Interview with Josh Stein

By: Clare Buchanan

North Carolina’s Democratic Candidate for Governor, Josh Stein, at Greensboro Harris-Walz Rally in September. Photo Credit: Isabella Wyatt

On October 17, The Salemite had the opportunity to attend a press conference for student journalists held by North Carolina’s Democratic candidate for governor, Josh Stein. Stein currently resides as the state of North Carolina’s Attorney General. As Attorney General of North Carolina, Stein worked to “protect taxpayers, seniors, students, and military families from fraud.” According to a nonpartisan voting guide for Forsyth County, Stein “supports access to abortion & contraceptives” as well as “supports more funds for teachers, public schools and child care centers.” Stein’s opponent is the current Lieutenant Governor, Mark Robinson. According to a nonpartisan voting guide for Forsyth County, Robinson “opposes gun control” and “calls the civil rights movement ‘crap.’”

Time permitted for about two questions from student journalists and I personally felt moved to ask Stein about where he stands when it comes to LGBTQ+ rights. His opponent, Mark Robinson, has boasted heinous and derogatory slander about LGBTQ+ people throughout his campaign. According to the Campaign for Southern Equality, Robinson has called LGBTQ+ people “filth” and has said that God personally formed him to fight LGBTQ+ visibility.

In response to this, Stein spoke directly to my question and emphasized his stance that every person in North Carolina should be treated with respect and have equal opportunities and rights. “The way that Mark Robinson talks and demonizes people based on their sexual orientation is despicable…So contrary to what we should be as a state.” Stein noted.

A lot is on the line for this upcoming election, not only at the national level, but also in our state and local districts. I urge you, Salem Community, to get out there and VOTE!