AFP-NC Announces Additional 2026 State Legislature Endorsements

Feb 10, 2026 by AFP

RALEIGH, NC – Today, Americans for Prosperity-North Carolina (AFP-NC) endorsed Senator Benton Sawrey (SD-10), Senator Lisa Barnes (SD-11), Steve Jarvis (SD-30), Senator Chris Measmer (SD-34), Representative Jeff Zenger (HD-74), Representative Neal Jackson (HD-78), and Chris Stock. AFP-NC will leverage its vast grassroots capabilities to support these candidates in the lead-up to statewide primary elections on March 3.

AFP-NC State Director Tyler Voigt released the following statement:

“It is vital that we have strong leaders in the state legislature. Each of these candidates will put our principles into action, championing limited government, economic freedom, and other policies that empower all North Carolinians. We look forward to mobilizing our grassroots network to back them.”

AFP-NC Managing Director of External Affairs Dalton Clark added:

“North Carolinians want elected representatives who share their values and understand the issues they are facing. These candidates will work hard to make life more affordable for citizens from Manteo to Murphy.”

Background:

Senator Benton Sawrey (SD-10)

Since joining the North Carolina Senate in 2022, Senator Sawrey has positioned himself as a rising star in the legislature. He has championed increased accountability in the rulemaking process, school choice policies, and tax cuts. As Chairman of the Health Care Committee, Senator Sawrey has also increased access to healthcare while fighting to lower costs. We are proud to endorse him for reelection.

Senator Lisa Barnes (SD-11)

Senator Barnes currently chairs both the Agriculture, Energy, and Environment Committee and the Appropriations on Agriculture, Natural, and Economic Resources Committee. As a farmer, she understands the unique economic and regulatory issues North Carolina farmers face. She has also been a strong voice for expanding school choice. Her years of public service make us confident she will continue to be a strong ally in Raleigh.

Senator Steve Jarvis (SD-30)

Senator Jarvis is running for his fourth term in the Senate after serving one term in the House. He is a proven champion of limited government, currently serving as Chair of the Regulatory Reform Committee in the North Carolina Senate. He was a primary sponsor of the REINS Act, which increases transparency in government and holds unelected bureaucrats accountable. He is a battle-tested leader on regulatory reform, school choice, and lower taxes, and we look forward to continued partnership with him.

Senator Chris Measmer (SD-34)

Although Senator Measmer was only appointed to fill the vacant District 34 Senate seat in early 2025, he is no stranger to public office or his district. He was born and raised in Cabarrus County, where his family has lived for generations. Before his appointment to the Senate, he served two terms as a county commissioner, including as chairman. Additionally, as a second-generation small business owner, he has a deep understanding of how overregulation can harm small businesses. We are excited to continue to work with Senator Measmer to cut red tape, lower taxes, and expand school choice.

Representative Jeff Zenger (HD-74)

During his three terms in the North Carolina House, Representative Zenger has proven time and time again to be a staunch supporter of limited government. As chairman of the Housing Development Committee and the Regulatory Reform Committee, he has led on policies that make housing more affordable and cut unnecessary red tape. This biennium, Representative Zenger served as a primary sponsor of the North Carolina REINS Act and HB 763, which removes unnecessary licensing regulations. He has also worked to lower the cost of healthcare, and we are thrilled to support his reelection bid.

Representative Neal Jackson (HD-78)

Representative Jackson joined the state legislature in 2022 and, since then, has worked to expand school choice and reduce government spending. He is a member of House leadership and currently serves as the senior chairman of the House Finance Committee and vice chairman on the Energy and Public Utilities Committee and the Property Tax Reduction and Reform Committee. We look forward to seeing Jackson’s continued success serving the people of District 78.

Chris Stock

Stock has more than 10 years of experience in local politics and will be ready to hit the ground running on day one in office as the state senator for District 18. He is familiar with the issues facing small business owners, students and others across Granville and northern Wake County. In the North Carolina Senate, Stock will support school choice and lower taxes. We are excited to throw our grassroots capabilities behind him.