Howard Hunter III

From Ballotpedia
Jump to: navigation, search
Howard Hunter III
Image of Howard Hunter III

Democratic Party

Prior offices
North Carolina House of Representatives District 5
Successor: Bill Ward
Predecessor: Annie Mobley
Elections and appointments
Last election

November 5, 2024

Education

Bachelor's

Chowan University

Personal
Birthplace
Murfreesboro, N.C.
Profession
Funeral Director
Contact

Campaign website

Campaign Facebook

Campaign Twitter

Campaign Instagram

Campaign YouTube

Personal Facebook

Personal Instagram

Howard Hunter III (Democratic Party) was a member of the North Carolina House of Representatives, representing District 5. He assumed office on January 1, 2015. He left office on January 1, 2023.

Hunter (Democratic Party) ran for election to the North Carolina House of Representatives to represent District 5. He lost in the general election on November 5, 2024.

Hunter completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. Click here to read the survey answers.

Biography

Howard Hunter III was born in Murfreesboro, North Carolina. He earned a bachelor's degree from Chowan University. His career experience includes working as a funeral director. Hunter has served with the following organizations:[1]

  • Vice President, Atlantic District Fair Board
  • Member, Board of Trustees, Chowan University
  • Member, Hertford County Athletic Association
  • Chair, Hertford County Public Health Authority
  • Member, Economic Development Board, Hertford County
  • Chairman, Hertford County Commissioners
  • Vice President, North Carolina Association of Black County Commissioners
  • President, North Carolina Association of County Commissioners
  • Vice Chair, Recreation Board, Hertford County
  • Vice Chair, Workforce Development Board

Committee assignments

Note: This membership information was last updated in September 2023. Ballotpedia completes biannual updates of committee membership. If you would like to send us an update, email us at: editor@ballotpedia.org.

2021-2022

Hunter was assigned to the following committees:

2019-2020

Hunter was assigned to the following committees:

2017 legislative session

At the beginning of the 2017 legislative session, this legislator served on the following committees:

North Carolina committee assignments, 2017
• Agriculture
• Appropriations
• Appropriations on Agriculture and Natural and Economic Resources
• Education - K-12
• Elections and Ethics Law
• Health
• University Board of Governors Nominating
• Transportation

2015 legislative session

At the beginning of the 2015 legislative session, Hunter served on the following committees:

The following table lists bills this person sponsored as a legislator, according to BillTrack50 and sorted by action history. Bills are sorted by the date of their last action. The following list may not be comprehensive. To see all bills this legislator sponsored, click on the legislator's name in the title of the table.


Elections

2024

See also: North Carolina House of Representatives elections, 2024

General election

General election for North Carolina House of Representatives District 5

Incumbent Bill Ward defeated Howard Hunter III in the general election for North Carolina House of Representatives District 5 on November 5, 2024.

Candidate
%
Votes
✔
Image of Bill Ward
Bill Ward (R) Candidate Connection
 
54.2
 
22,357
Image of Howard Hunter III
Howard Hunter III (D) Candidate Connection
 
45.8
 
18,924

Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source

Total votes: 41,281
Candidate Connection = 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.

Democratic primary election

The Democratic primary election was canceled. Howard Hunter III advanced from the Democratic primary for North Carolina House of Representatives District 5.

Republican primary election

The Republican primary election was canceled. Incumbent Bill Ward advanced from the Republican primary for North Carolina House of Representatives District 5.

Campaign finance

Endorsements

Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Hunter in this election.

2022

See also: North Carolina House of Representatives elections, 2022

General election

General election for North Carolina House of Representatives District 5

Bill Ward defeated incumbent Howard Hunter III in the general election for North Carolina House of Representatives District 5 on November 8, 2022.

Candidate
%
Votes
✔
Image of Bill Ward
Bill Ward (R) Candidate Connection
 
53.8
 
15,784
Image of Howard Hunter III
Howard Hunter III (D)
 
46.2
 
13,539

Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source

Total votes: 29,323
Candidate Connection = 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.

Democratic primary election

The Democratic primary election was canceled. Incumbent Howard Hunter III advanced from the Democratic primary for North Carolina House of Representatives District 5.

Republican primary election

Republican primary for North Carolina House of Representatives District 5

Bill Ward defeated Donald Kirkland in the Republican primary for North Carolina House of Representatives District 5 on May 17, 2022.

Candidate
%
Votes
✔
Image of Bill Ward
Bill Ward Candidate Connection
 
68.3
 
3,359
Silhouette Placeholder Image.png
Submit photo
Donald Kirkland
 
31.7
 
1,561

There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source

Total votes: 4,920
Candidate Connection = 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 finance

2020

See also: North Carolina House of Representatives elections, 2020

General election

General election for North Carolina House of Representatives District 5

Incumbent Howard Hunter III defeated Donald Kirkland in the general election for North Carolina House of Representatives District 5 on November 3, 2020.

Candidate
%
Votes
✔
Image of Howard Hunter III
Howard Hunter III (D)
 
56.7
 
20,061
Silhouette Placeholder Image.png
Submit photo
Donald Kirkland (R)
 
43.3
 
15,314

Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source

Total votes: 35,375
Candidate Connection = 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.

Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for North Carolina House of Representatives District 5

Incumbent Howard Hunter III defeated Keith Rivers in the Democratic primary for North Carolina House of Representatives District 5 on March 3, 2020.

Candidate
%
Votes
✔
Image of Howard Hunter III
Howard Hunter III
 
67.5
 
6,359
Silhouette Placeholder Image.png
Submit photo
Keith Rivers
 
32.5
 
3,064

Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source

Total votes: 9,423
Candidate Connection = 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

The Republican primary election was canceled. Donald Kirkland advanced from the Republican primary for North Carolina House of Representatives District 5.

Campaign finance

2018

See also: North Carolina House of Representatives elections, 2018

General election

General election for North Carolina House of Representatives District 5

Incumbent Howard Hunter III defeated Phillip Smith in the general election for North Carolina House of Representatives District 5 on November 6, 2018.

Candidate
%
Votes
✔
Image of Howard Hunter III
Howard Hunter III (D)
 
59.9
 
15,206
Image of Phillip Smith
Phillip Smith (R)
 
40.1
 
10,172

Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified. Source

Total votes: 25,378
Candidate Connection = 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.

Democratic primary election

Democratic primary for North Carolina House of Representatives District 5

Incumbent Howard Hunter III advanced from the Democratic primary for North Carolina House of Representatives District 5 on May 8, 2018.

Candidate
✔
Image of Howard Hunter III
Howard Hunter III

Incumbents are bolded and underlined. The results have been certified.

Candidate Connection = 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 North Carolina House of Representatives District 5

Phillip Smith advanced from the Republican primary for North Carolina House of Representatives District 5 on May 8, 2018.

Candidate
✔
Image of Phillip Smith
Phillip Smith

There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified.

Candidate Connection = 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.

2016

See also: North Carolina House of Representatives elections, 2016

Elections for the North Carolina House of Representatives took place in 2016. The primary election was held on March 15, 2016, and the general election was held on November 8, 2016.[2] The candidate filing deadline was December 21, 2015.[3]

Incumbent Howard Hunter III ran unopposed in the North Carolina House of Representatives District 5 general election.[4][5]

North Carolina House of Representatives, District 5 General Election, 2016
Party Candidate
    Democratic Green check mark transparent.png Howard Hunter III Incumbent (unopposed)
Source: North Carolina State Board of Elections


Incumbent Howard Hunter III ran unopposed in the North Carolina House of Representatives District 5 Democratic primary.[6][7]

North Carolina House of Representatives, District 5 Democratic Primary, 2016
Party Candidate
    Democratic Green check mark transparent.png Howard Hunter III Incumbent (unopposed)



2014

See also: North Carolina House of Representatives elections, 2014

Elections for the North Carolina House of Representatives took place in 2014. A primary election took place on May 6, 2014. The general election took place on November 4, 2014. The signature filing deadline for candidates wishing to run in this election was February 28, 2014. Howard Hunter III defeated incumbent Annie Mobley in the Democratic primary, while Sidney Pierce III was unopposed in the Republican primary. Hunter defeated Pierce in the general election.[8][9]

North Carolina House of Representatives, District 5 General Election, 2014
Party Candidate Vote % Votes
     Democratic Green check mark transparent.pngHoward Hunter 68.6% 14,430
     Republican Sidney Pierce 31.4% 6,620
Total Votes 21,050
North Carolina House of Representatives, District 5 Democratic Primary, 2014
Candidate Vote % Votes
Green check mark transparent.pngHoward Hunter III 58.9% 5,248
Annie Mobley Incumbent 41.1% 3,664
Total Votes 8,912

Campaign themes

2024

Ballotpedia survey responses

See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection

Candidate Connection

Howard Hunter III completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Hunter's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

Expand all | Collapse all

I was born and raised in Hertford County, NC. Growing up in the heart of District 5, I possess a deep-rooted connection to my community and a passion for public service. My commitment to serving my community runs in the family. Politics, education, and funeral services are in the blood, as we've said for decades. I have upheld a tradition of service in the funeral industry for three generations, and my family has dedicated our work to supporting families during times of loss. My father, Howard Hunter, Jr., served as a State House member in the same district, setting a strong example of public service and dedication to the people of North Carolina. Inspired by my father's legacy and with a will to improve my community, I entered public service, determined to continue the tradition of advocacy and leadership. I served on my local school board, then as a county commissioner, and in 2014 I was elected to the NC General Assembly. In 2022 I narrowly lost my re-election bid during the midterms as a result of low turnout, voter suppression and gerrymandering of my district. I aim to return to the House, finish the work I started years ago, and continue to be a strong voice for rural communities of the 4 counties I am going to represent.
  • Public Education Funding and Teacher Pay - Advocating for increased funding and enhancements in public schools to empower the next generation. We can't continue to allow the diversion of funds from public schools to go into the hands of private and charter schools. I am also committed to increasing teacher salaries to ensure a thriving workforce for our children's futures. Teachers should be paid what they are worth, and they are worth a lot more than what NC is paying them.
  • Healthcare Access - I am dedicated to providing quality and affordable healthcare services for all residents of HD-5, especially when it comes to women's health. Protecting women’s reproductive health rights is a top priority, as well as insuring access to essential services and care in rural areas.
  • Broadband Internet Access - Expanding rural access to broadband internet for all will bridge the digital divide and connecting communities. Rural Northeastern NC is behind in our technological advancement, and we need to have digital infrastructure to bring opportunity, jobs, and connection back to an oft-forgotten part of our state.
Education is a key priority. I want to ensure that our schools are well-funded, our teachers are supported, and every child has access to a quality education.

Healthcare is another area of great concern for me, particularly expanding access to affordable care in rural areas. We need policies that support rural hospitals, expand Medicaid, and reduce prescription drug costs.

Economic development and job growth are also central to my platform. I’m focused on bringing opportunities to our district, so people have good-paying jobs and that small businesses have the support they need to thrive.

Finally, I'm dedicated to protecting the rights of all citizens and working on criminal justice reform to ensure our system is fair and just.
The core responsibilities of a state representative include advocating for the needs and interests of the constituents, crafting and voting on legislation that improves the lives of the people in the four counties I represent, and ensuring that state resources are allocated fairly and effectively.
The most important characteristics for an elected official are integrity, accountability, and a commitment to public service. Integrity ensures that leaders make decisions based on what is right, not what is politically expedient. Accountability means being transparent with constituents and taking responsibility for actions and decisions. Finally, a true commitment to public service involves putting the needs of the community first and politics second, listening to diverse perspectives, and working tirelessly to improve the lives of those we represent.
A legacy of positive change and community empowerment. My goal is to be remembered as a representative who listened to the voices of constituents and worked tirelessly to address their needs, particularly in education, healthcare, and economic development. I hope to represent the needs of my rural friends, family, and neighbors, ensuring that everyone has access to opportunities and resources. I also want to foster a spirit of collaboration and bipartisanship, demonstrating that we can achieve meaningful progress when we put aside differences and work together for the greater good.
I believe the ideal relationship between the governor and the state legislature should be collaborative and focused on finding common ground for the benefit of all North Carolinians. Even in a situation where there is a GOP supermajority in the legislature and a Democratic governor, it’s essential to foster open communication and mutual respect. Both branches must prioritize the needs of the people over partisan interests and work together to address pressing issues such as education, healthcare, and infrastructure. Building coalitions across party lines can lead to effective legislation that serves our communities well, and I am committed to being a bridge-builder to facilitate that collaboration.
I firmly believe that building relationships with other legislators is crucial for effective governance. Strong relationships foster collaboration, facilitate open dialogue, and promote a better understanding of differing perspectives. By working together, legislators can identify common goals and develop bipartisan solutions to the challenges facing our communities. I had a reputation for working across the aisle, and through my efforts I was able to achieve progress. These connections also enhance trust, making it easier to navigate difficult negotiations and push through important legislation. Ultimately, strong relationships among legislators lead to more effective policymaking, benefiting all constituents.
My father especially, and many legislators that I have come to know and admire over the years. I strive to meet my own potential and expectations every day.
The North Carolina Association of Educators

North Carolina Retired School Personnel
The States Project
Progressive Turnout Project
Congressman Don Davis (NC-01)
Congressman Wiley Nickel (NC-13)
Reproductive Freedom for All
All in for NC
NC Black Alliance

NC Sierra Club
I'm particularly interested in continuing my work on committees that align with my passion for public service and community needs. Given my experience, I would like to focus on the Families, Children, and Aging Policy Committee to further advocate for policies that support our families and vulnerable populations. The Health Committee also remains a priority, as ensuring access to quality healthcare is critical for our communities. Additionally, I have a strong interest in the Agriculture Committee, where I can address the unique challenges facing our farmers and promote sustainable practices. Lastly, serving on the House Finance Committee would allow me to work on budgetary issues that directly impact our state’s resources and economic growth.

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.

Video for Ballotpedia

Video submitted to Ballotpedia
Released October 18, 2024

2022

Howard Hunter III did not complete Ballotpedia's 2022 Candidate Connection survey.

2020

Howard Hunter III did not complete Ballotpedia's 2020 Candidate Connection survey.

2014

In an article with the Roanoke-Chowan News Herald, Hunter said if elected into office he will focus, "his attention on infrastructure improvement; removing certain counties from CAMA jurisdiction; ensuring that all our children receive a sound education; and economic development in northeastern North Carolina."[10]

Campaign finance summary

Note: The finance data shown here comes from the disclosures required of candidates and parties. Depending on the election or state, this may represent only a portion of all the funds spent on their behalf. Satellite spending groups may or may not have expended funds related to the candidate or politician on whose page you are reading this disclaimer. Campaign finance data from elections may be incomplete. For elections to federal offices, complete data can be found at the FEC website. Click here for more on federal campaign finance law and here for more on state campaign finance law.

Howard Hunter III campaign contribution history
YearOfficeStatusContributionsExpenditures
2024* North Carolina House of Representatives District 5Lost general$627,123 $359,712
2022North Carolina House of Representatives District 5Lost general$310,310 $49,736
2020North Carolina House of Representatives District 5Won general$47,941 N/A**
2016North Carolina House of Representatives, District 5Won $12,950 N/A**
2014North Carolina House of Representatives, District 5Won $19,380 N/A**
Grand total$1,017,704 $409,448
Sources: OpenSecrets,  Federal Elections Commission ***This product uses the openFEC API but is not endorsed or certified by the Federal Election Commission (FEC).
* Data from this year may not be complete
** Data on expenditures is not available for this election cycle
Note: Totals above reflect only available data.

Scorecards

See also: State legislative scorecards and State legislative scorecards in North Carolina

A scorecard evaluates a legislator’s voting record. Its purpose is to inform voters about the legislator’s political positions. Because scorecards have varying purposes and methodologies, each report should be considered on its own merits. For example, an advocacy group’s scorecard may assess a legislator’s voting record on one issue while a state newspaper’s scorecard may evaluate the voting record in its entirety.

Ballotpedia is in the process of developing an encyclopedic list of published scorecards. Some states have a limited number of available scorecards or scorecards produced only by select groups. It is Ballotpedia’s goal to incorporate all available scorecards regardless of ideology or number.

Click here for an overview of legislative scorecards in all 50 states. To contribute to the list of North Carolina scorecards, email suggestions to editor@ballotpedia.org.




2022

In 2022, the North Carolina State Legislature was in session from May 18 to July 1.

Legislators are scored based on their stance related to healthcare costs.
Legislators are scored on their votes on conservative issues.
Legislators are scored on their votes on bills related to business issues.
Legislators are scored on their votes on bills relating to family issues.
Legislators are scored on their votes related to business.
Legislators are scored on their votes on environment and conservation issues.


2021


2020


2019


2018


2017


2016


2015



See also

2024 Elections

Ballotpedia Election Coverage Badge.png
What's on the ballot?
U.S. President
U.S. Congress
U.S. Congress special elections
State executives
State legislatures
State courts
Ballot measures
Municipal government
School boards
Election analysis hub

Government

Seal of North Carolina.png
Who represents me?
U.S. Congress
State executives
State legislators
State courts
Ballot measures
Municipal government
School boards

Newsletters

Ballotpedia RSS.jpg
The Daily Brew
The Weekly Brew
The Ballot Bulletin
Checks and Balances
Economy and Society
Hall Pass
Number of the Day
Robe & Gavel


External links

Candidate

North Carolina House of Representatives District 5
  • Twitter
  • Website
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • YouTube
    		•

    Personal

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
    		•

    Footnotes

    1. ↑ Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on October 18, 2024
    2. ↑ The primary for U.S. congressional elections was rescheduled to June 7, 2016, following legal challenges to North Carolina's district maps. State races were unaffected.
    3. ↑ North Carolina State Board of Elections, "2016 Candidate Filing," accessed December 22, 2015
    4. ↑ North Carolina State Board of Elections, "Candidate Listing," accessed August 23, 2016
    5. ↑ North Carolina State Board of Elections, "2016 General Election results lookup," accessd December 21, 2016
    6. ↑ North Carolina State Board of Elections, "Candidate Listing," accessed January 4, 2016
    7. ↑ North Carolina State Board of Elections, "03/15/2016 Official primary results - Statewide," March 15, 2016
    8. ↑ North Carolina State Board of Elections, "Primary Candidate List Grouped by Contest," accessed March 7, 2014
    9. ↑ North Carolina State Board of Elections, "General Election Candidate List Grouped by Contest," accessed August 12, 2014
    10. ↑ www.roanoke-chowannewsherald.com, "Hunter seeks 5th District seat," accessed April 17, 2014

    Political offices
    Preceded by
    Annie Mobley (D)     		North Carolina House of Representatives District 5
    2015-2023    		 Succeeded by
    Bill Ward (R)


    Current members of the North Carolina House of Representatives
    Leadership
    Speaker of the House:Destin Hall
    Majority Leader:Brenden Jones
    Minority Leader:Robert Reives
    Representatives
    District 1
    District 2
    District 3
    District 4
    District 5
    Bill Ward (R)
    District 6
    Joe Pike (R)
    District 7
    District 8
    District 9
    District 10
    John Bell (R)
    District 11
    District 12
    District 13
    District 14
    District 15
    District 16
    District 17
    District 18
    District 19
    District 20
    Ted Davis (R)
    District 21
    Ya Liu (D)
    District 22
    District 23
    District 24
    District 25
    District 26
    District 27
    District 28
    District 29
    District 30
    District 31
    District 32
    District 33
    District 34
    District 35
    District 36
    District 37
    District 38
    District 39
    District 40
    District 41
    District 42
    District 43
    District 44
    District 45
    District 46
    District 47
    Vacant
    District 48
    District 49
    District 50
    District 51
    District 52
    Ben Moss (R)
    District 53
    District 54
    District 55
    District 56
    District 57
    District 58
    District 59
    District 60
    District 61
    District 62
    District 63
    District 64
    District 65
    District 66
    District 67
    District 68
    District 69
    Dean Arp (R)
    District 70
    District 71
    District 72
    District 73
    District 74
    District 75
    District 76
    District 77
    District 78
    District 79
    District 80
    District 81
    District 82
    District 83
    District 84
    District 85
    District 86
    District 87
    District 88
    Mary Belk (D)
    District 89
    District 90
    District 91
    Kyle Hall (R)
    District 92
    District 93
    District 94
    District 95
    District 96
    Jay Adams (R)
    District 97
    District 98
    District 99
    District 100
    District 101
    District 102
    District 103
    District 104
    District 105
    District 106
    District 107
    Aisha Dew (D)
    District 108
    District 109
    District 110
    District 111
    District 112
    District 113
    District 114
    Eric Ager (D)
    District 115
    District 116
    District 117
    District 118
    District 119
    District 120
    Republican Party (70)
    Democratic Party (49)
    Vacancies (1)


    Flag of North Carolina
    v • e
    State of North Carolina
    Raleigh (capital)
    Elections

    What's on my ballot? | Elections in 2025 | How to vote | How to run for office | Ballot measures

    Government

    Who represents me? | U.S. President | U.S. Congress | Federal courts | State executives | State legislature | State and local courts | Counties | Cities | School districts | Public policy







    Retrieved from "https://ballotpedia.org/wiki/index.php?title=Howard_Hunter_III&oldid=10062102"