Incumbent Bob Brinson is running for reelection to the North Carolina Senate, representing District 3. Brinson brings a wealth of experience and a deep connection to Eastern North Carolina, where his family has resided for over ten generations. With a background in military service and local governance, he aims to address key issues affecting his constituents. Brinson is running against opponent Charles Dudley Jr.

Brinson graduated from New Bern High School and received an appointment to the United States Military Academy at West Point. He retired from the Army after a 28-year career as a helicopter pilot, where he served as both a company and battalion commander. His military experience is complemented by his prior service as an alderman for the City of New Bern, a role that he describes as essential for understanding the community's needs and the challenges of managing public funds.

"I appreciate the difficult, but necessary responsibility of working to meet the needs of the community while controlling the growth in spending," Brinson stated, acknowledging the current economic challenges, including high inflation.

Motivated by a desire to serve his community, Brinson's journey into public office began in high school. "I decided in high school government class that I would live a life of public service. My military career was just the beginning of that commitment," he explained. His commitment to constituent services has been a hallmark of his tenure, emphasizing the importance of helping residents navigate government processes.

Brinson identified several pressing issues facing the district, prioritizing the protection of children as a primary concern. "I am a firm supporter of the Parents’ Bill of Rights to keep our parents informed and involved in what goes on with their child in school," he said. He advocates for expanding school choice and opportunity scholarships to provide parents with options that align with their values.

In addition to educational issues, Brinson highlighted the challenges posed by an open southern border, which he claims facilitates the entry of drugs and criminals into the state. He expressed the need to equip law enforcement and first responders with the resources necessary to combat these issues.

The senator also emphasized the growing behavioral and mental health crisis affecting both veterans and school-aged children. He proposed the establishment of at least one veterans' home offering mental and behavioral health services and suggested exploring public-private partnerships to address these needs in rural counties.

When discussing transparency in governance, Brinson stated, "I approach every elected office as a neighbor serving neighbors. Being accessible to hear from our community is important." He encourages open communication and makes himself available to constituents through various channels, including phone calls, emails, and community events.

Brinson noted that collaboration across party lines is crucial for effective governance. "Most of the issues upon which the General Assembly takes action are not partisan. Ninety to ninety-five percent of legislation is bipartisan," he explained. His military experience in building teams equips him with the skills necessary for fostering cooperation among elected officials.

The senator is committed to balancing short-term goals with long-term development. He pointed to the General Assembly’s appropriations, including a $350 million project to build a hangar at Global Transpark in Kinston, which is expected to create 300-400 skilled jobs. "This is fantastic for our entire region," he stated, adding that it is vital to ensure both immediate objectives and sustainable growth.

Brinson's campaign emphasizes his dedication to public service, transparency, and collaboration to address the needs of the community. "Many of the problems that we have in our state today are multi-faceted and complex. The key is to take a piece of the problem and start working on it to avoid paralysis and start making a difference," he remarked, underscoring his commitment to effective governance and community engagement.

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.