N.C. House District 50: Renée Price

Name: Renee Ann Price

Age: n/a

Party affiliation: Democrat

Campaign website: www.reneepricefornc.com

Occupation and employer: Legislator, NCGA

1. What in your background qualifies you to represent the people of your North Carolina district effectively? What would you cite as your biggest career accomplishment? 

My background includes ten years of public service to the people of Orange County as a county commissioner, during which time, I served as Chair for two years. I currently am in my second term as the Representative for House District 50. Throughout my tenure as an elected official, as part of my responsibilities, I have been a member of numerous regional, state and national boards and committees. In addition, I try to “show up” or accept invitations to attend community events showcasing the achievements of local people. 

Years of engaging experiences have provided me with a wealth of knowledge and understanding about the people whom I represent, their values, and the issues that concern them/us. I also have had opportunities to collaborate with a broad spectrum of stakeholders on infrastructure projects, workforce development programs, housing policies, arts initiatives and more. Earlier in my career, I worked with social justice nonprofits and served on various civic/community commissions and boards. My background is diverse and multi-faceted, and therefore is part of the foundation that allows me to represent the people of House District 50.

Citing one specific accomplishment in a long career is difficult, or perhaps impossible. Winning my first election in 2012 indeed was a milestone, as that afforded me the chances to do more for my community–i.e., saving an historic school building as a community center, closing a landfill adjacent to a marginalized community, providing funds for local artists, and reserving funds for people to maintain their homesteads. Becoming a state representative is another milestone, and I was able to introduce a bill regarding the Tuskegee Airmen that passed unanimously in the House.

2. What do you believe to be the three most pressing issues facing the next General Assembly? What steps do you believe the state should take to address them?

State Budget. The majority leadership failed to pass a budget in 2025, and that inaction is having rippling effects. The state should discontinue the tax cuts, make corporations pay their fair share, and institute a progressive tax system.

School Funding. The state needs to invest in the traditional public school system, and comply with the rulings of the Leandro decision. Public monies should be used for public education, rather than for private and religious schools.

Healthcare. Access to healthcare should be considered a basic human right, particularly in a wealthy developed country. The state should seek to decrease healthcare costs and premiums, provide services for mental/behavioral health, and assure the availability of reproductive health for all.

3. North Carolina expanded Medicaid two years ago. However, federal budget cuts now threaten the program due to a state “trigger law” that ends expansion if federal support drops below 90%. How would you address Medicaid funding to maintain coverage for the millions of North Carolinians enrolled?

The NCGA needs to pass a clean bill that funds the Medicaid program for North Carolinians. Additional policies or projects should be dealt with in a comprehensive budget package.

4. The General Assembly has recently passed legislation limiting local control over zoning and development standards to address housing shortages. Do you support the legislature’s approach of limiting local zoning authority to increase housing supply, or should municipalities retain greater autonomy over land use decisions?

While zoning and development standards need to be amended to address the housing shortage, the state legislators should stay in their lane and allow municipalities and counties to plan and manage local land use decisions.

5. How would you address the rising costs of housing, child care, and basic necessities facing North Carolina families?

One measure to address the rising costs of living is to increase the minimum wage, and to urge employers to provide livable wages or salaries with benefits. Another measure is to encourage governments to form public-private partnerships to provide workforce or affordable housing for their employees. Thirdly, I would seek to attract businesses to locate or expand in North Carolina that provide childcare for their employees. I also would institute a progressive tax system so that families have more financial resources to afford their basic necessities.

6. Climate disasters are intensifying: Hurricane Helene devastated Western North Carolina in 2024, Tropical Storm Chantal flooded the Triangle in 2025, and coastal erosion threatens the Outer Banks. With much affordable housing located in flood-prone areas and FEMA resources stretched thin, what is your plan for climate resilience and disaster relief?

First, let me say that climate change is real, and I believe that state and local entities should plan for climate resilience and disaster relief. Prevention and preparation are key, and building or rebuilding should occur with a view to resiliency. As time changes, the landscape and topography changes, and we need to monitor these alterations and adjust disaster mitigation strategies on an on-going basis. Now realizing that floods and storms are becoming more and more prevalent, state budgets should maintain an appropriation for recovery.

7. The General Assembly recently passed a new congressional redistricting map. This marks the state’s seventh congressional map since 2016. How do you view the most recent redistricting? And do you support independent redistricting processes, or do you believe the legislature should retain this power? 

The most recent redistricting is a disgrace to democracy. I do support an independent redistricting process.

8. The General Assembly failed to pass a 2025–27 budget, leaving teachers without raises. North Carolina ranks 43rd nationally in teacher pay. How would you address teacher compensation, and what will you do to ensure a budget passes that adequately funds education?

I am ready to return to Raleigh, as I did on November 17, to pass a budget that includes raises and cost of living increases for state employees, retirees, as well as teachers and support staff.

9. North Carolina currently has a 12-week abortion ban with certain exceptions. Some legislators have proposed further restrictions. Do you support the current law, do you believe access should be expanded, or would you support further restrictions?

I oppose the current law. The decision to proceed with an abortion should be made by the individual in consultation with their medical professional(s), family members and spiritual guide(s). A woman has a right to her own body. 

10. Federal legislation will ban most hemp-derived THC products, like delta-8, by November 2026, threatening North Carolina’s hemp industry. Meanwhile, recreational marijuana remains illegal and medical marijuana bills have stalled. What is your position on hemp regulation and how would you address the upcoming federal ban, if at all?

Hemp has many uses and certain beneficial properties, and therefore I would oppose the ban on hemoglobin derived products. That said, the advertising, promotion and sale of products such as delta-8 need to be regulated, particularly for the sake of young people whose brains are still developing. 

11. Gov. Josh Stein recently signed “Iryna’s Law,” which eliminates cashless bail, requires mental health evaluations for certain defendants, and attempts to restart the death penalty by requiring alternative execution methods if lethal injection is unavailable. The law also accelerates death penalty appeals. Where do you stand on the death penalty and changes made by the law?

I voted “NO” on that bill. My stand on the death penalty is that it should be abolished.

12. Tech companies are investing heavily in North Carolina data centers, bringing jobs and tax revenue but also consuming significant electricity and water resources. How should the state balance data center investment with environmental protection and community concerns?

North Carolina should look to states and nations that are making significant progress in balancing data center investment with environmental protection and community concerns. The health of sensitive ecosystems and the health and well-being of people should be factored into the decision-making process.

13. Give an example of an opinion, policy, vote, or action you changed based on constituent feedback. If you have not yet held elected office, describe a time when you changed your position on an issue after listening to those affected by it.

While I was aware of the study of and advocacy for psychedelics in the US and abroad, I was skeptical. After meetings with people with lived experience, researchers, health practitioners and medical professionals, I have learned of the broad range of therapeutic benefits for people experiencing PTSD, TBI and similar. Constituents have prompted me to be a proponent of further exploration into legislative ways and means to allow and expand the use of psychedelic therapy.

14. Are there any issues this questionnaire has not addressed that you would like to address? 

Immigration: We are a nation of immigrants, alongside indigenous peoples, and our laws should assure that people from other nations who come here to work, live and raise families are afforded their basic human rights. The current actions of ICE and CBP are deplorable. 

Criminal Justice Reform: Too many people are in prison due to racial profiling, poor legal representation, youthful offenses, gender profiling, poverty and mental health. I am in favor of a Second Look Act and further funding of the Innocence Project.

DEI: We are a state and part of a nation of multiple cultures, genders, ethnicities, classes, creeds, abilities, and more, and we should be able to tell the full and true history of our state and nation, and be able to make amends for the injustices perpetrated upon marginalized individuals and groups, so that all have a chance to live the American dream.