Dec. 18. By Dave Vieser. The two state senators representing Cornelius—Republican Vickie Sawyer and Democrat Mujtaba Mohammed—make decisions in Raleigh which could have more impact on our lives than those made in Washington, DC.

Both scored big victories in November’s elections: Sawyer received approximately 67 percent of the vote, while Mohammed took it all as he had no Republican opponent.

For years Cornelius had one Senator, first Jeff Tarte, then Natasha Marcus, but redistricting split the town approximately in two.

Sawyer represents NC Senate District 37, which covers the area of Cornelius west of I-77, as well as portions of Iredell County.

Mohammed represents NC Senate District 38, which covers the area of Cornelius east of I-77. This district also covers Huntersville and portions of Charlotte.

Both Mohammed and Sawyer are completing their sixth year in the General Assembly. Here’s a look at our two senators.

Sen. Vickie Sawyer

Sawyer grew up in rural Davidson County and attended UNC-Charlotte where she graduated with honors.

Sawyer

Prior to serving in the General Assembly she served locally as Parent Teacher Association president, overseeing a fundraising campaign that brought in $175,000 for upgrades to the school’s playground, track and turf as well as new equipment. She also served as chair of the Iredell County Crosby Scholars, leading a successful bond campaign where voters approved $125 million for school construction.

With a diverse resume ranging from waitress to race team marketing “grunt,” the senator and her husband Brett have owned Sawyer Insurance & Financial Services since 2002. It now serves over 4,200 households.

The Sawyers live in Mooresville along with their two daughters.

Sawyer is chair of the Senate Transportation Committee. She also serves on several other standing committees including the Senate Finance Committee and Appropriations committee.

“Senator Sawyer has a long history of supporting measures that will improve transportation in our entire state, but especially for Cornelius and the Lake Norman area. She is a champion for finding creative solutions that will deliver more road projects that are desperately needed. She has been instrumental in working with Cornelius’ efforts on legislation that has the potential to create a new funding source for road projects,” said Mayor Woody Washam.

Sen. Mujtaba Mohammed

Mohammed, was born in Toledo, Ohio, but was raised in Charlotte. His parents were immigrated from India. Mohammed is a graduate of Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, earning his bachelor’s degree from UNC-Charlotte and a Juris Doctor degree from North Carolina Central University School of Law.

Mohammed

His professional experience includes working as a children’s rights advocate and public interest attorney. In addition to defending the rights of the underprivileged in the courtroom, and fighting to connect low-income families to the services they need every day, he has previously served on the boards of non-profit and child advocacy organizations.

In 2018 Mohammed challenged a three-term incumbent and won the Democratic primary election. Mohammed campaigned on improving outcomes for North Carolinians. His campaign focused on prioritizing education issues to restore North Carolina’s public schools and policies that seek to expand the economy and diversify the workforce. He lives in Charlotte.

Mohammed serves on standing Senate committees including the Health Care, Judiciary and Rules and Operation committees.

“Sen. Mohammed has always been supportive of Cornelius’ legislative agenda. Even before he represented Cornelius, he always welcomed a conversation about the Town’s priorities. I look forward to more years of working with the senator,” Washam said.