Roy Surrett

Roy Surrett graduated from North Penn High School. Surrett earned a bachelor's degree from Wake Forest University in 1985 and a graduate degree from the University of South Carolina in 1988. Surrett's career experience includes working in government.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Roy Surrett is a dedicated leader and public servant running as the Democratic candidate for North Carolina’s 2nd Senate District. With nearly 40 years of leadership experience in the federal government, including a distinguished career as a national security expert with the U.S. Department of Defense, Roy brings a unique level of expertise and disciplined problem-solving to the State Senate.

Representing Warren, Halifax, Martin, Chowan, Washington, Hyde, Pamlico, and Carteret counties, Roy’s mission is to make life better and easier for all of District 2. He believes that effective governance should remove obstacles for families and create clear paths to prosperity. Roy has deep experience building coalitions and advocating for regional needs. His leadership is rooted in action, from organizing local philanthropic campaigns like the "7 Weeks of Giving" to coordinating community gatherings that bring neighbors together.

Roy also has hands-on experience. Having recently volunteered internationally to help build bridges in rural areas, he understands how physical and social connections transform lives. Roy will apply his deep experience to ensure North Carolina’s schools, farms, infrastructure and economy are resilient, and prepared for the future.

A resident of Carteret County, Roy is a family man, deeply connected to North Carolina. He is running to ensure his neighbors have a voice that is as experienced and hardworking as the people it represents.

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?

Strengthening Our Future Through Public Education

Roy believes a strong North Carolina begins in the classroom. With 40 years of leadership experience, he understands that investing in our youth is essential for long-term regional prosperity. Roy is committed to fully funding our public schools to ensure every student—from Halifax to Carteret—has access to high-quality education and modern resources. This means securing competitive pay for our dedicated teachers and expanding vocational training programs. By prioritizing public education and ensuring tax dollars stay in our local communities, Roy will fight to give the next generation of North Carolinians the tools they need to succeed right here at home.Lowering Costs and Building Resilient Communities

Eastern North Carolinians deserve a leader who works to make life easier and more affordable. Roy will fight to lower the cost of living by addressing the rising prices of energy, food, and housing. Drawing on his background as a national security expert and his hands-on work with infrastructure, he knows that economic stability and climate resilience go hand-in-hand. He will advocate for smart investments that protect our coastal and rural communities from the impacts of climate change while promoting sustainable, low-cost energy solutions. Roy’s goal is to ensure that our region is not only affordable today but also resilient and prepared for the challenges of tomorrow.Dependable and Affordable Healthcare for Every Resident

Access to quality healthcare should never be determined by your zip code. Roy is dedicated to ensuring that healthcare in Eastern North Carolina is available, affordable, and dependable. He will work to expand services in rural areas, lower the cost of prescription drugs, and protect medical freedoms. With decades of experience in federal oversight, Roy understands how to make complex systems work for people. He will fight to strengthen our local hospitals and clinics so that every resident has reliable care they can count on. For Roy, making healthcare accessible is a fundamental part of his commitment to making life better and more secure for every family in District 2.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am passionate about policy that builds a resilient future for Eastern North Carolina. My priorities begin with fully funding our public schools and ensuring quality healthcare is affordable and accessible for every family. With 40 years of federal leadership, I understand the need for strategic investment to combat climate change while protecting our coastline and rural lands. I am deeply committed to helping our farmers preserve their family legacies and ensuring District 2 offers the economic opportunity and investment needed to keep the American dream alive for our young people. By strengthening our schools, health systems, and local economies, we can make life better and easier for everyone who calls Eastern North Carolina home.