Steve Rutherford

Steve Rutherford (Democratic Party) is running for election to the North Carolina State Senate to represent District 43. He is on the ballot in the general election on November 3, 2026. The Democratic primary for this office on March 3, 2026, was canceled.

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?

I am a U.S. Navy veteran and lifelong Gaston County resident who believes public service means showing up, telling the truth, and putting people before politics. I’m running to restore integrity, accountability, and basic decency to state government—because leadership is not about power, it’s about responsibility.Too many people in Gaston County are working hard and still falling behind. I will fight for policies that expand access to good-paying jobs, workforce training, and small-business growth so families can afford healthcare, housing, and retirement without fear. An economy should work for the people who keep it moving.North Carolina needs balance—not one-party rule that shuts people out and ignores real needs. I am running to be a voice for everyday people in Raleigh, to protect healthcare access, defend Social Security and Medicare, and make sure government works for all communities, not just the powerful few.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am passionate about economic opportunity for working families, including workforce training, skills development, and access to good-paying jobs. I strongly support affordable, accessible healthcare and protecting Medicare and Medicaid so no one has to choose between medical care and basic necessities. As a U.S. Navy veteran, I am committed to advocating for veterans and ensuring government accountability. I also believe in lifelong learning and education pathways that help people adapt to a changing economy. At the core of my work is fairness, dignity, and policies that lift people up rather than hold them down.