Candidate in Western NC, part of group taking on GOP lawmakers, shares priorities
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Candidates include incumbent Balkcom and Wilson in GOP primary, and Democrat Lynne Russo.
- Wilson emphasizes higher teacher pay and increased public school funding.
- Wilson supports lowering the income tax; legalizing medical marijuana and bipartisanship.
To help voters learn which candidates are on their ballot and where they stand on important policy issues, The News & Observer is publishing candidate questionnaires in all state and federal races in North Carolina on the March 3, 2026, ballot.
Below are the candidates running for NC House District 117 who responded to our questionnaire in order by the date their responses were received. Some candidates did not provide a photo.
The district in Western North Carolina’s Henderson County has a Republican primary between Christopher Lamar Wilson and the incumbent, Rep. Jennifer Capps Balkcom.
Balkcom has served two terms in the House. Wilson is part of a group of candidates running in Republican districts with a focus on getting more public school funding.
Lynne Russo is running without opposition in the Democratic primary.
Balkcom did not respond to the questionnaire.
Christopher Lamar Wilson
Age as of March 3, 2026: 47
Political party: Republican
Campaign website: https://saylorcommunicatio.wixsite.com/nc-educators-ballot/meet-the-candidates/christopher-wilson-nc-house-117
Current occupation: Band director
Professional experience: 26 years in education
Education: Doctorate
Please list any notable government or civic involvement: Executive Director of the Bounty of Bethlehem
What is the most important issue in your district and what do you want to do about it? Teacher pay and retirement
The legislature sets teacher base pay. What do you think the salary range should be for teachers, from starting to 30+ experience? Beginning teacher starting pay $67,000 and veteran teachers with 30+ years $135,000
As of January, North Carolina was the last state not to have passed a new, comprehensive budget. What would you do to help make sure a budget passes? Reach across the aisle and have true bipartisan leadership back in this state.
North Carolina’s income tax rate for individual taxpayers is 3.99%. Should that be reduced further? Yes
Do you think the state is using taxpayer money efficiently? Why or why not? No, and this question requires a more nuanced response than a brief answer can provide. Historical audits have consistently revealed previously unaccounted funds, and multiple instances of budget surpluses have been identified. The issue is not a lack of financial resources, but rather inadequate fiscal management and stewardship of existing funds.
Do you support legalizing medical marijuana use? Why or why not? Yes, it will add money to the overall revenue of the state.
What do you see as the biggest barrier to health care access in your district, and what actions would you take to address it? General access to resources, particularly internet connectivity, remains limited in Western North Carolina.
This story was originally published February 15, 2026 at 1:04 PM with the headline "Candidate in Western NC, part of group taking on GOP lawmakers, shares priorities."
