Pat LeGrand

Pat LeGrand earned a high school diploma from Arlington High School, a bachelor's degree from San Diego State University in 1993, and a graduate degree from the National University of San Diego in 1995. Her career experience includes working as an IT professional.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I was born in Nebraska and built a long career in information technology, working across the evolution of modern computing, from early systems to computer operations, analytical support, technical project work, and database design. My work also included international training operations and projects in multiple oil- and gas-producing nations.

In 1997, I relocated from California to North Carolina to work for Bayer Corporation in Raleigh. I later transferred to Bayer’s Clayton facility, which later became Grifols, and made Johnston County my permanent home. I retired from Grifols after years of dedicated service.

I have long been involved in state and local politics, focused on voter engagement and volunteer outreach, and committed to building relationships and fostering goodwill throughout Johnston County and across North Carolina. I believe public service should be grounded in responsibility, fairness, and respect for the people and institutions that hold communities together.

Outside of work and public service, I have been a longtime volunteer in dog rescue and community service, reflecting my commitment to compassion and service to others.

I hold a Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Arts and Sciences, with an emphasis in Education and bilingual-bicultural Spanish, from San Diego State University. I also hold a Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology from National University.

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?

Politicians should spend less time on partisan fights, political ambition, and preserving their own power, and more time addressing the issues people face every day — beginning with strong public education, along with affordability, healthcare, housing, and good-paying jobs.I support attracting businesses and jobs to Johnston County, but I believe growth has to be managed responsibly. Our communities need enough revenue and infrastructure to keep up with new residents and development, and the financial burden should not simply be shifted onto homeowners and working families.I believe agriculture is central to Johnston County’s economy, land, and identity. Protecting it matters both economically and culturally. Our farmers provide food, jobs, and local economic activity, while rising costs and development pressure make it harder to keep farms operating.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am especially passionate about strengthening public education, expanding access to affordable, quality healthcare, and promoting responsible, accountable government.

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

I look up to people who earn the respect of others by the way they live and treat people, with integrity, honesty, steadiness, and a strong sense of who they are. I believe those qualities can be found just as easily in our own communities as they can in public life.

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

I firmly believe in authenticity and the ability to work with others to solve problems. Compromise and bipartisanship are essential to effective governing. This job isn’t about showmanship or scoring political points—it’s about working together and delivering results for the people I serve.

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

I believe the core responsibilities of a good elected official are to listen, keep constituents informed, and represent everyone fairly, regardless of our differences. We do not have to agree on everything to live and work together respectfully. Public service requires integrity, openness, and a genuine commitment to the people I represent.

What legacy would you like to leave?

Legacy is not something I think about very often. I try to live my values the same way I live my faith—through my actions, the way I treat people, and the choices I make. If people remember me as someone who was honest, kind, dependable, and willing to do what was right, that would be enough.

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

I worked for Mail Advertising as a keypunch operator.

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

I am a two time breast cancer survivor.

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

The relationship between the governor and the legislature should be based on respect for the responsibilities of each branch and a willingness to work together. In North Carolina, that balance has become increasingly strained as legislative power has expanded at the expense of the executive branch. Regardless of which party controls either branch, our system works best when power is balanced, disagreements are handled responsibly, and governing is focused on serving the people rather than consolidating political power.

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

I have addressed many of these challenges throughout this questionnaire, particularly public education, healthcare, affordability, housing, responsible growth, and the need for government to work more effectively for the people it serves.

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

It is absolutely necessary. Good legislation is the result of compromise.

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

President John F Kennedy assassination.