Meet Claire

Claire Kempner is a wife, stay-at-home mom, and advocate who believes in the collective power of community. Claire is running for House District 9 because Pitt County families deserve a leader who is serious about tackling the issues they are facing, and not someone who is distracted by political games or working to enrich themselves.

Community Involvement

Claire, her husband Greg, and their three children have called Pitt County home since 2016. Being active and engaged in community organizations has always been important to Claire. She has volunteered with the Humane Society, the United Way, and a maternity home for unhoused women & their children. Claire has served as the Secretary of the Pitt County Democratic Party and has been a key contributor to local campaigns. Additionally, she has advocated for common sense gun safety laws as the NC Chapter Leader of Moms Demand Action. In her spare time, Claire enjoys gardening, baking and cheering on her kids during their soccer games & swim meets.

Issues (At a Glance)

Protect & fully fund public education
Lower housing & childcare costs
Defend reproductive freedom & voting rights
Expand broadband connectivity
Support small businesses
Provide quality, affordable healthcare

Issues:

Education

The North Carolina constitution guarantees every citizen the right to an education and provides it’s the state’s responsibility to maintain that right. Quality public education is critical to the future of our communities and for making sure every kid has the opportunity to be successful in life. In the Leandro Court Case, it was determined that our Republican controlled legislature is violating our constitution by not fully funding our public schools. Our teachers, students, and communities deserve better.

Economic Development/Jobs

For the last two years, North Carolina has been named the best state for business in the country. We should be proud. We should also invest in becoming the best state for workers. While businesses and industries are thriving, the rising costs of gas, groceries, childcare, and housing are hurting the Pitt County workers and families who are powering our economy. I understand the economic pressures facing families because they impact me, my husband and our three children. I will be dedicated to delivering real solutions that continue to grow our economy and lower costs for families.

Healthcare

I believe that quality, affordable healthcare is a right. After over a decade of trying, the state legislature passed Medicaid Expansion in 2023. This life saving legislation will provide health insurance to 600,000 North Carolinians, critical funding to our hospitals in rural areas, and support new jobs in the healthcare field. I believe we have a lot more work to do to continue lifting up the members of our community that are struggling with mental health and addiction. Pitt County is leading the way in providing needed mental healthcare with the announcement last year that ECU Health and Acadia Health will open a 144 bed behavioral health hospital to serve Eastern North Carolina.

Women's Rights/Reproductive Freedom

Whether and when to have a child is one of the most consequential decisions a woman can make in her lifetime. Politicians should not be legislating women’s bodies. I trust women to make their own health care decisions, and I will fight to defend reproductive freedom.

Environment

North Carolina has a thriving environment and diverse natural resources that powers our agricultural industries and make us a leading state for tourism. From the mountains to the coast, we need to protect our beautiful natural resources and people from the risks of climate change. The people of Pitt County deserve a representative who believes clean air and water is a fundamental right and is necessary for a safe and healthy community.