State
State Senator, 7th 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
Jessica BichlerDemocratic
- Supports making large corporations pay more in taxes.
Michael LeeRepublican
- Pledges to keep cutting state income taxes.
- Sponsored a constitutional amendment capping income tax rates.In office
Public safety
Jessica BichlerDemocratic
- Supports background checks and other gun safety measures.
Michael LeeRepublican
No documented position found.
Education
Jessica BichlerDemocratic
- Opposes private school vouchers; supports public school funding.
Michael LeeRepublican
- Supports a school funding formula that follows each student.
Economy & jobs
Jessica BichlerDemocratic
- Supports raising the $7.25 state minimum wage.
Michael LeeRepublican
No documented position found.
Roads & infrastructure
Jessica BichlerDemocratic
No documented position found.
Michael LeeRepublican
- Sponsored a long-term statewide infrastructure plan.In office
Environment & parks
Jessica BichlerDemocratic
- Supports regulating data centers to protect ratepayers.
Michael LeeRepublican
- Supports expanded PFAS testing, treatment and removal.
Health & human services
Jessica BichlerDemocratic
- Supports restoring abortion access and reproductive rights.
Michael LeeRepublican
- Supports legalizing medical cannabis with strict safety standards.
- Sponsored repeal of certificate-of-need rules for some facilities.In office
Government & transparency
Jessica BichlerDemocratic
- Pledges to co-sponsor and vote to ratify the ERA.
Michael LeeRepublican
No documented position found.
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; 8 issues covered in this race.