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State Representative, 43rd District

Vote for
1
Term
2 years
Candidates
2
Election
Nov 3, 2026

What this office does: A state representative votes on North Carolina laws and the state budget in the North Carolina House of Representatives.

Janene Ackles

Democratic

Grant writer; founder of Grantastic Consulting

The gist

  • Supports expanding rural health care and strengthening Medicaid.
  • Pledges to reform North Carolina's private school voucher program.
  • Supports more rural classroom funding and competitive teacher pay.
  • Supports stronger water protections and environmental accountability.
  • Proposes tax incentives for job creation in Cumberland County.
More about Janene
View sources (1)
  1. Supports expanding rural health care and strengthening Medicaid.

    Our Fight | Janene Ackles for NC43

    Campaign website · Committee to Elect Janene Ackles · electackles.com

    “I am committed to expanding rural healthcare options, strengthening Medicaid, and increasing access to mental health and substance-use services.”
  2. Pledges to reform North Carolina's private school voucher program.

    Our Fight | Janene Ackles for NC43

    Campaign website · Committee to Elect Janene Ackles · electackles.com

    “One of my first tasks as your representative will be to reform the school voucher bill”
  3. Supports more rural classroom funding and competitive teacher pay.

    Our Fight | Janene Ackles for NC43

    Campaign website · Committee to Elect Janene Ackles · electackles.com

    “I will champion increased classroom funding, competitive pay for teachers, and modern facilities for all students—especially in rural areas.”
  4. Supports stronger water protections and environmental accountability.

    Our Fight | Janene Ackles for NC43

    Campaign website · Committee to Elect Janene Ackles · electackles.com

    “I will fight for stronger water protections, environmental accountability, and investments in infrastructure to ensure our soil, water, and air are safe.”
  5. Proposes tax incentives for job creation in Cumberland County.

    Our Fight | Janene Ackles for NC43

    Campaign website · Committee to Elect Janene Ackles · electackles.com

    “Align education with industry needs, offer tax incentives for job creation, and promote tourism.”
Photo of Diane Wheatley
Diane WheatleyOfficial portrait — North Carolina General Assembly

Diane Wheatley

RepublicanIncumbent

State representative; registered nurse and retired business owner · Linden

The gist

  • Opposes tax increases; backs pro-growth, small-business policies.
  • Supports expanding school options, including work-based programs.
  • Supports free-market competition to lower health care costs.
  • Sponsored a bill expanding access to early dementia diagnosis.In office
  • Voted for amendment capping income tax rate at 3.5%.In office
  • Voted for the 2026 state budget.In office

In office = from the candidate's own official statements or legislation as an officeholder, not their campaign.

More about Diane
View sources (5)
  1. Opposes tax increases; backs pro-growth, small-business policies.

    Diane Wheatley for NC House: Issues

    Campaign website · Diane Wheatley for NC House 43 · dianewheatleync.com

    “policies that result in economic growth, job creation, and first support our local small businesses — not tax increases”
  2. Supports expanding school options, including work-based programs.

    Diane Wheatley for NC House: Issues

    Campaign website · Diane Wheatley for NC House 43 · dianewheatleync.com

    “We can achieve excellence in education and student performance through expanding opportunity in educational options, including work-based programs.”
  3. Supports free-market competition to lower health care costs.

    Diane Wheatley for NC House: Issues

    Campaign website · Diane Wheatley for NC House 43 · dianewheatleync.com

    “I understand the need for free-market driven solutions that foster competition in healthcare to help reduce costs”
  4. Sponsored a bill expanding access to early dementia diagnosis.

    Representative Diane Wheatley: primary-sponsored bills, 2025-2026 session

    Government record · North Carolina General Assembly · HB 567 · ncleg.gov

    “Ensure Access to Biomarker Testing.”
    House Bill 567 (2025-2026 session), edition 1

    Government record · North Carolina General Assembly · ncleg.gov

    “to ensure access to an early and accurate diagnosis of dementia”
  5. Voted for amendment capping income tax rate at 3.5%.

    Senate Bill 1080 (2025-2026 session), edition 3

    Government record · North Carolina General Assembly · ncleg.gov

    “the maximum tax rate on incomes cannot exceed three and one”
    Representative Diane Wheatley: recorded votes, 2025-2026 session

    Government record · North Carolina General Assembly · Roll call 664, May 20, 2026 · ncleg.gov

    “Lower Taxes for All NC. Third Reading”
  6. Voted for the 2026 state budget.

    Representative Diane Wheatley: recorded votes, 2025-2026 session

    Government record · North Carolina General Assembly · Roll call, July 2, 2026 · ncleg.gov

    “2026 Appropriations Act. R3 Ruled Mat'l C RPT Adoption”

Challengers are listed first and incumbents last; otherwise candidates appear in ballot order. The Gist does not rank, rate or endorse candidates. Only positions backed by a cited source are shown; 5 issues covered in this race.