Beth Helfrich at the October Newsmakers Breakfast

REPRESENTATIVE ELECT BETH HELFRICH

Dec. 4. After a tough campaign for NC House District 98, Beth Helfrich is looking forward to her swearing in next month in Raleigh. A newcomer to local politics, she defeated former Huntersville Mayor Melinda Bales 52 percent to 48 percent.

Both campaigns sent out negative mailings, Helfrich’s tying Bales to Mark Robinson, Bales’ campaign tying Helfrich to legalizing hard drugs and prostitution.

That was on a party level, where there was a more aggressive cast of characters than either of the candidates themselves.

The stakes were incredibly high because the GOP veto-proof supermajority was at stake. The GOP grip on power in Raleigh is diminished with Helfrich’s victory, but the Democrats remain the minority in the Statehouse.

The only way the GOP can override a veto from governor-elect Josh Stein is to convince some Democrats to support their positions, which is not considered very likely.

Helfrich, a third-generation Davidson resident, is a graduate of Davidson College and a former teacher. She and husband Tim, owner of Summit Coffee, have five children.

—Cornelius Today editor Dave Yochum interviewed Helfrich as she was working on the transition from John Bradford, the Republican who first succeeded Thom Tillis after his successful run for the US Senate in 2014.

Question: What are jobs one two and three once you are in Raleigh?

1. Build rapport with my colleagues: Other members and elected officials, legislative staff, agency liaisons, security, cafeteria staff – all of the people working in the building. Relationships are at the center of all work, so I plan to invest time and energy getting to know and learning from my colleagues, no matter their role or affiliation.

2. Establish systems in our office so we can be responsive to constituents and district needs, consistent in internal and external communications, and efficient with legislative priorities and progress.

3.  Start moving on legislative priorities.

Question: Tell us about a previous job that could have parallels in the legislature.

I am certain I’ll lean on my experience teaching and in school leadership as a legislator. Teaching requires learning on the fly; asking the right questions; balancing long-term goals with short-term priorities; empathy, integrity, and flexibility; and an ability to get through long, full days with a smile.

Question: How will you fight for women’s rights besides supporting a possible governor’s veto?

It’s important to recognize that women’s rights – including reproductive rights – touch so many other issues. Access to healthcare, family leave policies, equal and adequate pay, and affordable childcare directly affect not only the economic potential of women but our state’s economic development, broadly. I’m prepared to advocate across the board for family-friendly policies, including expanded access to reproductive care. That can happen in small or sweeping ways. For starters, I’d like to eliminate the unnecessary administrative red tape included in SB-20 to reduce the burden on healthcare providers. We should also work to protect access to birth control and IVF in the upcoming biennium.

Question: What are the top issues for NC District 98?

In 2025, transportation will continue to be one of the top issues for District 98 and the greater Charlotte region. I expect that the General Assembly will take up a vote on whether to allow Mecklenburg County to put a transit tax referendum on the ballot. I’m also eager to partner with our municipal governments in support of their strategic priorities, which include thriving town centers, public safety, roadways and greenways, expanded emergency and legal services, and housing. And I will always be a staunch advocate for additional investments that directly benefit our public schools.

Question: We’d ask this of a man as well: How will you balance life in Raleigh with a family in Davidson?

As a working parent, I’ve learned that finding a consistent, static balance between work and family time is nearly impossible. I’m aiming for some predictable rhythms and boundaries with the broader goal of being as present as possible when at work–either in Raleigh or in the district–and as present as possible when at home. I have an incredible partner and co-parent in my husband, Tim, and we are also fortunate to have a supportive community and lots of extended family nearby.

Question: Why do you think you won, in light of Democrat Nicole Sidman’s loss to Tricia Cotham in NC District 105?

Election results are influenced by so many factors, but I’ve spent a lot of time over the past few weeks thinking about trust, and how – in a noisy political climate – trust is in short-supply. From the very beginning, building and earning trust was really the guiding purpose of our campaign. I’m proud of every effort we put forth to earn the trust of voters, because we have engaged, discerning voters in District 98! As a first-time candidate, there were certainly twists and turns along the way, but I learned to trust my instincts, the resonance of our campaign’s message, and the process, itself. My team and corps of volunteers (led by my exceptional manager, Emma Kennett) deserve so much credit. And trust remains the priority in my work as a legislator: I will never stop working to earn it.

Question: Female political figure you most admire, and why?

I have a lot of respect for so many women in politics, but one of my local political heroes is the late Nannie Potts, the first and only Black and female mayor of Cornelius. Her leadership emerged out of her deep connection to her community – and her persistent way of showing up in whatever way would have the most positive impact. She was someone who led because she cared. Her husband, Mickey, once said about her, “if she could do something about something, she would. That was just the way she was.” It’s a worthy call for each of us to heed.