As the 2018 Democratic primary approaches, we’d like to help you get to know the candidates… so over the next few weeks, we’ll be publishing “Meet the Candidates” for all of the Democratic primary candidates in Craven County.

Today’s installment is NC House District 79, which encompasses the northern/western half of Craven County, as well as all of Beaufort County. District 79 was created in 2017 as part of the court-ordered redistricting process, after the courts repeatedly struck down Republican attempts to rig North Carolina’s elections through partisan gerrymanders. The Republican candidate in NC 79 is Keith Kidwell, whose campaign website indicates that he supports the Republican Party’s racist vote-suppression measures, opposes common-sense gun safety reforms, wants to undermine our public schools by diverting our taxpayer dollars to private schools, and will generally be a rubber-stamp for all of the NC Republican Party policies that have made the NC General Assembly a symbol for everything that is wrong with GOP-run government.

This year, we’ve got two great Democratic candidates working to get the nomination to win this newly-created seat: Bryson Jones and Jerry Langley. One-Stop Early Voting for the 2018 primary starts April 19, with Election Day on May 8. Cast your vote early, and bring a family member, friend, or neighbor with you so they can vote too!

Reminder: The Craven County Democratic Party doesn’t endorse candidates in competitive Democratic primaries. Candidates are listed in alphabetical order. Candidate bios and photos were provided to the Craven County Democratic Party by the campaigns.

Bryson Jones

Bryson Jones is a New Bern resident originally from Billings, Montana. Jones decided to remain in New Bern, NC after serving honorably for 14 years in the Marine Corps. He and his wife, Brittany, have three children and are expecting their fourth child in April 2018. Jones has spent his career serving his country and has a strong desire to continue this service by being an advocate for people in his area.

During his time in the Marine Corps he has acted as an Operations Chief as well as a Visual Information Management Chief. These experiences have taught him how to lead even in traumatizing times of adversity, such as war. He is a Veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Operation Enduring Freedom (Afghanistan), and the Global War on Terror. Additionally, during his service, he was awarded (2) Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medals, (4) Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, the Humanitarian Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Iraqi Campaign Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal and the NATO Medal International Security Assistance Force.

No matter what endeavor he has taken on in service of his country he has done so with honor and dignity. Jones has been entrusted with the lives of many and would like to continue his service as a civilian fighting for affordable health care, equality, education and our environment. During his role as a Gunnery Sgt. his duty was to keep things moving forward with a focus on mission accomplishment. His goal is to bring this same drive, fresh ideas and positive change for citizens in House District 79.

Connect with Bryson Jones:
Campaign Website — Facebook — Twitter

Jerry Langley

Jerry is a lifelong resident of eastern North Carolina. He is married to his wife Alice of 34 years. They have one son Quincy and five god-children. Jerry’s life has been dedicated to helping people. Jerry’s love for people has compelled him to work with and for people as this has been his passion. Children, education, the elderly, mental health and economic development keeps him striving to be all he can be for the people he serves. Jerry understands rural eastern North Carolina and the problems we face. Jerry gets it and he understands the needs of eastern North Carolina as eastern North Carolina has always been home.

Jerry Langley has been in pastoral ministry for 7 years and a Beaufort County Commissioner with 14 years as a Deputy Sheriff and Investigator, 20 years in Probation and Parole, 16 years as a Surveillance Officer, and 4 years as a Judicial Services Coordinator. Beaufort County citizens have placed their trust in him as a County Commissioner for 18 years. He has received the Order of the Long Leaf Pine for his long term service to his community. Jerry has a BS from Liberty University and a MA from Grand Canyon university in Biblical Studies. Jerry and his wife, Alice and their son are Beaufort County natives.

Connect with Jerry Langley:
Campaign Website — Facebook