State Sen. Ben Clark, who played a key role in helping bring more than $400 million to Cumberland County in the state budget, filed Monday for the U.S. House of Representatives, and another challenger filed for a Fayetteville City Council seat.
Others filing Monday were Republican Leonard Bryant for U.S. Senate and Prince Christian for the N.C. House District 43 seat. Christian will face former state Rep. Elmer Floyd in the Democratic primary. State Rep. Diane Wheatley, a Republican, previously filed for the seat.
“I know it’s an uphill climb,” Clark, 62, said. “It’s going to be a challenge, but I would like to put a focus on issues that matter to families. Quality health care, education for kids. Just do what we can to build strength in families.”
Clark is in his fifth term in the N.C. Senate, representing District 21 that includes Cumberland and Hoke counties. Clark is the Senate Democratic Caucus secretary. He joined with Sen. Kirk deViere and House members Billy Richardson, John Szoka, Marvin Lucas and Wheatley - all of the Cumberland County legislative delegation - in negotiating $400 million for Cumberland and neighboring communities as part of the $25.9 billion state budget signed into law on Nov. 18 by Gov. Roy Cooper.
“I couldn’t have gotten out on a better term,” Clark said. “I will look back on the past year fondly.”
Clark filed for the U.S. House District 9 seat. Republicans bidding for the District 9 seat are incumbent Richardson Hudson of Concord and Francisco Rios of Charlotte.
Other filings
Sonya Renita Massey is the latest resident to file for a City Council seat, bringing the total number of challengers to 14 for nine council seats. That does not include four challengers to Mayor Mitch Colvin. The mayor and six council members also have filed.
Massey is running against District 9 incumbent Yvonne Kinston. Deno Hondros also has filed for the seat.
The filing period ends at noon Friday.
Bill Kirby Jr. can be reached at billkirby49@gmail.com or 910-624-1961.
