Elon University’s College Democrats hosted a panel with North Carolina House of Representative Democratic candidates LeVon Barnes and Robin Wintringham on Oct.17. The discussion was held to give students more information about both candidates and what issues they are running on.
Wintringham, who graduated from Elon University’s School of Law and previously worked with Habitat for Humanity for over 20 years, is running for a seat to represent District 63. Barnes, who previously worked in education as a public school teacher and coach, is running to represent District 64.
During the event, both candidates discussed and highlighted prevalent election topics such as reproductive rights, gun violence, housing, climate change and more. The event started out with an interview portion hosted by College Democrats’s Vice President and senior James Silk. Then opened to the audience for a Q&A.
Barns said abortion is a big ticket item on this election ballot, especially around access in North Carolina.
“We have to make sure we are protecting women,” Barns said.
Barns also spoke about his goal of fully funding public schools. Barns said that he feels funding public education is something that has been talked about this election cycle, but not done.
Wintringham further highlighted the importance of economy on the ballot, and emphasized how small businesses in Alamance County.
“Small business is a big deal here in Alamance County,” Wintringham said.
Both candidates said that one of their goals was to raise the minimum wage.
“I do have a different vision on what life in North Carolina could look like,” Wintringham said.
Toward the end of the night, Barns also expressed concern for more mental and physical health professionals, especially in schools and in areas impacted by Hurricane Helene and Hurricane Milton.
“Access is the issue,” Barns said. “One person can’t handle 700 to 800 people.”
Silk, who moderated the discussion, told Elon News Network he believes that students don't have to agree with everything a candidate says, but encourages people to listen to them at events like this.
“It is like a launching point, because you are getting information directly from them,” Silk said. “In this forum where it's open, they’re willing to answer anything.”
Silk said he believes it is important for voters, especially in the Elon community, to interact with their candidates and start healthy conversations.
“I encourage people regardless of whether you are registered as a Republican, Democrat, Independent; we want to have the conversations,” Silk said. “I don’t believe it is healthy to stay in our own little bubbles of information.”