NC State Senate District 5
Voters Choose One
Alexander J. Paschall
Your current job and title:
Pitt County Assistant Public Defender
Your highest level of education:
I earned a B.S. in Criminal Justice from ECU and a Juris Doctor from Campbell Law School in 2017.
If you're elected or re-elected, what will be your top priority? Why?
My top priority is education. One of my core beliefs is that every child deserves access to a quality education and families should be free to select the educational path that best suits them. Education is not just about choice; it's also about quality. Our public schools face significant challenges and often need more state resources. Teachers are crucial in shaping the future and deserve better support and compensation. I will advocate for increased funding for our schools, including higher pay for teachers and high-speed internet in rural
communities. We must create an environment where students are encouraged to excel and pursue their passions and be ready for the workforce.Quality schools not only help our current students, but it makes us attractive to companies looking to relocate. Potential businesses need a quality workforce, and a top priority for many of them are the quality public schools. Regardless of party lines, successful schools benefit everyone in our area.
If you're elected or re-elected, how will you involve your constituents in the process of making decisions?
As your senator, I will put my phone in my pocket and listen to the concerns of our residents. I will hold regular in-person town halls and
community forums, ensuring that constituents have a platform to express their ideas and needs. Your engagement is vital in understanding the issues that matter most. I will be on time, accessible, and responsive. Your time is more important than mine.Why should voters choose you for the position you're running for?
I am running for North Carolina Senate District 5 because I am deeply committed to serving our community and addressing the challenges many families face in Edgecombe and Pitt counties. As a millennial Republican and a public defender, I understand the complexities of our legal and social systems. I am eager to bring a fresh perspective to the Senate. By working together, we can find solutions that uplift our communities and ensure every family has the resources to thrive.
Which three things about you do you most want voters to know?
1. I am deeply committed to serving our community and addressing the challenges many families face in Edgecombe and Pitt counties.
2. Serving as a public defender for the last six years, Iunderstand the complexities of our legal and social systems.
3. As your Senator, I will be attentive, active and present for them in the N.C. State Senate.
Is there anything else about you that you wish to tell voters?
I am not a far-right republican, my age and my experiences as public defender have provided me a unique perspective. I am an independent thinker, with a balanced view. I believe that I am positioned well to pull our community together so we can solve problems across both Edgecombe and Pitt counties.
Kandie D. Smith
Your current job and title:
Owner of a small consultant business
Your highest level of education:Bachelor’s degree from Charleston Southern University
If you’re elected or re-elected, what will be your top priority? Why?
My top priority upon reelection will be to continue advocating for our public school students and teachers and ensuring that they have the resources and opportunities they deserve. I am committed to the belief that every student, regardless of where they live and go to school, should have access to a high-quality and sound education. Our public schools and teachers are shaping our leaders of tomorrow, and I will never stop fighting for equitable funding so that our public schools can thrive and compete on the same level as private institutions.
If you’re elected or re-elected, how will you involve your constituents in the process of making decisions?
If re-elected, I will ensure that my constituents and community are involved in every aspect of the legislative process, just as I have endeavored to do so throughout my current term as Senator. I will continue to send out my newsletter, host Town Halls, make relevant Facebook posts and meet people where they are in the community. By spending time listening to their concerns and understanding their needs, I can ensure that the decisions I make are informed by the voices of the people I represent. By listening to the people, I can be the most effective public servant and representative for my district.
Why should voters choose you for the position you’re running for?Over the past 15 years, in my various roles at the municipal and state levels, I have always prioritized delivering real results and policy that changes and improves people’s lives. Voters should choose me because I will bring the persistence, knowledge, and hands-on experience needed to navigate complex challenges and make positive changes for our community.
Which three things about you do you most want voters to know?
I want voters to know that I am a fighter, I pride myself on accessibility, and I always put the people first in everything I do.
Is there anything else about you that you wish to tell voters?
I am deeply connected to the community, committed to serving the people, and dedicated to ensuring that everyone’s voice is heard. My focus is always on representing the needs and interests of the people I serve. In everything I do, I always put the people first.
