Left: Republican Melinda Bales of Huntersville Right: Democrat Beth Helfrich of Davidson
LOCAL POLITICS | By Dave Vieser
Aug. 8. Considerable political interest emerged during the past two weeks as the nation’s Presidential election took an unprecedented turn. However, interest is also rising locally in one race which political experts from both sides of the aisle consider ‘competitive.’
It’s the House District 98 showdown which features Republican Melinda Bales of Huntersville facing off against Democrat Beth Helfrich of Davidson. Strong fund-raising efforts on behalf of both candidates are well underway and seasoned political experts think this one could go down to the wire.
“Bales has a slight advantage in my opinion from having been Mayor of Huntersville and a Town Commissioner” said GOP consultant Andy Yates. “Bales is also a pretty moderate Republican so she should do well with unaffiliated voters and swing Democrats. Still, I expect the race to be very competitive.” Yates expects both parties to ‘spend a ton of money’ on the campaign.
According to Ballotpedia, Bales has amassed more than $36,000 in her campaign account.
Democratic experts are equally excited about their candidate. “ “Beth Helfrich is exceptionally well-equipped to represent her district, bringing compassion and a clear vision for the future” said Robert Reives, NC House Democratic leader.. “She’s doing this for all the right reasons, and I’m confident in her ability to be successful this fall. There will be a lot of eyes on this seat and a lot riding on it for our caucus.”
Helfrich has more than $53,000 according to Ballotpedia.
About the candidates
Bales has lived in Huntersville for 24 years and has 12 years of combined experience on the Huntersville Town Board and as mayor. She marks her major achievements in office as working with state transportation officials on Gilead Road improvements, coordinating with CATS to launch a microtransit pilot program for North Mecklenburg, and convincing CMS to include several new schools on the 2023 school bond package.
Bales, 54, lives in Huntersville with her husband John, and two children ages 21 and 23.
Helfrich is a third-generation Davidson resident and a graduate of Davidson College. She is focusing her campaign on gerrymandered maps and voter suppression. She strongly supports the state fully funding public education and expanding support for early childhood education.
Helfrich, 43, lives in Davidson with her husband Tim and their five children, ages 3-15.
About the issues
Since the campaign began earlier this year, Bales has identified her three major concerns as transportation, job creation and affordable housing, while Helfrich has focused on reproductive care and freedom, housing/transportation and increased support for public schools.
Reached during July, each candidate added another issue.
“My public safety priorities focus on enhancing infrastructure, supporting law enforcement, and fostering community partnerships to ensure the safety and well-being of residents,” said Bales. “I have supported funding for School Resource Officers (SROs) in partnership with CMS as well as Victims Advocate positions within the Huntersville Police Department. I believe these types of partnerships add the necessary layers in public safety to help all citizens.”
As for Helfrich, she has added good governance to her top issues of concern. “Voters in this district are seeing and suffering from the partisan power plays that are becoming more and more evident in Raleigh. A Republican supermajority will continue to push through policy that does not reflect the values of the majority of North Carolinians. I’m running because I believe our elected officials should answer to the communities they serve, not the most extreme factions of their party.”
House District 98 covers virtually all of Cornelius, Davidson and Huntersville.
