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State
State Senator, 5th District
- Vote for
- 1
- Term
- 2 years
- Candidates
- 2
- Election
- Nov 3, 2026
What this office does: A state senator votes on North Carolina laws and the state budget in the General Assembly.
Taxes & budget
Henry HostetlerRepublican
- Supports continued cuts to the state income tax.
- Supports a balanced budget that cuts wasteful spending.
Kandie D. SmithDemocratic
- Sponsored a bill reenacting the state earned income tax credit.In office
Public safety
Henry HostetlerRepublican
- Supports giving first responders resources against opioids.
Kandie D. SmithDemocratic
- Sponsored full retirement for officers after 25 years.In office
Education
Henry HostetlerRepublican
- Supports a Parents' Bill of Rights and curriculum transparency.
Kandie D. SmithDemocratic
- Supports full funding for public schools.
- Sponsored funding for a nurse in every Edgecombe, Pitt school.In office
Housing
Henry HostetlerRepublican
No documented position found.
Kandie D. SmithDemocratic
- Sponsored creation of a state housing department.In office
Economy & jobs
Henry HostetlerRepublican
- Supports cutting fees and paperwork for small businesses.
Kandie D. SmithDemocratic
- Pledges to fight to lower the cost of living.
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.