John Bradford at Jetton Park / Photo by Jason Benavides

Jan. 13. By Dave Vieser. Beginning in January, former NC Rep. John R Bradford of Cornelius and his family will experience significant changes in their lives.

In addition to leaving his seat in the House of Representatives, Bradford, 50, and his wife, Shea, will become empty nesters later in 2025 as their twins, Sophie and Macy, head off to college. This seemed like an opportune time to speak with Bradford about his political career up to now, and what the future may hold.

Q: What initially generated your desire to enter into public service?

A: I started both of my companies in Cornelius from the ground up. I was involved with the Lake Norman Chamber and I was also a Cornelius Parks commissioner. My passion for the place where I lived, worked and played compelled me to try and help play a part in the present and future.

Q: You served at both the town and state level. Which did you find more rewarding?

A: To me, politics are local. Serving at the town level is where an individual can make a real impact for their home town in a short amount of time. Starting at the town level was a great way for me to better understand how local government interacted with the State legislature. Little did I know at the time but I was really preparing myself for a higher elected office at the State level. While serving in the NC House of Representatives, District 98 included most of the three northern Mecklenburg towns – Huntersville, Cornelius and Davidson. I was voting on state-wide issues as well as fighting for local project funding for my district. I truly enjoyed serving at each level so, while they were very different, my general sense of satisfaction and personal reward were equal.

Q: Can you spell out a few of your major accomplishments.

A: I enjoyed serving as a senior finance chair where I helped architect the statewide budget finance package that reduced taxes and generated an annual surplus. I am proud of this because I know that a favorable tax climate for NC residents and business owners alike leads to more prosperous state. During my four elected terms, I hired multiple individuals with Down syndrome to work in my office as legislative assistants. This was very important to me because I believe everyone deserves an opportunity to work and earn a living. I authored and passed multiple pieces of legislation that reduced or clarified unnecessary regulations that were negatively impacting business owners and their ability to create jobs. Lastly, every legislative session I was able to secure state funding for various projects throughout District 98 which helped our local town boards use their budgets for other projects and needs.

Q: What motivated your move to run for a state office this year, spending close to a million dollars on the campaign, and why didn’t it work out?

A: I knew after eight years in the NC House of Representatives I was ready to move on to other opportunities. I first decided to run for State Treasurer only to eventually change my decision to run for Congress because it simply felt like a better fit for me at this stage of my life. I worked incredibly hard and I truly believed I was the most qualified candidate in the race. Our polling numbers throughout the campaign indicated a much different result than the final outcome which was disappointing. This said, I truly left it all on the field and I believe all things happen for a reason. I look forward to whatever may be in my future.

Q: Would you reconsider running for office again in the future?

A: Yes.

Q: You’ve worked in both the public and private sector…which did you find more rewarding?

A: I loved being both a private-sector business owner and being a public servant. I find them equally rewarding. I will admit, however, I love running my private business both on time and on budget which does not always happen in government.

Q: Which position did your family prefer?

A: The time away while serving in Raleigh created a greater family sacrifice because I was gone three or four days a week for seven or eight months in the long session. But they have always supported me in all respects.

Q: Do you plan to remain in Cornelius?

A: Yes, for now. I love our town and our home. Sadly, we will be empty nesters soon but are excited to embrace this new phase of our life. More travel and fishing are definitely in my near future!