North Carolina State Representative Chris Humphrey is seeking re-election in 2024, running as an incumbent to retain his seat in the House. A lifelong Lenoir County resident, Humphrey has spent decades in public service and business, first as a town council member in La Grange, and later as a Lenoir County commissioner. Humphrey is now aiming to continue his tenure in the General Assembly. His opponents for the District 12 seat are Adrien Meadows and Lillie Williams.

Reflecting on his political career, Humphrey recalls his initial foray into public office, first serving as a town council member in La Grange in 1996. “I’ve been involved in Lenoir County for a long time,” said Humphrey. “I went to public schools here, graduated in 1988, and later earned a degree in political science from UNC-Chapel Hill.” Following his education, Humphrey worked out of state before returning home to help run the family business, later transitioning to a career in insurance with Allstate, where he has worked for 25 years.

Humphrey’s platform in the 2024 election includes a focus on addressing the economic challenges facing North Carolinians. “The economy – high prices are affecting everyone,” Humphrey said. “While that’s not necessarily a state issue, we can affect that at a state level by lowering income taxes. Everyone gets a break in some sort. We’ve done that for several years in the General Assembly.”

Affordable housing is another key issue for Humphrey’s campaign. He emphasizes the need for encouraging developers to build in rural communities by reducing regulatory barriers. “We have a housing shortage,” he said. “People planning to move here can’t find a home they can afford. What we can do is hopefully encourage more developers to build by cutting regulations and rules that stymie growth.”

Humphrey’s commitment to addressing rural infrastructure needs also plays a prominent role in his campaign. He notes the challenges rural communities face with aging water and sewer systems. “Rural communities cannot afford it. We’re taxed to the hilt now,” Humphrey explained. “We’ve been able to find funding for replacing sewer lines in La Grange and Kinston to help repair and replace these antiquated worn-out lines.”

As a Republican representing a diverse district, Humphrey acknowledges the importance of working across party lines, particularly when it comes to issues that impact all constituents. “We need to improve race relations, we need better roads, we need better sewer systems– that’s not a partisan issue,” he said. While he believes race relations are better than they have been, he also pointed to the role of social media in fueling tensions. “Social media inflames emotions, and that’s not healthy.”

Humphrey prides himself on maintaining transparency and accessibility with his constituents. “My voting record is public and I’ve always been happy to explain my reasoning,” he said. “I’m accountable to every vote because every two years this district can rehire me or fire me.” He noted that his office regularly engages with constituents via email, phone, and social media.

Humphrey’s roots in public service extend back to his childhood involvement in the Boy Scouts, where he became an Eagle Scout. He attributes much of his drive to serve the community to those early experiences. “I just wanted to help people, so I got involved,” he said, referencing his participation in local organizations like Rotary and Kiwanis in Kinston.

Looking ahead, Humphrey hopes to continue working on key issues like infrastructure, economic development, and rural broadband access. He emphasizes the importance of having strong relationships in Raleigh to advocate for his district’s needs. “Having friends in Raleigh and being in leadership in the insurance community gives me a unique position to have the ears of leadership in the House chamber,” Humphrey said.

Humphrey also highlighted his ability to collaborate with colleagues across the political aisle. “I try to engage with my Democratic colleagues,” he said. “I really enjoy spending time with them – we’re all human, we all put our britches on the same way, one leg at a time.”

As the 2024 election approaches, Humphrey expressed gratitude for the support he has received from the community over the years. “I appreciate the opportunity to serve. I hope to continue that with a vote of confidence for another two years.” He added, “We don’t care where you live, who you voted for, who you love, or how you registered. We just want a better place for everyone.”

North Carolina will hold its general election on Nov. 5th with in-person early voting beginning on October 17th. Neuse News will live stream the 2024 Election Results on Facebook starting at 7:15 pm.