Incumbent Rodney Pierce is thankful for another chance to serve as the State House District 27 representative but knows he will face competition from Republican Kenneth Bentley in November.

After winning the 2024 Democratic primary against then-incumbent Michael Wray by a razor-thin 50.14 percent to 49.86 percent margin, Pierce went on to win Tuesday night’s contest decisively, collecting 8,679 votes to Wray’s 4,846. Pierce’s margin of victory Tuesday was 64.17 percent to his opponent’s 35.83 percent.

Wray Statement 

In a statement on his campaign Facebook page, Wray said: “I want to say thank you to my supporters, my volunteers, my family, and my friends for all your hard work on this campaign. We weren’t successful, but I am proud of the campaign that we mounted. I congratulate Mr. Pierce on his victory and wish him the best. I plan to remain very active in our community and our politics. I look forward to serving in another way to help our neighbors. God has a plan for all of us, and we owe everything to His glory.”

Pierce 

Pierce dedicated this election to the life and legacy of Dr. Charles McCollum, pastor of Oak Grove and Piney Grove Baptist churches, who died on Tuesday.

“Dr. McCollum endorsed me in this race, and he’s been a shining example of advocacy and activism for marginalized people in our community,” Pierce said. He noted that the civil rights advocacy of the late minister—and the sacrifices of many others—allowed him the opportunity to run for and win the seat. “I just want to make sure that I show him respect, love, and admiration.”

Pierce expressed appreciation for the support he received from his poll workers, those who mailed postcards, went door-to-door, worked the phones, and placed signs. “First and foremost, to God be the glory. I’m very grateful to the constituents of House District 27 for electing me.”

The margin of victory, Pierce said, sends a clear message: “The people have spoken. I ran on the issues that are important to us in District 27—public education, public health, public safety, and affordability. I listened to the people and I ran a clean campaign.”

Pierce believes voters appreciated his transparency. “I’ve tried my best to be accessible and authentic,” he said, citing his town hall meetings and attendance at all candidate forums.

Reflecting on the broader political landscape, Pierce noted that three Democratic state House members lost their elections Tuesday. He believes this means Governor Josh Stein will have more support in "holding the line" when vetoing legislation. “What it also means is I believe we’ll be more unified in our positions as a caucus in terms of the legislation or the policies that we support on behalf of the best interests of North Carolina citizens.”

He is also bolstered by former Governor Roy Cooper’s U.S. Senate primary win. “I served on Governor Cooper’s teacher advisory committee from 2021 to 2024. He is a gentleman from Nash County—a farm boy who became a lawyer, then a public servant. I think his story is admirable, and I think it inspires and motivates people to go out and try to do our part.” Pierce added, “In November, North Carolina is going to send Roy Cooper to the U.S. Senate.”

Looking ahead past the November general election, Pierce plans to expand the programs he established during his first term. He aims to establish regional partnerships, specifically working with Hertford County on its inland port project.

“That’s a very big deal,” Pierce said. “I think there needs to be more of a concerted effort to regionalize when it comes to addressing our outdated infrastructure, economic development, health disparities, and public safety.”

Mirroring his idea for a rural crime task force, Pierce wants to start a rural caucus. Since the majority of the state identifies as rural, he argues, “There needs to be a more concerted effort on the part of us as legislators to identify the similarities we have despite our geographical differences.”

Pierce believes Tuesday's victory may boost his standing in the state House. “You’re doubted because you’re new—because of the part of the state that you’re in. When you show the doubters that, given the opportunity, we can achieve as well. I’ve always been open to working with my caucus and working across the aisle to bring about tangible benefits, not just in our district, but throughout North Carolina.”