WS Chronicle

For many of us, it’s our favorite time of the year. The flowers are budding from a long winter, our favorite sports teams are gearing up for an exciting season, and the midterm election cycle is just around the corner. This is the time that we exercise our constitutional right to vote for who we believe will represent our best interest in government on the local, state and federal levels. Beginning with early voting on April 19, voters in Winston-Salem and Forsyth County will be strolling to the polls for a May 8 primary to select representatives for United States Congress, North Carolina General Assembly, Forsyth County Sheriff, Winston-Salem/Forsyth County School Board, and Forsyth County Commissioner. These are all important races that will help to shape policy for the next few years in our community.

First up on our ballot is the 5th Congressional District.

The 5th district is comprised of residents in Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Catawba, Stokes, Surry, Watauga, Wilkes, Yadkinville, and Forsyth counties. With the election of President Donald Trump in 2016, the 5th District congressional race may have become one of the most important mid-term elections in the country. Longtime conservative incumbent Virginia Foxx, who has represented the district since 2005, currently holds the seat. Despite her long record of service, Foxx will face primary opposition from Dillon Gentry and Cortland Meader. 5th district Republican voters can expect for Virginia Foxx to handily defeat all primary challengers and move forward to the general election in November.

The Democratic Primary for the 5th Congressional District is one that is shaping up to be a heated contest between Denise Adams (also known as DD Adams) and Jenny Marshall. Jenny Marshall is a former school teacher at John F. Kennedy High School here in Winston-Salem and is making her first run for political office. Marshall has been out engaging residents in the district and has offered voters an option for a fresh new voice. When it comes to legislative priorities such as gun safety, health care, education, poverty and the economy, both candidates seem to have similar stances on the issues.

Denise Adams is a Winston-Salem native and longtime community activist that has spent approximately 40 years in local manufacturing. Adams is serving her third term as a Winston-Salem City Council member representing the North Ward, and over the last few decades, has been socially and politically active in Forsyth County. Adams has experience lobbying both the North Carolina General Assembly and United States Congress for local legislative priorities. She also has developed a proven track record of creating jobs and providing tangible economic development for the residents of Forsyth County.

When candidates fundamentally seem to generally agree on the issues, it’s grit and hands-on experience that usually wins the day for voters. The last few years in America have reminded us of the folly of electing inexperienced candidates to serve our best interests in Washington, D.C.

The Chronicle endorses Denise “DD” Adams for Congress in the 5th Congressional District.