Deborah Cochran

This page was current at the end of the individual's last campaign covered by Ballotpedia. Please contact us with any updates.

Deborah Cochran

Republican Party

Elections and appointments

Last election

March 3, 2020

Education

Bachelor's

Gardner-Webb University, 1986

Personal

Birthplace

North Carolina

Religion

Protestant

Profession

Business educator

Contact

Campaign website

Campaign Facebook

Campaign Twitter

Personal Facebook

Personal LinkedIn

Deborah Cochran (Republican Party) ran for election for Lieutenant Governor of North Carolina. She lost in the Republican primary on March 3, 2020.

Cochran completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2020. Click here to read the survey answers.

Biography

Cochran was born in Forsyth County, North Carolina, but she grew up in Mount Airy. She earned her bachelor's degree from Gardner-Webb University in 1986 and her teaching certificate from NC State University in 2018. Her professional experience includes working as a business educator.

Elections

2020

See also: North Carolina lieutenant gubernatorial election, 2020

North Carolina lieutenant gubernatorial election, 2020 (March 3 Republican primary)

North Carolina lieutenant gubernatorial election, 2020 (March 3 Democratic primary)

General election

General election for Lieutenant Governor of North Carolina

Mark K. Robinson defeated Yvonne Lewis Holley in the general election for Lieutenant Governor of North Carolina on November 3, 2020.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Mark K. Robinson (R)	51.6	2,800,656
		Yvonne Lewis Holley (D)	48.4	2,623,458

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	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 5,424,114
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
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Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for Lieutenant Governor of North Carolina

The following candidates ran in the Democratic primary for Lieutenant Governor of North Carolina on March 3, 2020.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Yvonne Lewis Holley	26.6	309,274
		Terry Van Duyn	20.4	237,885
		Chaz Beasley	18.9	219,503
		Allen Thomas Jr.	18.8	219,229
		Bill Toole	9.6	111,843
	Submit photo	Ronald L. Newton	5.7	65,970

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	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 1,163,704
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Republican primary election

Republican primary for Lieutenant Governor of North Carolina

The following candidates ran in the Republican primary for Lieutenant Governor of North Carolina on March 3, 2020.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Mark K. Robinson	32.5	240,843
		Andy Wells	14.6	107,824
		Mark Johnson	12.0	89,200
	Submit photo	John Ritter	11.5	85,023
		Renee Ellmers	6.8	50,526
		Greg Gebhardt	6.8	50,474
		Deborah Cochran	6.5	48,234
		Scott Stone	6.5	48,193
	Submit photo	Buddy Bengel	2.8	20,395

---

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 740,712
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
If you are a candidate and would like to tell readers and voters more about why they should vote for you, complete the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection Survey.
Do you want a spreadsheet of this type of data? Contact our sales team.

Campaign themes

2020

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

Deborah Cochran completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2020. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Cochran's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

Expand all | Collapse all

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am Deborah Cochran from Mount Airy, N.C. My mother supported the family working in a factory and my father was paralyzed and had seizures since age 16. I am the only one in her family to graduate high school and college and hold a bachelor's degree in Business Management from Gardner-Webb University and teaching license in Business & Marketing Information Technology from N.C. State University. Currently a business teacher in her 5th year at J.F. Kennedy High School in Winston-Salem and Future Business Leaders of America Adviser. I served as mayor of Mount Airy from 2009 to 2015. Prior to being elected mayor, I was City Commissioner for Mount Airy too. I have a proven conservative record of lowering property taxes, recruiting industry and standing up for citizens. I have broadcast experience in radio and taught 18 years part-time at a community college. I brings history and experience with an executive, legislative and educational background that make me specifically qualified. The Lt. Governor serves on the Board of Education and Community Colleges.I am a Notary Public since 1984 and have a Concealed Carry permit. I have an expansive background of Public Service and is a lifelong member of Salvation Army. I am blessed to have received Disabled American Award of Merit, National Association of University women, Altrusa International and General Federation of Republican Women for Community Service.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

• Economic Development & Job Growth for all counties
• Educational Excellence and Trade Careers
• Public Safety

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Educational Excellence with my teacher background having taught in Public School and Community College. I support School Choice. Parents know what is best for their children not the state. I strongly support Trade Careers to fill the skills gap. Apprenticeship programs, internships, credentials and certifications in high school and community colleges will help fill the skills gap.

What qualities does this office possess that makes it a unique and important part of the state government and legal system?

The Lt. Governor is appointed to the Board of Economic Development, Board of Education and Board of Community Colleges. I have vast experience in each area. I recruited a California based industry to my hometown without any subsidies. I helped in other areas of economic development such as lowering property taxes 30%. I am in my 5th year of teaching at JF Kennedy High School and taught 18 years part-time at Surry Community College.

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

Holy Bible

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

The person must have a heart for God and for others. I am a life long member of the Salvation Army and believe in Christ, the hope of Glory.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

Passion, hard work and dedication

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

Educational Excellence, Economic Development and Public Safety.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I want my family and friends to know that I stayed true to who I am and to biblical principals. I want those who know me to know I did everything humanly possible to make a positive difference in this world.

What is your favorite book? Why?

Holy Bible. If everyone lived by those principles, this world would be a heavenly.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

Wonder Woman

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

The Anchor Holds

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

My parents, grandparents and paternal aunts and uncles have all passed away.

What responsibilities of this office do you personally consider the most important?

Economic development and education are as core as it gets. The youth is the hope of the future, and we must prepare them for a high tech, global economy.

Are there any little-known powers or responsibilities held by this office that you believe more people should be aware of?

As a former mayor, I was an ambassador of my hometown of Mount Airy which is known as Mayberry. I was interviewed by networks from all over the world. This position allows one to be the face and voice of North Carolina. I have lived here my entire life.

Do you believe that it's beneficial for holders of this office to have previous experience in government or politics?

Absolutely, experience matters! I have a proven fiscally conservative record. It is vital for a person to keep promises made and I have 8 years in municipal government.

What kind of skills or expertise do you believe would be the most helpful for the holders of this office to possess?

I have attended Essentials of Municipal Government training in leading and governing and Ethics Training many times. The person must be of high character and have a proven record. I have had two extensive background checks for a teacher and for my concealed carry. I bring history, educational experience and an expansive community service record. I have been blessed to receive Disabled American Veterans award of Merit and National Association of University Women, Altrusa, National Federation of Women and Salvation Army awards in community serivce.

Note: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.

Campaign website

“	VOICE It is my goal to listen to the citizens of North Carolina with an open mind and heart. Sometimes it is difficult to hear people's needs, because of all the noise. I want you to know, I hear you. I want to be the VOICE for ALL of NC. I have your best interest at heart in all I do. This election is not about me. It is about YOU. I have created a page for teachers and plan to add others in the near future. I want to give our citizens an opportunity to engage on this site. It is impossible to meet every North Carolinian in the state, but there is no reason, with today's technology, I cannot create a space for your voice. It would be an honor to serve you over the next several years. I hope you will give me that opportunity. VISION My VISION is simple. To serve the People of North Carolina with Purpose and Passion. ​​ People - We have more similarities than differences, even if we do not agree on how to accomplish a task. The task doesn't change, right? We must stop viewing people as groups and address them as individuals. When we can do that, we are on our way. May God help us in this endeavor. ​ Purpose - What is it that you love about North Carolina? I love that people want to live here. That says a great deal about our state. When we approach life with a purpose to help others and live life to bring our creator glory, we cannot fail. Denying ourselves for the greater good will always allow us to focus on the needs of others and not our personal desires. My worldview is Christian principles. Passion - God created me with a passion for people. I try to see the good in everyone. Intuitively, each of us possess gifts and talents that make us who we are. Those characteristics when aligned with the right people and purpose, will create a passion that will not go unnoticed. VALUES My life has changed drastically since I was a child. I grew up economically disadvantaged. My father was paralyzed and my mother was a factory worker up until the mill closed. God allowed my struggle so that I might share it someday, I am certain! I am who I am because of my background. Being exceptionally poor can sometimes cloud our judgement. Values mean everything. When people sacrifice their values for money, power, or fame, they sometimes lose sight of their purpose. I never want to forget my struggles, my successes, or my lifelong experiences. I believe in... God Hard work Education Giving Sharing Caring Fairness Honesty Serving ​ I would appreciate the opportunity to serve you!	”
—Deborah Cochran 2020 campaign website

See also

2020 Elections

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Government

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