Election 2024: Newcomer to emerge in labor commissioner race

(The Center Square) – Republican Luke Farley turned back a member of the North Carolina House of Representatives in the primary.

This fall, it’s Democrat Braxton Winston against the political newcomer endorsed by the state’s longest serving labor commissioner. Each is trying to succeed Josh Dobson, who opted not to run for reelection.

Election Day is 26 days away , early in-person voting starts next week on Thursday, and absentee by mail voting has already begun.

Farley carries the endorsement of Republican Cherie Berry, the first woman to hold the office and did so over five terms. He says his “No. 1 priority is to keep workers safe, healthy, and employed.”

He has 14 years of experience as a lawyer in workplace safety claims. He triumphed over Rep. Jon Hardister in the spring.

Winston has served three terms on the Charlotte City Council. He advocates building coalitions of communities; and says “we can connect the diversity of strengths in our rural and urban communities to work together for the common good of North Carolina’s workforce and business communities.”

Farley earned his law degree from Wake Forest and his undergrad at Carolina. Winston has a degree in anthropology from Davidson.

According to the Department of Labor website, “The N.C. Department of Labor is charged by statute with promoting the 'health, safety, and general well-being' of more than 4 million workers across the state. The laws and programs it administers affect every worker – and virtually every person – in the state. North Carolina law gives the commissioner broad regulatory authority and enforcement powers to carry out the department’s duties for the people.”