Politics

Democrat announces campaign for state House

Lynne Russo

By Lightning Reports, Published: August 13, 2025

Lynne Russo on Wednesday launched her campaign for the North Carolina House of Representatives in District 117.

Touting a platform built around public-school funding, rural recovery, disaster relief and veteran support, Russo, a Democrat, promised leadership focused on action, not partisanship.

“There’s too much talk in Raleigh and not enough doing,” Russo said in a news release. “Everywhere I go—schools, farms, small businesses, union halls—people tell me the same thing: They’re tired of political games. They want Hurricane Helene funding, strong schools and real leadership that works for everyone—not just the well-connected.”
Russo’s campaign slogan, 'Fighting for YOU,' reflects Russo’s commitment to tackling the real problems facing District 117 and North Carolina—rather than catering to corporate donors, who she believes have bought and paid for the current GOP. The campaign also debuted its website, www.lynnerussofornc.com, where voters can learn more, donate, or sign up to volunteer.
Following Hurricane Helene, Russo mobilized supplies, secured media attention, and became a voice for survivors across the region. While the state has allocated nearly $2 billion toward recovery—focused largely on rebuilding—urgent needs remain unmet, especially when it comes to grants for small businesses in rural areas.
“The truth is, without the federal aid we were promised—but still haven’t received—our region’s recovery simply hasn’t kept pace with the scale of the devastation,” Russo said. “It’s time for focused, fast-moving leadership to deliver the support our people and local businesses need to fully rebuild and thrive.”
Russo is challenging second-term incumbent Rep. Jennifer Balkcom.
Education is another key pillar of Russo’s campaign. North Carolina ranks 43rd in overall teacher pay and 39th in starting salary, leading to chronic turnover and persistent staffing shortages. Russo is committed to reversing that trend.

“We’re losing great teachers because we refuse to invest in them,” she said. “If we want thriving communities, we need to fully fund public schools—not siphon money off to private school vouchers.”
She plans to fight for increased funding for public schools, and supports rebuilding and modernizing schools damaged by Hurricane Helene to ensure that students and teachers have safe, functional classrooms equipped for the future.
A longtime advocate and communications strategist, Russo has worked with national nonprofits such as the Education Trust, the Milken Family Foundation and the Prostate Cancer Foundation. Her career has centered on amplifying the voices of overlooked communities, securing funding and advancing public policy that puts people first.