Steve Rao, candidate for Wake County commissioner
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Seven candidates are seeking the Democratic nomination for two at-large seats that will expand the seven-person Wake County Board of Commissioners to nine. The winners of the March 3 primary will face Republicans Gary Dale Hartong and Kyle Stogoski in the Nov. 3 general election.
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The News & Observer is publishing questionnaires for candidates on the Wake County Board of Commissioners primary ballot to help voters learn where they stand on important policy issues.
Seven candidates are seeking the Democratic nomination for two at-large seats that will expand the seven-person board to nine. The winners of the March 3 primary will face Republicans Gary Dale Hartong and Kyle Stogoski in the Nov. 3 general election.
The Democratic primary is open to registered Democrats and the more than 380,000 unaffiliated Wake County voters. Early voting runs through Feb. 28 at a dozen locations.
Here are responses from Steve Rao.
- Name: Steve Rao
- Age: 55
- Occupation and employer: Government Relations, State Federal Strategies
- Education: B.A. Emory University; J.D. West Virginia University College
- Endorsements (limited to three): Sig Hutchison, former Chair of the Wake County Commission; John Wilson, Former Executive Director of National Education Association; North Carolina Asian Americans Together
- Previous political or civic experience (limited to three): Morrisville Town Council Member, Former Mayor Pro Tem Dec. 2011- Dec. 2026; Delegate to Central Pine Regional Council 2011- 2015, 2017- 2026; Hunt Institute Fellow 2024 Class
- Campaign website: www.steveraoforwake.com
- What is your favorite locally owned restaurant in Wake County? Taste Vietnamese in Morrisville
- What is a piece of media (podcast, TV series, video game, book) that you recently finished and enjoyed? Lessons for Leadership in a Start Up World, Connecting the Dots by John Chambers
How do you identify politically?
Pragmatic, pro-growth Democrat focused on results, fiscal responsibility and inclusive economic opportunity. My brand and work ethic is based on the three letters in my last name, Results, Action and Opportunity.
What perspective or life experience would you bring that’s missing from the Wake County Board of Commissioners now?
As the son of immigrants and the first Indian American elected official in Wake County, I have spent my career building bridges across communities. I led Morrisville to become an All-America City while investing in parks, infrastructure, small businesses and economic development. I bring executive-level local government experience, a deep understanding of economic growth and technology innovation and the ability to connect urban, suburban and rural parts of Wake County.
What issue personally motivated you to run for office, and what would you do about it if elected?
Smart growth and affordability. Wake County is one of the fastest-growing counties in America, and if we don’t manage growth responsibly, families will be priced out and infrastructure will fall behind. As a Morrisville Council Member, I supported mixed-use development, transit investment and workforce housing. As Commissioner, I will focus on expanding attainable housing, coordinating transportation planning, investing in parks and schools and ensuring growth strengthens—not strains—our communities. I have over 14 years of elected official experience, and will bring my record of Results, Action and Opportunity to the Wake County Board of Commissioners.
Are there specific programs or services Wake County should add? If yes, please provide examples.
Yes. We should expand workforce housing partnerships, accelerate transit implementation and invest more in workforce training tied to biotech, AI, advanced manufacturing and skilled trades. I also support expanding behavioral health services and preventative public health programs. Wake County should continue leading on economic development while ensuring rural communities and small towns fully benefit from growth.
Are there specific programs or services that should be cut? If yes, please provide examples.
I do not believe in arbitrary cuts. We should conduct performance audits to ensure programs are efficient and outcomes-driven. If a program is duplicative, underperforming or not meeting measurable goals, it should be restructured or phased out. Fiscal responsibility means making sure taxpayer dollars produce real results.
Is there something Wake County should be doing to support K-12 students and teachers that it’s not doing now?
Wake County must continue to strengthen partnerships with Wake Tech, local employers and municipalities to expand career pathways in technology, life sciences and skilled trades. We should also continue supporting school capital needs so overcrowding doesn’t undermine learning and our children can learn in state-of-the-art facilities. Aligning workforce development with K-12 education will better prepare students for high-demand careers right here in Wake County, particularly at a time when jobs are being obsoleted faster than they can be replenished by AI.
What specific changes would you recommend to Wake County increase access to affordable housing?
We must expand public-private partnerships, incentivize mixed-income developments and strategically use county-owned land for workforce housing. Streamlining permitting, encouraging higher-density development near transit and job centers and preserving naturally occurring affordable housing are key. We also need regional coordination so housing supply keeps pace with job growth. As a Commissioner, I would propose increasing the funding for the Wake County Housing Fund and would make affordable housing a real priority moving forward.
What separates you from your opponents and makes you the best choice for Wake County voters?
Experience and execution. I’ve served in elected office, led at the state municipal level, and helped guide one of the fastest-growing towns in North Carolina. I have a proven record of delivering results — economic growth, parks investment, infrastructure expansion and community-building. I understand how to move policy from vision to implementation. Wake County needs experienced leadership ready to get to work on day one.
This story was originally published February 16, 2026 at 3:31 PM with the headline "Steve Rao, candidate for Wake County commissioner."
