Former State Senator From Blowing Rock Running For Lt. Governor

Former NC State Senator Deanna Ballard, a Republican from Blowing Rock, has added her name to a field of candidates running for Lt. Governor. Incumbent Lt, Governor Republican Mark Robinson is campaigning for governor. Other candidates include Jeffrey Elmore of North Wilkesboro, Hal Weatherman, Peter Boykin, Allen Mashburn, Sam Page, who are also Republicans, and Democrat Rachel Hunt.

Ballard’s press release stated:

“During the pandemic, Sen. Ballard led the charge to reopen public schools, recognizing the disaster that awaited the state and country from the awful decision to keep kids away from the classroom. “She went toe-to-toe with Gov. Roy Cooper, former Dept. of Health and Human Services Secretary Mandy Cohen, and the teachers’ union, forcing their hand by passing landmark legislation ordering the schools reopened.”

Ballard grew up in Lincoln County, the middle daughter of a school teacher and a logger. In 2009, she started working with the Rev. Franklin Graham and family at Billy Graham’s ministry and Samaritan’s Purse. In 2016, she ran for office for the first time.