Laura Budd

The Election Hub Questionnaire

Please provide demographic information about yourself to help voters (age, education, current occupation, where you live).

I am a 49 year old wife and mother of three. I attended Ohio University and Wake Forest School of Law. I have now practiced law for about 25 years, and live in Matthews, NC with my husband and our youngest son.

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.

As a mother and community leader, I recognize the need for strong schools, a thriving economy that works for everyone, and the right to safe neighborhoods and communities.

My work in the General Assembly has shown my willingness to fight to expand opportunities for every North Carolinian and to ensure my constituents have their voices heard. I pride myself on finding practical solutions to challenges plaguing our state.

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.

I am proud of the work I have done along with other Mecklenburg House delegates to hold State of the State Town Halls in rural counties. We offer legislative updates and spend time answering questions and addressing concerns from a diverse group of citizens and voters who deserve to be heard.

It has also been a tremendous honor to serve as the Joint Legislative Women's Caucus Democratic Chair. It is imperative to work across the aisle to make a difference in the lives of North Carolina's women and prove that people matter more than politics.

What endorsements from any notable NC organizations or people have you received?

Planned Parenthood, EMILY's List, Lillian's List, Now or Never NC, Equality North Carolina, Sierra Club North Carolina, North Carolina League of Conservation Voters, Charlotte Metrolina Labor Council

How long have you lived in the region/district where you are running for office?

24 years

Tell us something unexpected about yourself that voters may be interested to know.

Something voters might not expect is that after 25 years as a lawyer and now serving in the legislature, I’m still happiest doing the completely ordinary things like being with my family, laughing with friends, and getting out in the community. Politics is important, but it’s not who I am. It’s something I do because I care deeply about the people and place I call home.

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?

I believe North Carolina needs a common-sense approach to artificial intelligence: embrace the innovation and opportunities AI can provide while putting reasonable guardrails in place to protect people’s privacy, jobs, safety, and basic rights.

AI is already affecting how North Carolinians work, learn, access government, and interact with businesses. We should not wait until there is widespread harm before establishing reasonable standards. At the same time, we should avoid overregulating a technology that can improve government efficiency, education, healthcare, and our economy.

As elected officials, our first responsibility should be protecting people. AI systems used by government, schools, employers, insurers, or other institutions should be transparent, secure, and accountable. People should know when they are interacting with an AI system, understand when AI is being used to make or influence an important decision about them, and have a meaningful way to challenge a decision made by an algorithm.