Open seats prompt legislative primaries

Feb. 22—GUILFORD COUNTY — Two open state House seats in Guilford County have generated Republican primaries involving seven candidates, with Democratic challengers waiting to take on the GOP nominees in this fall's general election.

The 62nd House District will be a race fpr an open seat because Rep. John Faircloth, R-Guilford, of High Point announced his plans to retire last year. At 85, Faircloth will retire after serving his current term through the end of 2024. Five Republican candidates are vying for the nomination for the seat.

The 59th House District also will be a race for an open seat because Rep. Jon Hardister, R-Guilford, chose not to run for reelection but instead to make a bid for state labor commissioner. Two Republicans are squaring off in the primary.

In both districts, the races involve some High Point-area voters. Here's a look at the two primaries:

—The Republican candidates in the 62nd District are High Point City Councilman Britt Moore, former state legislator John Blust of Greensboro, former Oak Ridge mayor Ann Schneider, businesswoman and educator Michelle Bardsley of Greensboro and Jaxon Barber of Greensboro, who at 20 would become one of the youngest legislators elected to the state House in more than 100 years.

On his campaign website Moore touts what he says is his tested leadership as a longtime councilman.

"There are opportunities and challenges on the horizon," Moore says in a video on his website, contending that his 10 years as a councilman will translate into effective service in the N.C. General Assembly.

Among Moore's key issues are economic development and job creation, promoting educational excellence and supporting police and other first-responders.

"I hope you will join me as we work together to build the best community for all of us," Moore says.

In his campaign literature Blust says he's a "strong, consistent, constitutional, limited-government conservative." During his previous 18 years in the House and two years in the state Senate, Blust developed a reputation as a maverick who would counter his own party on matters of principle.

"I will stand for what is right even when it puts me at odds with party leadership," he says.

On her campaign Facebook page, Schneider highlights what she says are her conservative stands on issues such as backing gun ownership rights. Schneider says she has a track record of effective service in government through her public service roles in Oak Ridge.

During her terms as a local elected official, Schneider says record economic growth took place in Oak Ridge through low tax rates.

In her campaign material Bardsley spotlights her experience as an educator and business professional. She would advocate for economic opportunities through lower, competitive tax rates. As a legislator she would support parents' rights, school choice and competitive teacher pay. Bardsley said that she would serve as a "common-sense leader."

On his campaign website Barber says he would uphold biblical Christian values. Barber, who's a licensed mechanical contractor, says he would advocate for controlled government spending and low tax rates to spur growth and job creation.

On education Barber supports school choice and opportunity scholarships so that parents have options for their children.

The Democratic candidate is Marjorie Benbow of Summerfield.

The 62nd District covers parts of north High Point, western Greensboro and southwest, western and northwest Guilford County.

—The Republican candidates for the 59th District are former Guilford County commissioner Alan Branson and retired Army Col. Allen Chappell, both of Julian in the eastern part of the county.

Branson said he would focus on job creation and economic development, public safety, government efficiency and expanding educational opportunities for children.

"Many veterans, seniors and working families are struggling today, and their pain and concern needs to be heard in the halls of the capitol from someone willing to listen and advocate for them," Branson said.

Chappell, who rose to the rank of colonel in the Green Berets during a 30-year military career, said he would focus on government accountability, parents' rights and lower taxes.

"I look forward to taking my experience with solving large and complex problems to Raleigh," Chappell said.

The Democratic candidate is Tanneshia Dukes of Pleasant Garden.

The 59th District stretches from northern, northeast and southeast Guilford County across to Jamestown and segments of east High Point.

pjohnson@hpenews.com — 336-888-3528 — @HPEpaul