At least 22 Latino candidates have filed to run for local, state, and federal races in North Carolina for the November 3, 2026 elections.
Within this group of candidates is Maria Salazar, candidate for the Wilson County Board of Education, for District 7.
As part of the initiative, 'Your Vote is Power , Enlace Latino NC We have sent questionnaires to these Latino candidates covering races for the federal House of Representatives, both state houses, district judges, sheriffs, county commissioners, and school boards.
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.
In this installment we present Maria Salazar, candidate for the Wilson County Board of Education for District 7.
Below are the complete questions and answers from the questionnaire conducted by Enlace Latino NC:
Can you briefly tell us about yourself, your background, and your experience?
I am a mother, a proud daughter of immigrants, and a registered behavioral technician. I am running as a mother because fathers deserve a seat at the table.
As the proud daughter of immigrants, I have dedicated the last two years to supporting and advocating for the immigrant community. As a registered behavioral technician, I have worked directly with children on the spectrum for the past four years. I bring a mother's perspective, a passion for advocacy, and my firsthand experience working with children.
Why did you decide to apply for this position, and what are the main experiences or qualities that you believe prepare you to perform in this role?
I decided to run for public office because all students deserve to see themselves reflected on their school board. Representation is more important now than ever. I have dedicated the last two years to becoming deeply involved in politics.
I advocate for the right of all children to receive an education, regardless of their immigration status, for policies that protect the immigrant community, and to ensure that my community feels safe.
As a registered behavioral technician, I have seen firsthand that the education system does not provide adequate support to either teachers or children with special needs. As a mother of two, this is personal for me. All children deserve the right to an education, to feel safe at school, and to see themselves reflected in the people who represent them.
What do you consider to be the three main issues or challenges you will have to address in this position, and why?
I feel compelled to address the inadequate support systems for children with special needs and their teachers. I have witnessed firsthand the barriers students and teachers face when they lack the necessary support, and our children with special needs and their teachers deserve better.
Secondly, I want to prioritize expanding mental health support services for our students. Our students' mental health is the foundation of their academic success. They deserve to feel safe, supported, and valued.
Third, I want to address linguistic inclusion for our families. The goal is to ensure that every student and every family has a voice and a seat at the table.
If elected, what do you hope to achieve during your term and how would you evaluate whether your administration was successful?
If elected, I hope to address the three main issues mentioned above. I will assess the success of my term based on the progress made in ensuring that our schools consider all children.
I understand that fighting for quality education, for public school funding, and for policies that invest in public education is a fight many have waged before me. I hope to continue that fight. I will feel I have succeeded if our students, their families, and our staff feel supported, valued, and heard.
Related: Laura Pichardo: Republican candidate for State Senate for District 23
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 who face language barriers or difficulties accessing public institutions?
As a Latina aspiring to be the first Latina on the Wilson County Board of Education, my mission is to ensure our Latino community is heard. It will be the first time Spanish-speaking families can directly voice their concerns to a school board without needing an interpreter.
I am passionate about connecting with all parents and students and creating a safe space for all parents to voice their concerns. As an advocate, I will continue to raise my voice for the concerns of my community, ensuring representation, safety, and action.
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