By Dave Vieser. The rematch between incumbent Christy Clark and John Bradford III in NC District 98 is shaping up as the top local race this year in North Mecklenburg.
The candidates already have raised significant money. Clark, a Democrat, had a total of $199,000 cash on hand and Bradford, a Republican, had $135,000, as of June 30. Both agree on the importance of the race.
Christy Clark
“There will be a great deal of focus on the race because the outcome will help determine the majority party in Raleigh in 2021,” said Clark.
“You can already tell by the amount of dollars from Raleigh being poured into the election,” Bradford said.
Clark pulled off a surprise victory two years ago when she defeated Bradford by a razor thin 1 percent margin. It’s no secret that he’s been waiting anxiously for this year’s rematch.
“Change can be healthy in American politics and I’m running to change the liberal priorities my opponent took to Raleigh,” said Bradford, 45.
The Cornelius resident is the founder of Park Avenue Properties, as well as PetScreening.com, a company that screens pets for landlords and validates assistance animals.
“As the owner of two small businesses right here in District 98 my experience is relevant and gives me a first-hand understanding of how decisions by government officials are impacting the bottom line for small business owners,” Bradford said.
John Bradford
Clark, 49, a certified North Carolina Paralegal, sees the issues differently.
“I’m confident our voters continue to want a representative who puts them first while we focus on such issues as Medicaid expansion, better unemployment benefits and the state of our schools. I have really been touched by the outpouring of support both financially and through volunteer hours from people throughout the district,” said Clark, a Huntersville resident.
NC Senate District 41
This year’s other state legislative race in North Mecklenburg has attracted far less attention. NC Sen. Natasha Marcus (D-41) is seeking re-election and no candidate is running against her on the Republican line.
Local businessman Brian Sisson tried to gather enough signatures to be placed on the ballot for the GOP earlier this year but failed.
Christopher Cole of Huntersville is on the ballot running on the minor Constitution Party line.
Mecklenburg County Commission
Another race of interest is Jim Puckett’s bid to win back the Mecklenburg County Commission District One post he once held.
Puckett, a Republican, was swept out of office in 2018, a year when several GOP candidates, including former Gov. Pat McCrory, lost their usual Lake Norman support due to voter unhappiness over HB 2 and tolls on I- 77.
He will face Elaine Powell, the Democratic incumbent, who defeated him.
Puckett of Huntersville says he is running to “break the one party Democratic Party monopoly” on the county board of commissioners. District One covers Davidson, Cornelius, Huntersville and a small portion of Charlotte.
Election Day is Tuesday Nov. 3 and with the presidential and gubernatorial races leading the statewide ballot, a large turnout is anticipated. Higher numbers of absentee and early voting ballots are expected to be cast this year due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Next month: Do you have a question you’d like to see asked of both of them? Email us at corneliustoday@gmail.com
