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Three Republicans are vying for the chance to knock Democratic Rep. Ricky Hurtado from is North Carolina House of Representatives District 63 seat, including the former representative he unseated two years ago.
District 63 is basically northeast Alamance County and includes much of its urban core. The district has gone back and forth between the two major parties in the past couple of decades, and the general election contests are usually pretty competitive. A Republican held it for most of the last decade until 2020 when Hurtado upset then-incumbent Stephen Ross.
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The Times-News asked the three Republican candidates the same three questions and for some biographical information. We let them know we would not edict for spelling or grammar, though we would edit out libelous and obviously false statements, and would cut them off at about 50 words.
We are presenting their responses in the order we received them. Unfortunately, we were not able to reach Stephen Ross through his campaign email, phone or social media.
The candidates
Ed Priola, Republican primary candidate for N.C. House 63 seat.
Times-News
Ed Priola campaign
Ed Priola
67
Educator
Born Topeka, Ka.
Fourth year living in Mebane
“I’ve been a Reagan Conservative since I worked on his presidential campaign for two years. I’ve long admired his civility and tenacity in defending American values.”
Peter Boykin, Republican candidate for N.C. House District 63 seat.
"Founder and President of One of The Largest International/Domestic Civil Rights Right Wing Diversity Support Group"
Stephen Ross
70
Financial advisor
Married to Tammy Ross; four daughters; six grandchildren; Eagle Scout and still active in scouting; member of St. Marks Reformed Church
Former Burlington City Council member and mayor, former N.C. House District 63 representative
Question one: What would be your top three goals as District 63 representative?
Ed Priola
Term limits on every elected official, including state legislators.
A Parental Rights Bill to require transparency in what our children learn.
Legislation to guarantee the 2nd Amendment.
Peter Boykin
School Choice, Support Infrastructure To Meet Growing Community Needs, Protecting our Children from CRT and Other inappropriate teachings
Question two: As bedroom communities in Alamance County are rapidly growing, how do you plan to keep affordable safe, and livable housing during the national housing crisis?
Ed Priola
There are no simple solutions. Increased citizen involvement in planning will introduce fresh solutions. Proposals to silence citizen input during recent planning board meetings move in the wrong direction.
Peter Boykin
We need to support proper growth and building of more multi unit housing, as well as keep interest rates how for potential homeowners, as well as keep taxes low.
Question three: Alamance is one of the largest North Carolina counties without a public defender’s office, would you support adding one to the state budget if elected?
Ed Priola
My highest legislative priority will be to increase resources that protect people from skyrocketing crime. Subsequently, I will study reasonable expenditures of taxpayer money to provide criminal defendants due process.
Peter Boykin
This makes sense, we should make sure that these defenders actually help all people.
