Political newcomer wins Democratic bid for Cumberland County's NC House 42 seat

Editor's note: This story has been updated to include a statement from Mike Colvin.

Political newcomer Mike Colvin will face Republican Leonard Bryant in the November general election for the House District 42 race, according to unofficial results from Tuesday night’s primary election.  

Incumbent Rep. Marvin Lucas, who was first elected to the North Carolina General Assembly in 2000, did not seek reelection and endorsed Colvin.

Unofficial results show Colvin garnered 1,772, or 35.03% of the votes in the Democratic primary.  

Challenger Naveed Aziz received 1,467, or 29% of the votes; Elmer Floyd received 1,143, or 22.49%; and Courtney Banks-McLaughlin received 677, or 13.38%.  

Bryant had no challengers in the Republican primary.  

Colvin is a Fayetteville native and licensed funeral service professional at Colvin Funeral Homes and Paye Memorial Funeral Establishment, according to his campaign website.

He is also a political adviser, strategist and policy adviser “to various elected officials, professional organizations, and community leaders,” his site states.

His brother is Fayetteville Mayor Mitch Colvin.

In a statement Wednesday, Colvin thanked his family, friends, campaign team and supporters.

"I am genuinely grateful for all who have shown their confidence in us by supporting the campaign," he said. "Above all, I thank God for a successful run and vow to put forth a valiant effort as I aspire to represent the residents of the Cumberland County."

According to his campaign site, Colvin's platforms include education, healthcare, vocational training, economic and community development.

His site states that he supports investing in quality education with adequate teacher salaries and benefits, school resources and student support.

Additionally, Colvin supports healthcare access for all along with expansion for mental health services, women's reproductive rights and women's healthcare services.

His site states that Colvin also intends to focus on:

• Sustainable environmental practices and policies promoting clean water and air.

•  Working to increase incentives and benefits for veterans, active duty service members and military families.

• Prioritizing job creation, workforce development, infrastructure improvements, affordable housing, and community revitalization efforts.

Bryant had an unsuccessful bid U.S. Senate in 2022.

According to his campaign site, Bryant’s platform includes changing Cumberland County’s status as a Tier 1 economically distressed county while finding ways to “lower taxes on business and individuals to stimulate the economy.”

His site states he wants to further work to reduce Cumberland County’s crime rate and that he supports individual liberties like making it easier to lawfully carry weapons or for parents to be able to choose between charter, private or public schools.

Staff writer Rachael Riley can be reached at rriley@fayobserver.com or 910-486-3528.

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