Val Applewhite
Val Applewhite is an American politician who has served as a member of the North Carolina Senate since January 1, 2023.A Democrat from Fayetteville, she represents the 19th district.Applewhite is a retired United States Air Force veteran. She is a graduate of Southern New Hampshire University and Strayer University
Quotes
edit- I voted in support of Senate Bill 3, the NC Compassionate Care Act, I believe it is time North Carolina passes medical marijuana. My district is home to Fort Liberty, where many disabled veterans live and suffer from chronic pain due to their service. During my campaign, veterans repeatedly expressed the need for medical marijuana as an alternative treatment for pain management. As a disabled veteran myself, I understand firsthand the challenges of managing pain. This bill was an opportunity for the state to take meaningful action to support our veterans beyond words of gratitude. While the bill has not yet passed the NC House, I remain hopeful that it will in the next session. As for recreational marijuana, I don't foresee it becoming law in the near future, and it is not something I would support at this time. My priority is ensuring we address the immediate healthcare needs of those who need it most, particularly our veterans
- The claim that N.C. Opportunity Scholarships are about "parental choice" is misleading. Yes, parents should have the ability to choose to send their children to private schools, but they should use private funds — not public tax dollars meant for our struggling public schools. In Cumberland County alone, these vouchers will divert over $25 million from our public schools, further starving a system that’s in crisis. This isn’t about choice — it’s about undermining public education.
- The Republican legislature is perpetuating a slow death for our public schools by systematically underfunding them while failing to meet the North Carolina Constitution’s requirement for a sound, basic education for every child. Their efforts align with Trump’s Project 2025, a national agenda aimed at dismantling public education. Our children deserve better — they deserve a world-class public education that equips them to compete globally, not one sacrificed to political agendas and the privileged few.
- I voted against Senate Bill 20, the so-called "Care for Women, Children and Families Act." The title is misleading because SB 20 demonstrates a deep disregard for women and their right to make their own healthcare decisions. This bill reduced the abortion limit from 20 weeks to 12 and in my opinion is just the beginning of attacks on women’s reproductive rights in North Carolina. To be clear, this is not about a woman's "ability to keep her skirt down," as some might suggest — it's about one of the most sensitive and deeply personal healthcare decisions a woman can face. I fully supported the 20-week limit, which allowed exceptions for rape, incest, and when a woman's life is in danger, based on her doctor’s advice
- Women have fought too hard and come too far to have their rights stripped away. Women, not politicians, should make decisions about their own healthcare. I stand firmly in defense of a woman’s right to make her own healthcare decisions
- It’s impossible to pick just one challenge as North Carolina’s biggest issue. Our state faces complex, interconnected problems — public education, healthcare, housing, economic growth, environment, clean water, voting rights, and more. Each issue is critical and our citizens deserve thoughtful solutions to address them all.
- However, an underlying issue that is most concerning is the extreme partisanship that’s preventing us from doing the real work North Carolinians deserve. As an Air Force veteran, I’ve seen firsthand what’s possible when people work together toward a common goal. But in the legislature, too often, bills and budgets are crafted behind closed doors, with little input from across the aisle. This undermines democracy by silencing the voices of those we represent. No one party has all of the best ideas; our citizens deserve our best collective efforts.
- I believe we can do better and I am committed to doing my part. I will continue to represent the needs of my entire district and our state, while working with anyone who’s willing to collaborate for the good of North Carolina, but never compromising my values. The challenges we face are too important for us to remain divided. We owe it to our state to work together to build a better future for all.
- The legalization of recreational or medical marijuana is a complex and debated issue, and opinions vary. Some argue for its potential medical benefits, economic impact, and social justice considerations, while others express concerns about public health and safety. If North Carolina were to consider legalization, we would need to discuss regulations to address issues like age restrictions, licensing, and taxation to ensure responsible use. It's essential for any policy to strike a balance between individual freedoms and societal interests while addressing potential risks.
- I want to be clear — supporting Opportunity Scholarships doesn’t mean I’m against public schools. I’m in favor of both. I fully support the N.C. Opportunity Scholarship program, also known as school vouchers, because it gives families the freedom to choose the best educational environment for their children. What I prioritize is the student and their individual needs. Every child deserves the chance to succeed, whether in a public, private or charter school.
- These scholarships are distributed based on household income, ensuring that low- and middle-income families benefit the most. As the program stands today, higher-income households are unlikely to qualify for a voucher, making it a targeted solution for those who need financial support. This gives families who couldn’t otherwise afford private school tuition the ability to make the best choice for their children based on academic needs, safety concerns or other factors.
- I recognize the concerns that some have about how this program might affect public schools. As senator, I will work to close any gaps within the Opportunity Scholarship program, because I know it’s not a perfect system. I believe we can support both public and private education, and I’m committed to finding solutions that improve the program while ensuring our public schools remain strong. This doesn’t have to be a zero-sum game. Competition can drive improvement, and at the end of the day, it’s about making sure every child — no matter their background — has access to a quality education.
- The biggest challenge facing North Carolina today is affordable housing. As our state experiences rapid growth, housing costs continue to rise, making it harder for working- and middle-class families to find affordable places to live. This issue directly impacts our workforce, local economies, and community stability.
==External link==please sign on the fair tax bill