Cabarrus County, February 13, 2026
As primary elections near, candidates in Cabarrus County’s State Senate District 34 are prioritizing tax reductions and increased teacher salaries. Incumbent Chris Measmer emphasizes less regulation and public safety, while challenger Kevin Crutchfield advocates for affordability and improved infrastructure. Both candidates recognize the necessity of balancing fiscal policies and educational investments for the county’s continued growth and better quality of life for citizens.
Charlotte, NC –
Cabarrus Candidates Eye Tax Cuts, Teacher Pay Hikes
As the primary elections approach, candidates for Cabarrus County’s State Senate District 34 are focusing on key economic and community issues, including proposals for tax reductions and enhanced teacher compensation, aiming to foster sustained economic growth and educational excellence in the region.
The spirit of entrepreneurial innovation and small-business resilience continues to drive the Charlotte metropolitan area’s prosperity. With Cabarrus County experiencing notable economic growth and development, discussions around fiscal policy and educational investment are central to its future trajectory. Voters are keenly observing how aspiring leaders plan to balance tax policy with essential public services, seeking approaches that champion both individual achievement and community well-being.
Cabarrus County, nestled northeast of Charlotte and easily accessible via I-85, is a significant part of the broader Charlotte-Gastonia-Concord Metropolitan Statistical Area. Its strategic location and a robust local economy contribute to its rapid growth. From 2022 to 2023, the county’s population saw a 2.15% increase, reaching 231,262 residents. During the same period, the median household income grew by 2.69% to $86,084, reflecting a dynamic local economy. Employment also expanded by 2.68% between 2022 and 2023, with key sectors including Retail Trade, Health Care & Social Assistance, and Manufacturing serving as significant employers for the region’s workforce.
District 34 Candidates on Economic Policy and Education
The Republican primary for North Carolina State Senate District 34, scheduled for March 3, 2026, features incumbent Chris Measmer and challenger Kevin Crutchfield. The candidate who wins the primary will advance to the general election in November to face Democrat April Cook.
Chris Measmer, who was appointed to the seat in 2025, has advocated for policies that emphasize less regulation, fewer taxes, and increased public safety. He has also prioritized state-level reform to address the burden of high property taxes affecting homeowners and businesses across North Carolina.
Kevin Crutchfield, a founder and CFO of Casco Signs, identifies affordability as the paramount issue in Cabarrus County. His platform centers on implementing policies designed to lower taxes, reduce red tape, and grow paychecks. Crutchfield also highlights the importance of keeping pace with necessary infrastructure, including roads and schools, as the county continues its expansion.
Taxation: State-Level Context and Local Impact
North Carolina has implemented multiple rounds of personal and corporate income tax rate reductions since 2013. As of 2026, the state has shifted from a progressive tax system to a flat tax rate of 3.99% on income above the standard deduction, effectively lowering rates for all income earners. The standard deduction has more than doubled since 2013, which has resulted in more low-income households owing no state income taxes.
There are varying perspectives on the economic effects of these tax policies. Some analyses suggest that despite these cuts, North Carolina’s economic growth rate has been comparable to that of neighboring states and the nation as a whole, with the primary benefits accruing to wealthy shareholders and high-income individuals. This perspective also raises concerns about reduced investments in public goods like schools, infrastructure, and broadband due to the redirected funds.
Conversely, other assessments indicate that these tax cuts have yielded positive results. From 2018 to 2024, North Carolina’s per-capita income and Gross Domestic Product (GDP) reportedly grew at rates higher than the national average and many neighboring states. Proponents of these cuts also point to over $12.6 billion in state surpluses in the decade following the 2013 tax cuts, refuting predictions of budget shortfalls. State tax revenue has also grown at a significantly faster pace than inflation plus population in the decade following the 2013 tax cuts. Furthermore, federal tax reforms, such as the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, have been linked to job creation, facility expansions, and pay increases for some businesses in North Carolina.
The North Carolina Senate’s 2025 budget proposal includes plans for further personal income tax rate reductions, with the potential for the rate to drop as low as 1.99%.
Investing in Education: Teacher Compensation
Teacher compensation remains a critical topic across North Carolina. The state currently ranks among the lower tier nationally for average and starting teacher salaries, and it spends less per student and on teacher pay compared to neighboring states like Georgia, Virginia, and South Carolina.
In response to these concerns, a new legislative proposal, House Bill 192, introduced by Republican representatives in the North Carolina General Assembly, aims to significantly increase teacher salaries. This bill proposes raising starting teacher salaries from $41,000 to $50,000 annually and boosting pay for veteran teachers with 25 or more years of experience from $55,950 to $68,230. The proposed legislation would result in an overall pay increase for teachers of 22%. Additionally, it seeks to restore salary supplements that were revoked in 2013 for teachers holding master’s degrees, offering an additional $126 monthly, and doctoral degrees, providing an extra $253 monthly. Supplements for National Board Certification, a 12% monthly increase, are also part of this proposal.
Separately, the North Carolina Senate’s 2025-27 budget proposal includes an average 2.3% pay increase for teachers in Fiscal Year 2025-26, and an average increase of 3.3% over the biennium, along with a $3,000 bonus distributed over two years. Under this Senate proposal, the average teacher pay is estimated to reach $62,407.
Cabarrus County’s Economic Engine
The Cabarrus Economic Development Corporation (EDC) plays a crucial role in the county’s economic vitality. The EDC is actively involved in business retention, expansion, entrepreneurship, and attracting new businesses to the area. Significant recent investments include major manufacturing facilities from Red Bull/Rauch North America/Ball Corporation and Eli Lilly and Company. These economic investments are anticipated to stimulate spending at local small businesses, potentially reduce taxes for residents, and create advanced job opportunities for the local workforce.
Furthermore, Downtown Concord is undergoing a significant revitalization, featuring private investments in mixed-use projects that will introduce new market-rate and workforce apartments, commercial retail spaces, and a rooftop restaurant. These developments reflect a concerted effort to enhance the economic and social fabric of the community.
Looking Ahead for Charlotte’s Neighbor
The ongoing dialogue in Cabarrus County’s State Senate District 34 regarding tax cuts and teacher pay highlights a broader commitment to prudent fiscal management and robust public education across North Carolina. As Charlotte and its surrounding communities continue to grow, the decisions made by local leaders will shape the environment for North Carolina entrepreneurs and Charlotte small business owners, directly influencing economic growth and the overall quality of life. Engaging with these policy discussions and supporting local enterprises are vital for nurturing a thriving and prosperous future for the entire region.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the primary focuses of Cabarrus County’s State Senate District 34 candidates?
Candidates for Cabarrus County’s State Senate District 34 are primarily focusing on tax reductions and enhanced teacher compensation.
Who are the main candidates in the Cabarrus County State Senate District 34 Republican primary?
The main candidates in the Cabarrus County State Senate District 34 Republican primary are incumbent Chris Measmer and challenger Kevin Crutchfield.
What are Chris Measmer’s key policy priorities?
Chris Measmer advocates for less regulation, fewer taxes, and increased public safety. He also aims for state-level reform to address high property taxes.
What are Kevin Crutchfield’s key policy priorities?
Kevin Crutchfield prioritizes affordability in Cabarrus County, focusing on lower taxes, less red tape, and policies that grow paychecks. He also emphasizes maintaining infrastructure, including roads and schools.
What is the current state personal income tax rate in North Carolina?
As of 2026, North Carolina has a flat state personal income tax rate of 3.99% on income above the standard deduction.
What are the recent proposals for teacher salary increases in North Carolina?
House Bill 192 proposes raising starting teacher salaries from $41,000 to $50,000 and boosting pay for veteran teachers (25+ years) from $55,950 to $68,230, an overall increase of 22%. The North Carolina Senate’s 2025-27 budget proposal includes an average 2.3% pay increase for teachers in Fiscal Year 2025-26 and an average increase of 3.3% over the biennium, plus a $3,000 bonus over two years.
When was additional pay for master’s degrees for teachers in North Carolina revoked, and is it being considered for restoration?
Additional pay for master’s degrees for teachers in North Carolina was revoked in 2013. House Bill 192 proposes to restore salary supplements for teachers with master’s degrees, offering an additional $126 monthly.
What is the role of the Cabarrus Economic Development Corporation (EDC)?
The Cabarrus Economic Development Corporation (EDC) is involved in business retention, expansion, entrepreneurship, and attracting new businesses to Cabarrus County.
Key Features of Cabarrus County Senate District 34 Discussions
| Feature | Details | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Election Date | March 3, 2026 | Local |
| General Election Date | November 2026 | Local |
| Incumbent Republican Candidate | Chris Measmer | Local |
| Challenger Republican Candidate | Kevin Crutchfield | Local |
| Democratic Candidate | April Cook | Local |
| Chris Measmer’s Focus | Less regulation, fewer taxes, increased public safety, state-level property tax reform | State-level |
| Kevin Crutchfield’s Focus | Affordability, lower taxes, less red tape, growing paychecks, infrastructure maintenance (roads, schools) | State-level / Local |
| NC Personal Income Tax Rate (2026) | 3.99% flat rate above standard deduction | State-level |
| Proposed HB 192 Teacher Starting Salary Increase | From $41,000 to $50,000 annually | State-level |
| Proposed HB 192 Veteran Teacher Salary Increase (25+ years) | From $55,950 to $68,230 annually | State-level |
| Proposed HB 192 Overall Teacher Pay Increase | 22% | State-level |
| Proposed HB 192 Master’s Degree Supplement Restoration | $126 monthly | State-level |
| NC Senate 2025-27 Budget Teacher Average Pay Increase (FY 25-26) | 2.3% | State-level |
| NC Senate 2025-27 Budget Teacher Average Pay Increase (Over biennium) | 3.3% | State-level |
| NC Senate 2025-27 Budget Teacher Bonus | $3,000 over two years | State-level |
| Cabarrus County Population (2023) | 231,262 | Local |
| Cabarrus County Median Household Income (2023) | $86,084 | Local |
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