Candidate Info Viewer (v4) - Wake County Democratic Party

Christine Kushner

Wake County Board of Commissioners At-Large

Candidate Statement:

I have extensive experience working on countywide Boards, including more than a decade on the Wake County Board of Education, including two terms as Chair, and service on the Wake County Health and Human Services Board for the past four years. This experience includes overseeing $2+ billion public budgets and priorities and making complicated decisions that use tax dollars effectively. My goals have been to support constituents and expand opportunities for education, health care, and needed local services. I have a broad understanding of the complexity of balancing competing priorities and working toward equitable decisions. My work in politics has given me valuable perspective collaborating with local, state, and community leaders.

Direct Quote:

Like many, I have been appalled by the recent actions of both our General Assembly and the federal government. County government is where we have the leverage to get things done, and I know my experience successfully fighting for our values on the County level can make a difference now and in the years ahead. That's why I am running for Commissioner in 2026.

Issues:

Public Education

These are critical times for public schools. We need Commissioners who are committed to improving the Wake County Public School System, which can only be done with supported, well-paid staff and educators. I have supported better funding for our public schools for more than 25 years, and I will continue to be a fierce advocate for public education. The State's underfunding of K-12 public education and its wasteful spending on private school vouchers are at fault for increased pressures on the County budget. Our students deserve better.

Public EducationThese are critical times for public schools. We need Commissioners who are committed to improving the Wake County Public School System, which can only be done with supported, well-paid staff and educators. I have supported better funding for our public schools for more than 25 years, and I will continue to be a fierce advocate for public education. The State's underfunding of K-12 public education and its wasteful spending on private school vouchers are at fault for increased pressures on the County budget. Our students deserve better.

Health and Human Services

Local county services are the foundation of how we take care of each other as neighbors. Public health saves lives and benefits everyone; its programs remain critically needed investments for our county. My specific priorities include: addressing the foster care system and improving services for vulnerable children; expanding maternal and child health programs; embedding more county nurses and social workers in our public school buildings; extending the life of the solid waste landfill; and expanding substance use treatment services in our county.

Health and Human ServicesLocal county services are the foundation of how we take care of each other as neighbors. Public health saves lives and benefits everyone; its programs remain critically needed investments for our county. My specific priorities include: addressing the foster care system and improving services for vulnerable children; expanding maternal and child health programs; embedding more county nurses and social workers in our public school buildings; extending the life of the solid waste landfill; and expanding substance use treatment services in our county.

Economic Mobility

Economic success depends on stable housing and transit. Housing stability leads to education and workforce stability, and housing stability also supports public safety. County-based strategies can include preserving existing housing, as well as long term strategies of adding more affordable developments. County staff should work collaboratively with municipal leaders to address the housing infrastructure needed for our diverse population on a countywide basis. Linking expanded transit options, including Bus Rapid Transit, to housing options remains critical for expanding economic opportunity.

Economic MobilityEconomic success depends on stable housing and transit. Housing stability leads to education and workforce stability, and housing stability also supports public safety. County-based strategies can include preserving existing housing, as well as long term strategies of adding more affordable developments. County staff should work collaboratively with municipal leaders to address the housing infrastructure needed for our diverse population on a countywide basis. Linking expanded transit options, including Bus Rapid Transit, to housing options remains critical for expanding economic opportunity.

Public Education

These are critical times for public schools. We need Commissioners who are committed to improving the Wake County Public School System, which can only be done with supported, well-paid staff and educators. I have supported better funding for our public schools for more than 25 years, and I will continue to be a fierce advocate for public education. The State's underfunding of K-12 public education and its wasteful spending on private school vouchers are at fault for increased pressures on the County budget. Our students deserve better.

Public EducationThese are critical times for public schools. We need Commissioners who are committed to improving the Wake County Public School System, which can only be done with supported, well-paid staff and educators. I have supported better funding for our public schools for more than 25 years, and I will continue to be a fierce advocate for public education. The State's underfunding of K-12 public education and its wasteful spending on private school vouchers are at fault for increased pressures on the County budget. Our students deserve better.

Health and Human Services

Local county services are the foundation of how we take care of each other as neighbors. Public health saves lives and benefits everyone; its programs remain critically needed investments for our county. My specific priorities include: addressing the foster care system and improving services for vulnerable children; expanding maternal and child health programs; embedding more county nurses and social workers in our public school buildings; extending the life of the solid waste landfill; and expanding substance use treatment services in our county.

Health and Human ServicesLocal county services are the foundation of how we take care of each other as neighbors. Public health saves lives and benefits everyone; its programs remain critically needed investments for our county. My specific priorities include: addressing the foster care system and improving services for vulnerable children; expanding maternal and child health programs; embedding more county nurses and social workers in our public school buildings; extending the life of the solid waste landfill; and expanding substance use treatment services in our county.

Economic Mobility

Economic success depends on stable housing and transit. Housing stability leads to education and workforce stability, and housing stability also supports public safety. County-based strategies can include preserving existing housing, as well as long term strategies of adding more affordable developments. County staff should work collaboratively with municipal leaders to address the housing infrastructure needed for our diverse population on a countywide basis. Linking expanded transit options, including Bus Rapid Transit, to housing options remains critical for expanding economic opportunity.

Economic MobilityEconomic success depends on stable housing and transit. Housing stability leads to education and workforce stability, and housing stability also supports public safety. County-based strategies can include preserving existing housing, as well as long term strategies of adding more affordable developments. County staff should work collaboratively with municipal leaders to address the housing infrastructure needed for our diverse population on a countywide basis. Linking expanded transit options, including Bus Rapid Transit, to housing options remains critical for expanding economic opportunity.

External Candidate Links:

Christine Kushner's Website