Election 2024: Meet the candidates for NC Senate District 9

Two candidates are running for a chance to represent District 9 in the N.C. Senate, which covers Bladen, Duplin, Jones, Pender and Sampson counties. New Democratic candidate Jamie Campbell Bowles is challenging Republican incumbent Brent Jackson.

Jackson is finishing his seventh term in office, according to the North Carolina General Assembly. The StarNews reached out to him multiple times via phone and email, but he did not return his questionnaire before publication.

In-person early voting begins on Thursday, Oct. 17 and ends at 3 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 2. Absentee ballots must be requested by 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 29, and those ballots must be returned to the voter’s local board of elections office by 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 5.

Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 5, 2024.

Jamie Campbell Bowles

Age: 60

Occupation: Full-time psychiatric nurse

Family: I take care of my 86 year old mother and have twin sons who are 21 years old.

Education: BSN from UNCW in 2019

Political affiliation: Democrat

What do you believe are the most important issues facing those in your district?

Bowles: I feel that the most important issues facing our district is struggling to survive. It feels impossible to keep up with the high cost of housing, childcare, healthcare, as well as the cost of our day-to-day needs.

What projects do you hope to secure state funding for in your district?

Bowles: These are a few areas that I want to get funding for: better access to Mental Health services, more funding for schools/education, better health care in our rural areas and funding for a task force to battle the Opioid crisis in our area.

What is your stance on abortion?

Bowles: As a nurse, I know that abortion is a medical procedure that is necessary in many instances. As a woman, I feel that it is a very personal decision and that government should not be in the doctor's office with us. A decision such as that should be left to the person/people involved.

How will you make sure your constituents feel heard and represented?

Bowles: I will always be accessible to anyone who wants to reach out to me. I plan to have manned office hours to answer calls regarding any needs and concerns. Use of social media, town halls and printed newsletters for those who do not use social media platforms.

What experience or qualities do you have that set you apart from your opponent?

Bowles: I have been a nurse for thirty-eight years. As a nurse, I have spent the majority of my life tending to the medical and emotional needs of my patients and their families. During these years, I have seen the struggles of my community, my neighbors, and of my own family. I also come from a long line of farmers, educators, and medical professionals that have shared their experiences, interests and concerns with me. All of these experiences lead me to where I am today, wanting to be a voice for the people.

This article originally appeared on Wilmington StarNews: Election 2024: Meet the candidates for NC Senate District 9