My opponent — who votes more like a Republican than some actual Republicans — claims he’s a Democrat just to have a chance to win in House District 27. 

Now, he’s pushing the narrative that I haven’t passed any bills or secured funding for our district.

Let’s be clear: This isn’t about my inaction — it’s about Republican dysfunction in Raleigh.

For months, GOP leadership couldn’t even pass a full state budget, which is how legislators secure district funding. 

And Democrats, who’ve been in the minority since 2010, don’t control the calendar, agenda, or budget.

For context, hundreds of bills from both parties die in committee every session — regardless of a legislator’s experience. 

When Republicans finally passed a “mini-budget” last month, I voted no because it failed our community. 

It underfunded Medicaid by $319 million, leaving over 34,000 of my constituents — mostly young women between the ages of 6 to 18  at risk. 

It also hurts rural healthcare providers who rely on Medicaid reimbursements. 

We had the money, but GOP leaders chose to follow Donald Trump’s orders over helping everyday North Carolinians.

My opponent claims he was more “effective” in similar conditions. 

Let’s look at the record.

In his first six years — when Democrats held the majority — it was easier to get bills passed. But when Republicans took over in 2011, none of the 17 bills he filed as lead sponsor passed the House. 

Most of the legislation he primarily sponsored served his own business interests. 

That’s his right — but criticizing me for fighting for the public good is hypocritical.

He knocks my vote against the mini-budget. 

Yet in 2011, under GOP control, he voted against both Republican budgets and supported the Democratic governor’s vetoes of them. Again — hypocritical.

In my first term, I’ve filed more bills — 19 — all focused on community needs — not personal gain. 

These include bipartisan efforts like HB 128 (Prostate Cancer Control), HB 688 (Funds for Inclusive Playgrounds), and HB 103 (American Indian Hunting/Fishing Rights).

And I’ve already delivered. 

Language from HB 688 made it into the House budget that passed in May, and my amendment to HB 97 — a bill that passed the House unanimously the same month — expanded firefighter cancer death benefits to include colon cancer.

I’m in my first term, which happens to be my first session under GOP control. He was in his fourth term when he had his first session under GOP control. 

I’ve already had more impact.

Let’s stick to facts. Let’s move forward. And let’s leave the hypocrisy behind.

Oh, and yes — the debate invitation still stands — Rodney Pierce