Caleb Theodros
Party:
Democrat
Incumbent:
Yes
Age:
Approximately 32
Previous experience in elected office:
N.C. Senate District 41 (2025-present)
Occupation:
N.C. Senator
Description:
Theodros' key priorities are education, economic development and the availability of mental health resources. He advocates for fair teacher pay and sustainable careers. In the most recent legislative session, Theodros sponsored bills that aim to cut property taxes, expand menstrual care, reform senior healthcare and reduce childcare costs for families. He is the former chair of the Black Political Caucus of Charlotte-Mecklenburg and was one of five finalists to replace Mayor Vi Lyles after she announced in May 2026 that she was stepping down. In his mid-20s in 2019, he ran unsuccessfully for Charlotte City Council. Theodros was present for 589 of 701 votes in the most recent legislative session, placing him in the bottom half of senators for participation.
Other personal:
Theodros spent the first years of his life in Eritrea and came to the U.S. as a young child. He attended Harding High School and dual-majored in Economics and Political Science at UNC Charlotte, where he served as president of College Democrats. In his resume submitted to the Charlotte City Council in the process to replace Vi Lyles, Theodros listed having held technology and analyst positions with Bank of America, Wells Fargo and Cisco.
The Election Hub Questionnaire
Please share demographic information to help voters (your age, education, and where you live in NC now). I’m 32 years old and live in Charlotte. I graduated from Harding University High School and UNC Charlotte, where I earned degrees in Economics and Political Science.
Why are you running for this role, and why should voters pick you over your competitors? Please tell us about any previous experience in elected office that you have. I’m running to continue representing Charlotte in the North Carolina Senate and focusing on issues including education, economic opportunity, affordability, and access to mental health care. I currently serve as the State Senator for District 41 and am completing my first term in elected office.
Tell us about 1-2 professional accomplishments that give voters a sense of your leadership style or skills. I previously chaired the Black Political Caucus of Charlotte-Mecklenburg and served as the mayor-appointed Chair of Charlotte’s Equitable Development Commission. Both roles required bringing together people with different perspectives, building consensus, and turning community priorities into action.
How should elected officials regulate and use AI? AI has enormous potential, but government should establish clear guardrails around privacy, discrimination, transparency, deepfakes, and decisions that materially affect people’s lives. Government should also use AI responsibly to improve efficiency and constituent services, while maintaining human oversight and accountability.
What endorsements from notable NC organizations or individuals have you received? For the 2026 election, I’ve been endorsed by the North Carolina League of Conservation Voters Conservation PAC and Planned Parenthood Votes! South Atlantic, among others.
How long have you lived in the region you are looking to represent in office? Charlotte has been home since I was a young child. I grew up here, attended Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, went to UNC Charlotte, and have spent most of my life in this community.
Please tell us something unexpected about you that voters may be interested in knowing. I spent the first years of my life in Eritrea before coming to the United States and growing up in Charlotte. That experience has always shaped how I think about opportunity, community, and public service.