, listen to diverse perspectives, and deliver results. I bring a steady, collaborative approach to legislating.
 

E. Durham & Triangle Region

14. Ensuring Continued State Investment

I advocate for sustained state investment in transit, education, innovation, arts, and cultural assets that make Durham and the Triangle strong economic engines for North Carolina.
 

15. Regional Collaboration

I strongly support regional collaboration among local governments, universities, nonprofits, and the private sector. Workforce development, infrastructure planning, and equity outcomes are strongest when we work across jurisdictions and institutions.