Politics

Democratic primary for state Senate draws third candidate

Cristal Figueroa fills out paperwork at the Henderson County Board of Elections for the state Senate District 48 seat.

By Lightning Reports, Published: December 17, 2019

Henderson County native Cristal Figueroa filed to run for the state Senate District 48 on Monday, assuring a three-way Democratic primary with four days remaining until qualifying closes.

“It’s been three months to the day since I announced the start of my campaign," Figueroa said in a news release. "Since then I have met so many people who are ready for a change in Raleigh. I feel that the needs of the great people of Western North Carolina are overlooked far too often and I plan on changing that."

A graduate of UNC Asheville with a bachelor’s in political science, Figueroa has volunteered to aid victims of domestic violence, works with children who have learning disabilities and works as a legal aid to a local immigration attorney. Brian Caskey, a Mills River Town Council member, and Najah Underwood, of Hendersonville, have also filed for the Democratic nomination to challenge Sen. Chuck Edwards, who has drawn no Republican opponent so far.

“I am an average North Carolinian, and it’s time that we are represented in Raleigh," Figueroa said. "I will fight to make sure our teachers are treated with dignity and respect, that our workers are paid a fair wage, and that we are investing in a sustainable future.”

Figueroa's website is www.figueraforncsenate2020.com.