Source: Editorial Board
Before stepping into the spotlight to run for North Carolina State Senate, Lt. Col. James Mercer has spent his life serving the people of his community, his state and his country. Currently the Democratic candidate for North Carolina’s 11th Senate District, Mercer was born and raised in North Carolina and sees the state Senate as his next avenue to helping the people around him.
Mercer is a veteran, serving in the Army, Army Reserve and National Guard. After dedicating 35 years to the military, Mercer continued his public service by becoming a police officer, firefighter, fire marshall, EMT, and emergency manager. In 2021, North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper appointed Mercer to the state’s Military Affairs Commission, a role that aligned with Mercer’s extensive military background and dedication to serving the community.
Now, Mercer is the CEO of The Mercer Foundation, a non-profit founded in 2019 that serves veterans and at-risk children in Nash and Edgecombe counties. The Mercer Foundation connects veterans to food, health, and housing services as well as vocational programs. For the children it serves, the foundation provides food and educational services. Their main goal, according to their website, is to change lives.
Through his past employment and his current nonprofit, Mercer has extended a helping hand to those around him – including the most vulnerable and most in need. This experience has shaped his decision to run for state Senate.
He desires to see those around him prosper and grow and that is reflected in his political platform. By implementing a policy that will attract business owners, Mercer plans to help his district thrive economically. He will advocate for teachers and fund public schools so that teachers and the young people they look after can be taken care of.
Mercer has also addressed the importance of infrastructure and the need to improve and sustain environmentally beneficial infrastructure in particular. Through these methods he aims to create an environment where everyone can benefit, feel safe, and be proud of where they live. Mercer is on the ballot in November for North Carolina’s 11th Senate District and will be up against Republican incumbent Lisa Stone Barnes.
Early voting begins on Oct. 17 and ends at 3 p.m. on Nov. 2; the deadline to register online to vote is Oct. 11, however, during the early voting period, you can register in person when you go to vote. ID is now required to vote in North Carolina, and you can view a list of approved IDs here.
