Candidates Outline Priorities Across Connecticut, North Carolina Races

Democratic state legislative candidates across several 2026 races described priorities including affordability, education, disaster recovery and representing local communities. In Connecticut’s 107th House District, Brookfield resident Julie Kerton is running as a Democrat, drawing on experience in real estate, local assessment work and nonprofit food assistance. North Carolina’s 11th District Democratic candidate Jamie Ager said he would prioritize Hurricane Helene recovery and lowering costs, and criticized the current administration’s tariffs and military action for driving up prices. In the race for North Carolina Senate District 47, Democrat Frank Patton Hughes emphasized his classroom experience and ability to bring people together, while Republican incumbent Ralph Hise cited 16 years of service and a commitment to rebuilding after Helene. Connecticut state Sen. Christine Cohen, seeking reelection in the 12th District, highlighted her legislative work and said she would focus on costs, utility accountability and access to health care. In North Carolina Senate District 1, Democrat Melissa Zehner listed public education, lower living costs and coastal resilience among her priorities; Republican Jerry Tillett had not responded to the questionnaire by the article’s deadline.