TABOR CITY, N.C. — Voters in North Carolina House District 46 will decide Nov. 3 whether to send a first-time Democratic candidate to Raleigh or return one of the state’s most powerful Republican lawmakers to office.
The race pits Brittany Newton, a Whiteville native, Army veteran and human resources professional, against five-term incumbent Brenden H. Jones, the current House Majority Leader representing Columbus and Robeson counties.
While Jones enters the election with nearly a decade of legislative experience, Newton is campaigning as an outsider focused on wages, public education, healthcare and constituent accessibility.
A Campaign Focused on Affordability
According to Newton’s campaign platform, her priorities include raising wages, lowering everyday costs, increasing teacher pay, addressing classroom overcrowding, improving healthcare access and investing in infrastructure.
Her campaign materials also emphasize support for a livable wage and greater economic opportunity for working families in southeastern North Carolina.
Newton’s official campaign website is BrittanyForNCHouse.com.
Because Newton has never held elected office, she does not have a legislative voting record.
Jones Brings Extensive Legislative Record
Jones has represented District 46 since 2017 and became House Majority Leader in 2025.
His legislative record includes support for state budget measures, disaster-recovery legislation and transportation initiatives. Records also show Jones backing legislation related to immigration enforcement, veterans programs, emergency communications and restrictions on diversity, equity and inclusion programs in state agencies.
Public records also show Jones has opposed COVID-19 vaccine mandates and previously sponsored legislation addressing transgender bathroom access policies.
Jones’s official website is www.repjonesfornc.com
Where the Candidates Differ
On economic issues, Newton is emphasizing higher wages and affordability for working families.
Jones has historically promoted lower taxes, limited government spending and private-sector job growth.
On education, Newton’s platform calls for increased teacher pay and additional investment in public schools.
Jones has supported Republican-led education policies and voted for legislation making Columbus County Board of Education elections partisan.
On healthcare, Newton advocates additional healthcare investment and access.
Jones’ public record includes opposition to vaccine mandates and support for conservative healthcare policies.
What Remains Unknown
Despite a publicly available campaign platform, Newton has not publicly released detailed positions on several high-profile issues, including abortion, gun rights, immigration, school vouchers, marijuana legalization, Medicaid expansion and LGBTQ-related legislation.
As a result, voters currently have far more information available about Jones’ legislative record than Newton’s positions on many of the state’s most debated issues.
The Bottom Line
The District 46 race presents voters with a clear choice.
Newton is asking voters to support a new voice focused on affordability, education, healthcare and economic opportunity.
Jones is seeking another term based on his experience, influence in Raleigh and conservative legislative record.
For voters in Columbus and Robeson counties, the election will ultimately come down to whether they prefer the influence and experience of an established legislative leader or the fresh perspective offered by a first-time candidate campaigning on economic and quality-of-life issues.
Early voting is currently underway ahead of the Nov. 3 general election.
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