Janene Ackles

Janene Ackles earned a high school diploma from Crossland High School and an associate degree from Strayer University in 2008. Her career experience includes working as a business consultant.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am Janene Ackles, a mother, grandmother, nonprofit consultant, grant writer, community advocate, and candidate for North Carolina House District 43. I live in this community, raised my children here, and understand the real issues families face every day — from rising costs and underfunded schools to limited access to healthcare, safe housing, and good-paying jobs.

For more than 20 years, I have worked with nonprofits, municipalities, and community organizations to secure funding, build programs, and connect people to resources. My work has focused on strengthening communities, supporting families, expanding opportunities for youth, and advocating for those who are too often left out of the conversation.

I am running because District 43 deserves leadership that is present, accountable, and willing to fight for everyday people. My priorities include fully funding public schools, increasing access to affordable housing, supporting workers and small businesses, protecting community safety, and making sure rural and underserved communities receive their fair share of resources.

I believe public service is about listening first, showing up consistently, and turning community needs into action. My campaign is rooted in fairness, opportunity, and dignity for all people.

Your Rights, Our Fight.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

Fully Fund Public Education

Every child deserves access to a strong public education, no matter their ZIP code. I will fight to fully fund our public schools, increase teacher and staff pay, expand school resources, and ensure students have access to counselors, social workers, career pathways, and safe learning environments. Public education is the foundation of opportunity, and North Carolina must stop shifting resources away from the schools that serve the majority of our children.Economic Relief for Working Families

Families in District 43 are working hard but still struggling with rising costs, housing challenges, childcare expenses, and wages that do not keep up. I will advocate for policies that support livable wages, small businesses, workforce training, affordable housing, and real economic opportunity. Our communities deserve investments that help families stay stable, build wealth, and thrive — not just survive.Leadership That Shows Up

I am running to be a present, accountable voice for the people of District 43. I believe leadership means listening, showing up, and fighting for resources that rural and underserved communities too often get left without. From clean water and public safety to healthcare access and community investment, I will work to ensure our district is seen, heard, and respected in Raleigh. Your Rights, Our Fight.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am personally passionate about strengthening public education and ensuring underserved communities receive the resources, respect, and representation they deserve. Every child should have access to fully funded schools, qualified teachers, support staff, counselors, social workers, safe facilities, and real pathways to success. I am also committed to fighting for communities that have been overlooked for too long, including rural areas and working families who need better access to healthcare, housing, clean water, transportation, jobs, and economic opportunity. Public policy should close gaps, not widen them.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

I look up to leaders like Mary McLeod Bethune and Dorothy Height because they used their voices, vision, and courage to open doors for others. They understood that leadership is not about title, but service, advocacy, and building power for future generations. I hope to follow their example by standing firmly for justice, education, and opportunity.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

The most important characteristics for an elected official are transparency, trust, engagement, and the willingness to show up. People deserve leaders who communicate clearly, share information, and make decisions in the open — not behind closed doors. An elected official should be accessible, listen to the community, and follow through on what they say. Trust is earned by being present, honest, and accountable to the people you serve.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

The core responsibility is to represent the people with honesty, accountability, and accessibility. An elected official should listen to constituents, understand their needs, and fight for policies that improve everyday life. That includes protecting rights, securing resources, supporting public education, and making sure underserved communities are not left behind.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I want to leave a legacy of service, courage, and community impact. I want people to know that I showed up, listened, and fought for families who too often felt ignored. Most importantly, I want future generations to see that when ordinary people step forward with purpose, real change is possible.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

My very first work experience began with babysitting from age 12 through 18, which taught me responsibility, patience, and the importance of being trusted by families. In high school, I also worked at McDonald’s from age 16 to 18. Both experiences helped shape my work ethic and gave me an early understanding of service, accountability, and the value of earning your own way.

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

One of the greatest struggles in my life was being a single mother and raising four children with very limited means. There were times when resources were tight, but I kept going, worked hard, and did what I had to do to provide for my family. Watching my children thrive despite those challenges is one of my greatest blessings and a reminder that resilience, faith, and determination can carry you through.

What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and state legislature?

The governor and state legislature should have a respectful, accountable, and productive relationship focused on serving the people. They may not always agree, but they should work together when possible to solve urgent problems facing families, schools, workers, and communities. The goal should be good governance, not political gamesmanship.

What do you perceive to be your state's greatest challenges over the next decade?

North Carolina’s greatest challenges include fully funding public education, addressing the rising cost of living, expanding affordable housing, protecting clean water, and improving access to healthcare. We must also make sure rural and underserved communities receive fair investment. If we do not address these issues now, the gap between those who have resources and those who do not will continue to grow.

Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?

Yes, compromise is necessary when it helps move people forward and solves real problems. However, compromise should never mean abandoning core values, ignoring harm, or leaving vulnerable communities behind. Good policymaking requires listening, finding common ground, and staying focused on what benefits the people

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

Cumberland County Democrats

State Senator Val Applewhite

NCDP Progressive Caucus

Planned Parenthood

What was the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember?

One of the first historical events that truly moved me was the election of President Barack Obama. I cried because I never thought I would see a Black man elected President of the United States in my lifetime. That moment reminded me that history can change, barriers can be broken, and hope is powerful when people believe and show up.

Janene Ackles did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2024 Candidate Connection survey.

Janene Ackles did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2019 Candidate Connection survey.