Source: Editorial Board
Democratic candidate for House District 24, Dante Pittman, is a proud lifelong resident of Wilson County with deep family roots in the area. After completing his education in Wilson County Public Schools, he attended UNC-Chapel Hill, where he says he learned the value of public service, crediting the support of dedicated educators for his success.
After college, Pittman returned to Wilson County to give back to his community. He has served on several local nonprofit and public service boards, including the Wilson County Department of Social Services, the Wilson County Community Foundation, and the Wilson Education Partnership. Additionally, Pittman serves as a Captain in the North Carolina National Guard.
Pittman’s campaign focuses on improving the lives of working families in eastern North Carolina. He is a strong advocate for affordable healthcare, quality public education, and expanding economic opportunities. He aims to secure better funding for public schools, increase teacher salaries, hire more school counselors and support staff, and expand Pre-K programs. He has served on the Wilson County Partnership for Children board where his commitment to early childhood education was demonstrated.
As the Chair of the Wilson County Department of Social Services, Pittman has witnessed the positive impact of Medicaid expansion but recognizes that many families still struggle with high healthcare costs. He has pledged to work on lowering prescription drug prices and improving access to telehealth services, making healthcare more affordable and accessible. He also emphasizes the importance of protecting individual freedoms, including the right to make private medical decisions without political interference. Pittman has earned the endorsement of Reproductive Freedom for All.
Pittman is also dedicated to boosting economic development in Wilson and Nash counties. He believes the state cannot solely rely on urban centers for economic growth and is committed to attracting industries that will bring high-quality jobs to the region. He wants to connect students with small business opportunities and ensure that local small businesses have the resources they need to thrive.
While serving on the Board of Directors for the Wilson Chamber of Commerce, Pittman closely monitored the health of the local business community, particularly the rates of business openings and closures. Although Wilson is growing and attracting major corporations, Pittman stresses the importance of not overlooking small businesses, which are vital to the community’s economy.
Early voting begins on Oct. 17 and ends at 3 p.m. on Nov. 2. 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.
