Jun 7

Jun 7 Jackson brings 100 county tour to Davidson

Surrounded by the sound of children playing at the newly-reopened Finch Park, State Senator Jeff Jackson (D) told a crowd that he thought it was a good sign. “I was told coming in here that the playground right behind us, that this is the first day it’s been open this year. That is a wonderful omen that we can come back together,” said Jackson. “All the sounds of the kids. Those are happy sounds.”

Jackson’s visit to the park is part of his campaign bid that will be closely watched nationwide since there won’t be an incumbent on the ballot. GOP US Sen. Richard Burr is retiring.

Things are heating up and Jackson has vowed to hold 100 town halls in 100 counties in 100 days.

US Senate candidate Jeff Jackson shares an exchange with Joyce Shields of Thomasville. {Photo Credit: Antionette Kerr/Davidson Local}

“It won’t be easy but it’s worth it,” Jackson opined. He acknowledged he was on the political path less taken. “This is a national senate seat. I’m going to tell you what happens in case any of you decided to run for the senate. What you can expect is that all of your friends from high school will send you Facebook messages ‘cause they think it hilarious…Second, you’re going to get a call from every political consultant. They are going to tell you what they think you need to say.” He shared that hundreds of consultants offered him 3 to 5 talking points. “A lot of politicians take that advice…but what you lose is authenticity…cycle after cycle your expectations have gotten lower. You deserve so much more…”

After a year-long deployment in Afghanistan, Jackson attended law school at UNC-Chapel Hill with help from the G.I. Bill, before serving as the assistant district attorney in Gaston County. Jackson became the second-youngest senator in the state senate in 2014. He calls the time new to political office, but not new to public service, having enlisted after the attacks of September 11, trained at Ft. Bragg and served in Afghanistan. He continues to serve as captain in the Army National Guard. He is currently in his eighteenth year of military service.

Jackson said the tour was designed to “listen” and noted key themes of rural healthcare and voter access before opening the floor to audience members.

The Democrat will face challengers for the primary, including Cheri Beasley, who is the former chief justice of the North Carolina Supreme Court, Beaufort mayor Rett Newton, former state Sen. Erica Smith and scientist Richard Watkins.

Formal filing hasn’t yet begun but the race is certainly garnering national attention. Last weekend former President Donald Trump endorsed U.S. Rep. Ted Budd in North Carolina’s 2022 Senate race, giving the three-term congressman a boost in a Republican primary that includes former Governor Pat McCrory and former Congressman Mark Walker.