Charles T. Dudley, a candidate for the North Carolina Senate from District 3, which includes Craven, Beaufort, and Lenoir counties, is drawing on a lifetime of service to advocate for the needs of his constituents. His opponent for the District 3 seat is incumbent Bob Brinson who took over the seat when Senator Jim Perry resigned this past July.

Raised in Kentucky by a single mother, Dudley's formative years were shaped by values of strength and compassion instilled by his family. After serving over 20 years in the U.S. Marine Corps, he has dedicated the past two decades to community leadership as a senior pastor at the New Beginnings Ministry of Faith in Havelock.

Dudley’s candidacy is rooted in his desire to help others. "My grandmother, who helped raise me, inspired me to be strong and to use my strength to help others," he said in a recent interview. This principle, coupled with his extensive community involvement—serving on boards for Habitat for Humanity, the Craven Community College Foundation, and others—positions him as a candidate committed to the well-being of his community.

Dudley identifies several pressing issues affecting his district, prioritizing affordable housing, education, and healthcare. "Good, affordable housing is an issue for individuals across North Carolina, as well as strong public schools, and healthcare for everyone," he stated. He plans to fight for an increase in the state minimum wage, advocate for fully funded public schools, and push for the expansion of Medicaid to ensure access to healthcare for all residents, including reproductive care.

Reflecting on personal challenges, Dudley shared the profound impact of a recent family tragedy—the loss of his 38-year-old son. He described the experience as a lesson in dealing with facts rather than emotions. “I will always look at the facts of the situation—storms may come, but we need to deal with the immediate facts,” he explained. This approach, he believes, will guide his decision-making in office, especially when addressing urgent community needs.

Dudley’s plans for transparency and accountability in governance include maintaining open lines of communication with constituents. “I will communicate with all of my constituents and make myself open to conversations,” he noted, emphasizing his commitment to being accessible. He also intends to hold town halls and volunteer in neighborhoods, ensuring that he listens to the diverse voices of the community he aims to serve.

Collaboration is a key element of Dudley’s strategy for effective governance. He believes that working across party lines is essential to achieving meaningful change. “In order to get things done, we must work together,” he stated, highlighting his skills as a communicator and collaborator as assets in fostering bipartisan cooperation.

When it comes to balancing immediate needs with long-term goals, Dudley recognizes the importance of addressing both. “Some things need to be addressed in the short term, like climate resilience and housing needs. Economic development is a long game,” he explained. His goal is to ensure that growth benefits all residents and contributes to sustainable development.

Dudley's vision for North Carolina is built on a foundation of service, compassion, and collaboration. He believes his life experiences, both personal and professional, have prepared him for the responsibilities of a senator. “As a legislator, I will use those same leadership skills to work with others in the Senate and across state government,” he said.

As the election approaches, Dudley is focused on rallying support from his community. His commitment to advocating for the people of eastern North Carolina reflects a deep understanding of their challenges and aspirations. “I am now hoping to reach across the aisle in the NC Senate to get things done to make lives better for all in eastern North Carolina,” he concluded, reinforcing his dedication to public service.

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.