Source: Editorial Board
Democrat Lisa Grafstein is a lawyer and politician currently serving as a member of the North Carolina Senate, representing the 13th district since 2023. A resident of Wake County since 1990, she has built a career as a civil rights attorney with a focus on employment law. Grafstein previously served as litigation counsel for Disability Rights North Carolina, a non-profit dedicated to advocating for individuals with disabilities.
Since 1995, Grafstein has been active in civil rights law. She ran her own law firm for 16 years before joining Disability Rights North Carolina. There, she has fought for the rights of people with disabilities to live and work without discrimination. Her legal work has involved representing individuals facing employment discrimination, voting rights violations, denial of access to public spaces, and other constitutional rights violations.
In her legislative career, Grafstein has made significant contributions. Notably, she introduced Senate Bill 225, which would allow North Carolina municipalities to regulate rent; the Republican-controlled Senate Rules Committee decided not to hear the bill, so it did not move forward. In June 2023, she voiced skepticism about a proposal requiring photo IDs for all voters, including those voting by mail. The following month, she opposed a Republican-led ban on gender-affirming care.
Grafstein considers it a privilege to represent Senate District 13, driven by her belief in the power of public service to create change. Throughout her legal career, she has championed the rights of people with disabilities, workers facing injustice, and those whose civil rights have been violated.
Grafstein says on her website that North Carolina is a state with immense potential, but it also faces numerous challenges, many stemming from years of flawed policies and a lack of investment in its people. Health care and public education have been undermined by underfunding, while social divisions have deepened due to political manipulation and a failure to recognize the inherent dignity of every individual. Political polarization has worsened, fueled by gerrymandering and a disconnect between elected officials and their constituents.
Grafstein believes in a different path—one where communities are valued, children are invested in, and divisive policies are dismantled. While the work is difficult, she is committed to moving North Carolina forward and will continue her efforts in the Senate to help create a better future for the state.
She has also said that one of her main priorities is reversing bad policies put in place by the Republican majority that deal with reproductive rights, public education, and cost of living. Grafstein specifically noted the abortion ban that has jeopardized women’s safety and personal choice in North Carolina. She has also said that one of her main priorities will be protecting IVF and birth control, which extremists have put at risk.
Early voting is underway now and ends at 3 p.m. on Nov. 2. The deadline to register online to vote has passed, however, during the early voting period, you can register in person when you go to vote. ID is now required for voting in North Carolina, and you can view a list of approved IDs here.
