State
State Representative, 48th 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.
Taxes & budget
Ralph CarterRepublican
- Supports capping annual property tax increases.
Garland E. PierceDemocratic
- Voted against amendment capping income tax rate at 3.5%.In office
- Voted for the 2026 state budget.In office
Public safety
Ralph CarterRepublican
- Supports stiffer penalties for fentanyl distribution.
Garland E. PierceDemocratic
No documented position found.
Education
Ralph CarterRepublican
- Supports school choice and higher teacher pay.
Garland E. PierceDemocratic
- Sponsored a bill increasing classroom supply funding.In office
Roads & infrastructure
Ralph CarterRepublican
- Opposes upstream diversion of the district's Cape Fear water supply.
Garland E. PierceDemocratic
No documented position found.
Health & human services
Ralph CarterRepublican
- Supports health care price transparency requirements.
- Opposes medical mandates on individuals.
Garland E. PierceDemocratic
- Sponsored a bill studying hospice accountability for patient complaints.In office
Government & transparency
Ralph CarterRepublican
No documented position found.
Garland E. PierceDemocratic
- Supports working across party lines to improve communities.
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; 6 issues covered in this race.