Meet our Candidates
Local politics and elections can be overwhelming if you don’t know where to look. Never & Now researched the NC political landscape and talked with many political insiders to learn more about what was needed for this election cycle. After interviewing candidates from across the state, we have chosen 4 races to endorse. All funds raised through Never & Now will benefit these races. Learn more about these outstanding folks who can’t wait to get to work for North Carolina!
Woodson Bradley (SD-42)
Woodson Bradley has spent her life heavily involved in community service. As a domestic abuse survivor she has dedicated herself to speaking out, speaking at the Mecklenburg County Domestic Violence Speaker Bureau and in CMS schools through the Love Speaks Out program. She is on the Mecklenburg County Family Justice Center planning board and boasts 10 years of service with the Special Olympics. Woodson Bradley is also a small business owner who aims to promote small business with her election. She currently lives in the Ballantyne area with her husband and is the proud mother of three.
Lisa Grafstein (SD-13)
Lisa Grafstein is the current incumbent for District 13. However, due to partisan gerrymandering, reelection in her district is no longer possible. She picked up and moved to a new district in order to fight to keep a seat in the NC Senate. In addition to legislator, Grafstein’s resume also includes civil rights lawyer at Disability Rights North Carolina, where she works tirelessly to ensure those with disabilities can live and work free of discrimination. She is currently the only Jewish and open LGBTQ+ member of the North Carolina Senate.
David Hill (SD-7)
In 1994, Dr. David Hill moved to North Carolina to work in one the nation's best residency programs at University of North Carolina Chapel Hill. He then moved to Wilmington where he met his wife, Christy, and had 5 children. In his career, David Hill has become one of the leaders in North Carolina Pediatric Society and the American Academy of Pediatrics. His work in the hospital has given him first-hand experience of the risks of pregnancy to women and the family. Dr. Hill is currently running for the senate seat in a Republican district whose current senator campaigned on rejecting an abortion ban, only to later vote to enact it.
James Mercer (SD-11)
James Mercer was raised in Nash County. He went on to serve 35 years in the United States Military, earning distinction of Lieutenant Colonel. He has 29 years of experience as a public servant working as a firefighter, police officer, EMT, and in other emergency safety roles. In fact, he was serving in Baghdad when Saddam Hussein was captured. He also started The Mercer Project, a non-profit that aims to connect veterans with support systems and help children find healthy meals and educational programs. Recently, he has worked as the Director of Military Studies at North Carolina Wesleyan University, and is currently studying theology.
All contributions go directly to the candidates’ campaigns.