Michael Dublin
Party:
Green
Incumbent:
No
Age:
69
Previous experience in elected office:
None; ran unsuccessfully for U.S. House in 2024
Occupation:
Retired public school teacher
Description:
Dublin's four pillars include government reform ("end gerrymandering"), environmental justice ("a Green New Deal for North Carolina"), social and racial equity, and peace. He wants to tax the wealthy and increase the minimum wage to $25/hour. He says that "ICE is a scam" and that the arrest of immigrants is activity that benefits private prisons. He says he is "the only candidate in the race who refuses all corporate donations." Dublin's Green Party was granted official status in North Carolina in 2025 with the support of Republicans on the state Board of Elections and over the objections of Democrats.
Other personal:
Dublin is from Raleigh and lives in Garner, N.C. He describes himself as a retired public school educator and a former leader in a prison ministry. He was a former DJ and rapper, which he says helps him "speak truth in rhythm." He was a U.S. Marine and has a bachelor's degree from N.C. State University.
The Election Hub Questionnaire
Please provide demographic information about yourself to help voters (age, education, current occupation, where you live).
I am 69 years old, a graduate of North Carolina State University, and I live in Garner. I am a retired public school teacher.
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 am running because working families in Mecklenburg County and across North Carolina are being priced out of housing, healthcare, and hope. I refuse all corporate PAC money. My opponents take it and then vote for endless wars and market-based solutions that leave people behind. Voters should pick me because I answer to the people, not corporations or foreign entities. I have not held elected office, however I am currently a co-chair of the Black Caucus of the NC Green Party.
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.
As a middle school language arts teacher, I learned to meet people where they are and explain complex ideas in plain language. As co-chair of the Black Caucus of the NCGP, I have helped lead on reparations, mutual aid, and mental health justice.
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?
Elected officials should regulate AI the way we regulate any industry that affects public safety: with binding rules, not voluntary promises. I support federal standards for government chatbots, bans on AI data centers, and restrictions for license-plate readers as well as hiring algorithms. I am not opposed to using AI bridge the gap in communication constituents and translate town halls into multiple languages, but never to make decisions about people's benefits or rights.
What endorsements from any notable NC organizations or people have you received?
I am endorsed by the North Carolina Green Party and the Black Caucus of the NCGP. I have also been endorsed by Dr. Jill Stein, former Green Party presidential candidate, and by fellow Green Party candidates Pete Karas (Wisconsin Secretary of State), Ngone Niang (Minnesota State Senate District 39), and Andres Jinete (U.S. House, New Jersey's 12th Congressional District). I am proud to have the support of many North Carolina residents who believe in people-powered politics.
How long have you lived in the region/district where you are running for office?
I was born and raised in North Carolina and have lived here my entire life.
Tell us something unexpected about yourself that voters may be interested to know.
I used to be a DJ and rapper. I learned how to hold a crowd and speak truth in rhythm. That still helps me in politics.