Democrat Jay Chaudhuri, candidate for NC Senate District 15, answers our questions

To help inform voters about the Nov. 5, 2024, election, this candidate questionnaire is available to be republished by local publications in North Carolina without any cost. Please consider subscribing to The News & Observer to help make this coverage possible.

Name: Jay J. Chaudhuri

District/seat: Senate District 15

County or counties represented: Wake

Political party: Democrat

Age as of Nov. 5, 2024: 55

Campaign website: jayfornc.com

Current occupation: Attorney

Professional experience: Senate Democratic Whip

Education: Davidson College (B.A); Columbia University (M.I.A); North Carolina Central University (J.D.)

Please list any notable government or civic involvement. Former general counsel to State Treasurer Janet Cowell. Former special counsel to Attorney General Roy Cooper. Former legislative counsel to Senate Majority Leader Roy Cooper

What would be your top priority if elected?

Fighting to repeal the extreme abortion ban and defend against attacks on a woman’s reproductive freedoms, including fertility treatment, like IVF and access to birth control.

By percentage, what raises should state employees, school staff and teachers receive in the next state budget?

I would propose a 18% increase for teachers over two years. I would also propose a 15% increase for state employees.

What legislation would you support to improve Triangle transportation, housing or infrastructure? Please be specific.

I witnessed the gentrification in my Senate district when I used to drop my daughter off to high school every day. I believe our General Assembly can play a key role. That’s why I’ve sponsored legislation to double our affordable housing budget, and that’s why I’ve sponsored homestead exemption legislation to reduce or freeze property taxes for long-term eligible homeowners to promote neighborhood stability and preserve character.

Do you think the legislature should fund about $500 million for private school vouchers through the Opportunity Scholarship program? Why or why not?

Absolutely not. These taxpayer-funded vouchers take billions of taxpayer dollars out of public schools.

Is there an issue on which you disagree with your party? What is your position on that issue?

I sponsored bipartisan legislation that required high school students to take a financial literacy and economics class as a graduation requirement. Some educators disagreed with the changes.

Under the Dome

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