Dante strives to be a bridge builder and a problem solver. He is dedicated to improving the way of life for the people of eastern North Carolina. He plans to focus on enhancing public education, expanding economic opportunities, and lowering healthcare costs in order for families to prosper.
Wilson Times Debate 9/26
Our Candidate: DANTE PITTMAN
Rooted in Wilson: Dante was born and raised in Wilson County. He worked for our local government to get people affordable health care and brought our community and law enforcement together. He currently works at Barton College.
Service Oriented: Dante is a Captain in the North Carolina National Guard, choosing to serve for his home state alongside fellow North Carolinians. He also serves as the Board Chair of the Wilson County Department of Social Services and is a board member of the Kiwanis Club of Wilson All-American, the Whirlidogs Training Center and Cafe, the Wilson Education Partnership and more. He previously served on the Wilson Chamber of Commerce board.
Public School Champion: Pittman is the proud product of Wilson County Public Schools and knows what our schools can do when they are given a fair shot. He will advocate for increased teacher pay, more counselors and support staff, and expanded pre-K and early childhood initiatives. He strongly disavows the current system that allows wealthy families to use vouchers to siphon taxpayer money out of public schools, putting our rural public schools at risk of closure.
Healthcare Advocate: Lowering the costs of healthcare is personal to Dante. He watched his grandparents struggle with healthcare costs, which is why he worked to implement Medicaid expansion locally as Board Chair of the Wilson County Department of Social Services.
Public Housing Supporter: As one of the youngest candidates running for office in North Carolina at 28, Dante understands the challenges first-time homebuyers face and young people face in finding affordable rent. He is committed to finding affordable housing solutions.
Endorsements and Support: Dante is endorsed by Carolina Forward for his support of women’s healthcare rights. He is also endorsed by VoteVets and Run for Something.
Our Opponent: Ken Fontenot
Ken Fontenot is anti-choice and shares tropes that abortion is creating a “black genocide” and has likened Former President Barack Obama to Hitler for his support of Planned Parenthood.
Fontenot opposes LGBTQ+ rights, regularly voting against those marginalized communities. He has referred to transgender people as a “social contagion” and says that transition care is “medical experimentation.” He was a vocal supporter of HB2, the “Bathroom Bill” in 2016 before entering politics.
Fontenot opposes gun control measures.
He also is a big supporter of Mark Robinson and a reliable Republican vote for his extremist agenda in the General Assembly.
Has questionable ethics on using campaign funds. He spent $800 on an office stool, nearly $4,000 dollars for an “iPod and iPod attachment” and more than $7,500 of fuel, meals and snacks.
