Kevin Thurman, candidate for NC House District 53

Name: Kevin Thurman

Political party: Democrat

Age as of Nov. 8, 2022: 32

Campaign website: www.kevinthurmanfornchouse.com

Occupation: Business liaison

Education: Master of Public Administration from North Carolina Central University, Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Duke University

Have you run for elected office before? No

Please list highlights of your civic involvement: Participated in cemetery clean ups at Wilkins Cemetery, the oldest African-American cemetery in Harnett County. Participated in a Christmas Toy Drive with the Young Democrats of Harnett County. Participated in Thanksgiving and Christmas community outreach programs and roadside cleanups as a member of Mt. Pisgah Harnett OFWB Church, Inc. for years

What are the three issues that you see as most important to your district and what will you do to address them?

District 53 needs a quality public education for its children, economic recovery, and equal access to health care for its residents. I will support bills to increase pay, benefits, and resources for teachers and public school employees. In order to bring better jobs, I will advocate for tax incentives and grants to companies who will hire local residents. And lastly, I will push for Medicaid expansion and the expansion of mental health and substance abuse counseling.

At a time when costs are rising, state government has a surplus. How should it be used?

Funds should be used to increase pay, benefits, and resources for public schools and their employees. The General Assembly should increase pay and benefits for all state government employees in order to continue attracting the best and brightest employees to our state. It is also imperative for the state to expand resources for mental health and substance abuse counseling services. Increased funding for public transportation would allow more residents to travel to school and work.

Will you vote for Medicaid expansion in North Carolina?

Yes.

What has the legislature gotten right, and what has it gotten wrong, about public education in North Carolina?

Considering the widespread shortage of teachers, bus drivers, and other school employees, the Republican-led legislature has gotten nothing right regarding public education. The public school system has been severely weakened and underfunded. Democrats in the General Assembly introduced HB 1080 and 1079 to address these issues, but so far these bills have been ignored. Our leaders must do better!

Should North Carolina change its abortion laws? How?

There should be no restrictions on abortion.

Please add anything else voters should know about your position on the legality or availability of abortion in North Carolina.

The attack on women’s rights by the right will have a horrific impact on the ability of women to access health care and obtain medications. The impact would be even deeper for women of color, women who live in rural areas, and women in low-income households.

Should medical marijuana be legalized in North Carolina?

Yes.

What, if anything, should the legislature do to shape curriculum dealing with topics of race, sexuality and gender?

The General Assembly should ensure that the past and the present are portrayed accurately in the classroom regarding topics involving historically marginalized people. If the curriculum is shaped by this guiding principle, then North Carolina can move forward towards a brighter future.

Do you accept the results of the 2020 presidential election?

Yes.