Name: James Roberson
Age: 63
Party affiliation: Democrat
Campaign website: www.robersonforhouse
Occupation & employer: NC Legislator – Representative HD 39
Years lived in the area: 32
1. What in your background qualifies you to represent the people of your North Carolina district effectively? What would you cite as your three biggest career accomplishments?
My background combines more than 30 years in higher education with extensive
experience in local and state government. I served two terms on the Knightdale Town Council as Councilor and two terms as Mayor and am currently serving my third term in the North Carolina House of Representatives. My experience in education, economic development, public safety and community engagement has given me a firsthand understanding of the needs of our growing communities. My three major accomplishments are: Education and Workforce Development: During my 31-year career at Wake Tech Community College, I expanded student support services, educational access and workforce opportunities. My contributions were recognized with North Carolina’s prestigious Order of the Long Leaf Pine award. Community Development and Local Leadership: As a Knightdale Mayor and Town Councilor, I supported economic growth, public safety and infrastructure improvements. I also established the Knightdale Arts and Education Festival which provides educational opportunities and scholarships and led efforts to redevelop Harper Park. State Legislative Service: As a member of the North Carolina General Assembly, I have served on committees addressing appropriations, higher education, transportation, insurance and local government. I have advocated for education, workforce development, infrastructure and the needs of working families. These experiences have given me an understanding of how local and state governments can work together to address the needs of District 39.
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?
For the next North Carolina General Assembly, I believe three issues deserve particular attention: public education, affordable housing and economic opportunity, and access to quality healthcare. These issues are closely connected and have a direct impact on families throughout House District 39 and across our state. North Carolina should build on its recent teacher pay increases by continuing to address educator recruitment and retention classroom resources and school construction needs. The state can also strengthen partnerships between public schools, community colleges, universities and employers to prepare students for available careers. Rapid population growth has increased demand for housing and infrastructure. Legislative options include expanding affordable housing programs, supporting local infrastructure investments, strengthening small businesses and connecting residents with workforce training. Housing policies should consider the needs of seniors, working families, and first-time homebuyers. The next General Assembly will face decisions about sustaining Medicaid funding, addressing healthcare and workforce shortages and improving access to mental health services. Potential steps include strengthening rural and community healthcare facilities, expanding training for healthcare professionals and improving access to preventive care.
3. Federal cuts to Medicaid are expected to cost the state $50 billion over the next decade, according to the N.C. Department of Health and Human Services. How would you address Medicaid funding to maintain coverage for the millions of North Carolinians enrolled?
North Carolina faces two related challenges: replacing lost federal funding and ensuring that eligible residents do not lose coverage because of new administrative requirements. NCDHHS estimates nearly $50 billion in federal Medicaid funding losses over ten years. More than 3 million North Carolinians currently rely on Medicaid. Maintaining Medicaid coverage for North Carolinians will require a comprehensive, bipartisan approach and a commitment to responsible budgeting. I would focus on three priorities. First, establish a sustainable funding plan that includes adequate recurring state appropriations, maximizes available federal matching funds and protects Medicaid expansion. Second, strengthen our healthcare infrastructure, particularly rural hospitals and community health centers, while investing in preventive care and improving efficiency without compromising essential services. Third, ensure that eligible North Carolinians do not lose coverage because of unnecessary administrative barriers. This includes providing county social services departments with the resources and technology needed to implement new federal requirements. Medicaid supports children, seniors, people with disabilities and working families. Protecting access to healthcare while maintaining fiscal accountability must remain central to the General Assembly’s budget discussions. One important distinction: the $50 billion is a projected cumulative loss over ten years, not an immediate state budget shortfall. North Carolina also enacted legislation in April 2026 addressing Medicaid funding and protecting expansion so the next General Assembly’s decision will concern long-term sustainability as well as the new federal requirements.
4. The General Assembly has voted to put a constitutional amendment on ballots that, if passed, would put a cap on property tax increases. Do you support the amendment? Why or why not?
Rising property taxes are placing a significant financial burden on homeowners, particularly seniors on fixed incomes and working families. I believe meaningful property tax relief deserves serious consideration. At the same time, local governments need adequate resources to fund public schools, police and fire protection, emergency services and infrastructure. Any statewide restrictions should account for differences among communities, particularly rapidly growing areas like eastern Wake County. I support examining targeted property tax relief for seniors, lower-income homeowners and people with disabilities, along with greater transparency and accountability in local government spending. Any proposed constitutional change should clearly explain its financial impact and how essential services will be protected.
5. How would you address the rising costs of housing, childcare, and basic necessities facing North Carolina families?
“The rising cost of living is putting a tremendous strain on North Carolina families. Too many hardworking people are struggling to afford housing, childcare, groceries, and other basic necessities. I believe that if you work hard, you should be able to provide for your family without constantly worrying about how to make ends meet. I would support expanding affordable housing opportunities, encourage responsible development, and providing property tax relief for seniors and families on fixed incomes. We must also address the high cost of childcare providers, expanding access to affordable childcare, and help working parents remain in the workforce. I would also support workforce development, better paying jobs, and opportunities for small businesses to grow. We need to make sure that economic growth benefits the people who live and work in our communities. As a legislator, I would listen to families in my district and work across party lines to find practical solutions. Our goal should be to make North Carolina a place where families can afford to live, work, raise their children, and retire with dignity.”
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?
Hurricane Helene and Tropical Storm Chantal demonstrated the devasting consequences of extreme weather across North Carolina. We must move beyond responding to disasters and make long-term investments in protecting our communities. I believe our state should focus on three priorities: First, strengthen disaster preparedness and infrastructure. Invest in flood mitigation, improve drainage systems, resilient roads and bridges, update floodplain mapping and invest in stronger emergency warning systems. State and local governments must work together to identify vulnerable communities before disasters strike. Second, protect affordable housing and vulnerable residents. Expand assistance to elevate, retrofit or relocate homes in flood-prone areas, particularly for seniors, low-income families and people with disabilities. We must also ensure that disaster recovery programs do not permanently displace families from their communities. Third, establish reliable disaster recovery funding. Strengthen the state’s disaster relief reserves, pursue available federal assistance and provide local governments with resources to respond quickly. Recovery programs should be transparent, accountable and accessible to residents who need assistance. Our goal should be to build communities that can withstand future disasters while ensuring that no North Carolinian is left behind during 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?
I believe North Carolinians deserve a redistricting process that is fair, transparent and focused on representing communities rather than protecting political interests. The fact that North Carolina has repeatedly changed congressional maps in recent years creates uncertainty for voters and can undermine public confidence in the process. I support an independent redistricting process for both congressional and state legislative districts. An independent commission should operate under clearly defined standards, including equal population, compliance with the Voting Rights Act, geographics compactness, respect for communities of interest and transparency throughout the process. Its meetings, proposed maps and supporting data should be available to the public, with meaningful opportunities for public input. Ultimately, voters should choose their representatives – not representatives choose their voters. An independent process would help provide greater stability, transparency and public confidence in North Carolina’s elections.
8. North Carolina ranks near the bottom nationally in teacher pay. How would you address teacher compensation, and what will you do to ensure a budget passes that adequately funds education?
“North Carolina cannot have a world-class economy without a world-class public education system, and that starts with valuing our teachers. Our teachers should not have to leave North Carolina or take on second jobs to earn a living wage. As a legislator, I will advocate for competitive, predictable increases in teacher compensation, with particular attention to beginning teachers and experienced educators who have dedicated years to the profession. We also need to address compensation for teacher assistants, bus drivers, school support staff, and other employees who keep our schools operating every day. We must adequately fund classrooms, instructional materials, special education, school counselors, and the resources teachers need to help students succeed. When the state budget is negotiated, I will make public education a priority and work across the aisle to build the coalition necessary to pass a responsible budget that invests in our schools. I will listen to educators, parents, and local school leaders and use their experiences to inform those decisions. Our children are our greatest investment. Funding education is not simply an expense – it is an investment in North Carolina’s workforce, economy, and future.”
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, believe access should be expanded, or would you support further restrictions?
Life threatening medical complications can occur after 12 weeks of pregnancy. I do not support North Carolina’s 12-week abortion ban, and I would not support further restrictions on reproductive healthcare. I believe women should have the freedom to make personal healthcare decisions in consultation with their doctors, without unnecessary government interference. As a legislator, I would support protecting access to reproductive healthcare and making sure women have access to the medical care, information, and resources they need. I believe government should trust women and their healthcare providers to make these personal decisions.
10. Federal legislation will ban most hemp-derived THC products, like Delta-8, by December 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 would you address the upcoming federal ban, if at all?
North Carolina’s hemp industry is an important part of our agricultural economy, and I do not
believe we should simply stand by while a federal change puts farmers, small businesses, and workers at risk. I support responsible regulation of hemp-derived THC products, particularly when it comes to testing, labeling, age restrictions, product safety, and keeping intoxicating products out of the hands of children. But regulation should be based on sound science and should not unnecessarily destroy a legitimate agricultural industry. As a legislator, I would work with our farmers, hemp businesses, public health officials, and other stakeholders to make sure North Carolina has a clear and enforceable regulatory framework. I would also support efforts to give North Carolina businesses a voice in the federal discussion and to protect them from unnecessary economic harm as the federal law changes. I believe we can protect consumers and public safety while also protecting North Carolina farmers, small businesses, and jobs.
11. Iryna’s Law 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 these criminal justice reforms?
I believe we can be tough on crime while also being fair and responsible in how we administer justice. Public safety has to be a priority, and victims and their families deserve justice and support. I do not believe in the death penalty because the possibility of executing an innocent person, along with the unequal application of the death penalty, is too serious a concern to ignore. Regarding Iryna’s Law, I support measures that improve public safety and make sure people with serious mental health issues receive appropriate evaluations and treatment. I also believe defendants should be held accountable when they pose a genuine danger to the community. At the same time, I am concerned about eliminating judicial discretion in pretrial release and accelerating death-penalty appeals without addressing the underlying issues in our criminal justice system. We need adequate funding for mental health service, courts, prosecutors, public defenders, and law enforcement so that our system can be both effective and fair. My approach will be to protect our communities, support victims, and make sure that justice is applied fairly and responsibly.
12. Tech companies are investing heavily in North Carolina data centers, bringing tax revenue but also consuming significant electricity and water resources. How should the state balance data center investment with environmental protection and community concerns?
I welcome investment and the job and economic opportunities that data centers can bring to North Carolina, but that investment cannot come at the expense of our communities, our environment, or higher utility bills for families. I believe data centers should pay their fair share of the electricity, water, and infrastructure they require rather than shifting those costs onto residential customers and small businesses. We also need strong standards for water usage, energy efficiency, noise, and environmental impacts, along with transparency about how much energy and water these facilities are actually using. As a legislator, I would support requiring data centers to use water efficient or closed loop cooling systems whenever possible and ensuring that communities have a meaningful opportunity to be heard before large projects are approved. I also want to see clear reporting so that we have the facts necessary to make responsible decisions. North Carolina should continue to compete for good jobs and new investment, but economic development and environmental responsibility should go hand in hand. We can welcome innovation while protecting the quality of life of the people who call North Carolina home.
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.
One example is my perspective on public charter schools. I had a different perception of charter schools before I took the time to meet with parents and other key stakeholders at a charter school in my district. Listening to these families and learning more about the students the school serves, changed my perspective. I learned that approximately 65% of the students qualify for free or reduced-priced meals, and many come from underserved communities. The school provides transportation, which helps remove an important barrier for families. I was also impressed by the additional support available to the students regarding healthcare screenings. Retired doctors, optometrists, dentists and other healthcare professionals volunteer their time to provide free screenings and health services. Most importantly, the students are performing well academically. The experience reminded me that we have to be willing to look beyond our assumptions and listen to the people directly affected. This school is in my district and meeting these parents and seeing what the school provides for their children gave me a much better understanding of its impact on or community. As a legislator, I will bring that same approach to the General Assembly. I will listen to parents, educators, students, and other stakeholders, consider the facts, and remain open to changing my perspective when the experiences of the people I represent challenge my original assumptions.
14. Are there any issues this questionnaire has not addressed that you would like to address?
One issue I would like to address is the need to strengthen our communities by making sure people have access to opportunity, regardless of their zip code. Throughout my career and community involvement, I have seen how education, economic opportunity, healthcare, transportation, and public safety all are connected. When families have access to good schools, safe communities, quality healthcare, and pathways to good paying jobs the entire community benefits. I want to always be a Representative who listens to the people in my district and works hard to bring resources and opportunities to North Carolinians. I want to continue to bring a spirit of collaboration to the General Assembly and focus on improving the quality of life for the people we represent
