Brandon Lofton
Party:
Democrat
Incumbent:
Yes
Age:
47
Previous experience in elected office:
N.C. House of Representatives (2019 - present)
Occupation:
Attorney; N.C. House representative
Description:
Lofton's top priorities are helping public schools succeed and creating equal opportunities for all children. He believes that a person's "opportunity in life should not be determined by the circumstances of your birth or by the partisan leaning of your legislature." He wants to fully fund public schools by increasing teacher pay and expanding access to support staff like counselors and nurses. He also works to "promote a vibrant and inclusive economy" by expanding access to affordable healthcare, child tax credits and childcare. Additionally, Lofton aims to end gerrymandering and opposes any efforts to limit voting access. He was the first primary sponsor on 11 bills, including several proposed studies (e.g. how N.C. teacher compensation fares compared to other states). In the most recent legislative session, he was present for 707 of 802 votes (in the bottom third of House delegates).
Other personal:
Lofton is from Charlotte and married with two children. He met his wife in college and started his law career working at the historic civic rights law firm Ferguson Stein Chambers. He has a bachelor's degree from UNC Chapel Hill and a JD from New York University.
The Election Hub Questionnaire
Please provide demographic information about yourself to help voters (age, education, current occupation, where you live).
I am 47 years old. I am a husband, father and lawyer living in South Charlotte. I began my legal career at the civil rights firm Ferguson Stein Chambers and am a partner at Robinson Bradshaw & Hinson, P.A., where I practice public finance.
Why are you running for this role and why should voters pick you? Please share your previous experience in elected office that would be relevant to voters.
I believe in the power of legislation and policy to improve lives. I currently represent District 104 in the North Carolina House, where I serve as Legislative Chair for the minority party and serve as co-chair of the bipartisan Early Childhood Caucus. I was appointed by the Governor to serve on North Carolina’s Blue Ribbon Commission for Public Education. I was also appointed to the Legislative Advisory Council for the Southern Region Education Board. I was previously appointed to chair the North Carolina Courts Commission.
Tell us 1-2 professional accomplishments you have achieved in your work experience (not limited to public service) that give voters a sense of your leadership style or skills.
Most recently, I sponsored a bill to increase investments in teen mental health. I successfully secured primary sponsors from across the aisle and was able to get the increased funding included in our state budget. I have also successfully worked to prevent harmful provisions from becoming law. I worked across the aisle to remove harmful gun provisions from our state’s Farm Act.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is an area of concern for many voters (e.g. government-run chatbots; AI-generated videos, text and images; data centers; license-plate readers; AI to hire and evaluate employees or teach students). How should elected officials in your role or others regulate AI, if you believe they should? How should elected officials in your role use AI?
State legislatures should develop thoughtful legislation to regulate AI by consulting technology, law enforcement, child development, privacy and environmental experts. Any legislation must reflect expert input and permit flexibility to adapt to an evolving technology. This includes thoughtful environmental and ratepayer protections with respect to data centers.
What endorsements from any notable NC organizations or people have you received?
Over the last few election cycles, I have consistently received endorsements from a number of North Carolina organizations, including the North Carolina Association of Educators and the Police Benevolence Association.
How long have you lived in the region/district where you are running for office?
I have lived in the region/district for more than a decade.
Tell us something unexpected about yourself that voters may be interested to know.
We are a Marvel family. The Avengers infinity Wars saga was a huge part of my boys’ (now young men) childhood growing up. We have regular debates about the strongest Avenger and the best villain.