At least 22 Latino candidates have filed to run for local, state, and federal offices in the North Carolina elections on November 3, 2026.
Among this group of candidates is Laura Pichardo, the Republican candidate for the North Carolina Senate. Distrito 23, which encompasses Caswell, Person, and Orange counties.
Pichardo faces off in the November 3 elections to the current Democratic senator Jonah Garson.
As part of the 'Your Vote is Power' initiative Enlace Latino NC , hWe have sent questionnaires to these latino candidates that include races for the federal House of Representatives, both state houses, district judges, sheriffs, county commissioners, and boards of education.
The goal is to provide our readers with information about who they are, why they decided to run, what their priorities are, and what they propose for the communities they seek to represent.
Political affiliation: Republican
Campaign website: https://pichardonc.com/
About Laura Pichardo
Laura Pichardo is a second-generation U.S. citizen.
His father obtained permanent residency under the Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986, enacted during the presidency of Republican Ronald Reagan, while working in the tobacco fields of North Carolina. His father's experience and the sacrifices he made for his family influenced Pichardo's career path and his view of the opportunities that the United States offers.
Pichardo earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro and a Master of Business Administration degree from Winston-Salem State University. His professional career has focused on accounting and business operations.
Among other positions, he served as a senior accounts payable systems analyst at Global Transaction Services of Hanesbrands Inc.
Currently, she works with organizations to identify cost-saving opportunities, strengthen their operations, and improve their information systems. Outside of work, she helps her father on the farm. Her goal is to support her parents, build a stable future, and contribute to the growth of the family farm for future generations.
Below are the complete questions and answers from the questionnaire conducted by Enlace Latino NC
Why did you decide to apply for this position, and what are the main experiences or qualities that you believe prepare you to perform it?
I am applying for the North Carolina Senate Because advocating for others has been a part of my life since childhood. Growing up in a bilingual home, I often translated for my mother with other adults and helped ensure her voice was heard. Those experiences taught me that advocacy begins with listening, understanding, and having the courage to speak up when it matters.
In the corporate world, I continued to advocate for others by communicating to technology vendors the software updates our teams needed. I also developed my public speaking skills through Toastmasters International, where I gained the confidence to present ideas clearly and persuasively.
I believe effective leadership requires that we amplify the perspectives of our communities, promote sound public policy goals, and stay connected to our roots. These experiences have prepared me to advocate for laws and budgets that strengthen the well-being of our constituents and ensure that every voice has a place in North Carolina's future.
What do you consider to be the three main issues or challenges that you will have to address in this position and why?
My main challenge is to raise my voice to get funding for infrastructure projects, for schools, and for our sheriff's office.
In the past, Orange County received larger amounts of funding because it has a larger population and because previous state senators were from Chapel Hill.
I would like to raise my voice to raise funds for infrastructure projects and public schools in rural areas, which are in dire need of financial support. We also need to improve our water infrastructure projects in Orange, Caswell, and Person counties.
If elected, what do you hope to achieve during your term in office and how would you evaluate whether your administration was successful?
When I am elected, I will thank God for the opportunity the people gave me by voting for me.
I will work to secure grant funding for Caswell, Person, and Orange counties to improve the standard of living throughout the district. I will work with the county commissioners to request these funds.
My determination to help improve the standard of living for the residents of my district will be how I evaluate my time in office.
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The Latino population continues to grow in North Carolina. Given the specific responsibilities of the position you are seeking, how do you plan to address the needs and concerns of Latino communities, including those facing language barriers or limited access to public institutions?
When elected, I will work to ensure that Latino families can easily access information about job opportunities, state agencies, public funds, and services available to them. I will advocate for strong funding for Medicaid and Head Start so that families and children have the support they need to thrive.
Family is at the heart of the Latino community and will also be at the heart of my service in the North Carolina Senate. I will remain focused on continuously improving the well-being of each of my constituents. I also want bilingual staff available to help residents understand public programs and overcome language barriers. If anyone needs help applying for benefits, my office will provide assistance and guidance throughout the process. If anyone is looking for work, we will regularly share job openings and connect them with available resources.
The government must be accessible, responsive, and welcoming. My goal is to ensure that every family, regardless of language, can understand their options, receive the help they need, and pursue greater opportunities.
>>> Candidate's website pichardonc.com
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