Jasmine Beach-Ferrara: Candidate for US House NC District 11
She promises "leadership rooted in love, empathy, and finding a way to move forward together".
I’m getting ready to exercise my right to vote next month and, equally important this year, to be counted!
You could ask, “With so many candidates in both party Primaries how do you choose the ones to vote for?” It’s easy! They will be Democrats because this is the party that’s fighting to save our democracy. And they will be women because I remember seeing Democratic Congresswomen wearing white at the State of the Union speech in 2017, and how that gave me hope.
But at this point I need to stop and learn more. Two women are running for US House NC District 11 in the Democratic Primary on May 17, and you can’t vote for both.
One of them is Jasmine Beach-Ferrara.
By way of introduction, she lives in Asheville and has posted this tagline on her Facebook page:
Minister. Organizer. Mom. Proud Gay Woman. County Commissioner. Dem. Running for Congress in WNC.
Last week I invited Jasmine to share her ideas and goals with Postcards readers.
Deda: Thank you for responding at this especially busy time. We Democrats are thrilled that women are running in this race. As one of two women in the primary, how do you differ from the other?
Jasmine: I’m the only elected official in the Democratic primary, and I’ve already won two tough elections. As a Buncombe County Commissioner I’ve worked to pass bi-partisan solutions to confront the opioid epidemic, expand pre-K education, and create well-paying green jobs.
I’ve campaigned in every corner of the district for over a year now, connecting with voters of every political orientation. Our organizing program and grassroots funding operation can win in November. We’ve raised more than $1.5 million and invested strategically in a campaign that’s ready to hit the ground running on May 18 in the general election.
Deda: In the general election, what would be your strengths, no matter who your Republican opponent turns out to be?
Jasmine: As a County Commissioner I have a record of working across the aisle to pass legislation that matters to the people of Western North Carolina, including pandemic recovery support for families and small businesses. My ability to deliver on such issues in Congress would be a game changer for our families, regardless of party affiliation.
I’ve dedicated the past decade and more to taking up tough fights. I helped win marriage equality in Mississippi and North Carolina when few thought it was possible. I’m an experienced rural organizer who can have conversations in church basements and at people’s doors. Folks start off thinking we don’t have anything in common, but leave understanding that we share many core values.
As an ordained minister, I have spent time with people in our community during the best and the worst moments of their lives. We need leadership rooted in love, empathy, and finding a way to move forward together.
As a working mom who was raised by a single mom, I bring a personal and lived understanding of so many issues that are front and center for families in WNC.
Deda: How would your campaign issues appeal to women of our area? Many are rural, and struggle with things like housing, affordable healthcare and public schools in need of attention.
Jasmine: My top priorities include investing more in our K-12 public education system, achieving universal pre-K, improving access to rural broadband, and confronting the opioid epidemic, all with creativity and full commitment.
The zip code you’re born in should not determine your ability to thrive. As a member of Congress, I would see expanding pre-K education nationally as just the beginning; the legislation should also include provisions to support communities like ours where we face a shortage of licensed teachers and administrators. Being able to hire and retain good staff would make expanded pre-K a reality here.
Mark Meadows and Madison Cawthorn cared more about personal brands and political ambitions than serving Western North Carolina. I will deliver the thoughtful and dedicated representation we need and deserve.
Deda: Finally, Jasmine, how could the women of Transylvania County help you in your campaign in the General Election?
Jasmine: Sign up to volunteer at www.jasmineforcongress.com/volunteer. We will be in Transylvania County on May 9th. Join me and the rest of our team as we talk to voters at the Transylvania County Board of Elections early voting location, 150 S. Gaston Street, Brevard, at 9:15 a.m. Afterwards I would be honored if you joined me in knocking on doors in Brevard! Please contact our Organizing Director Ashlyn Jones at ashlyn@jasmineforcongress.com if you are interested.
Deda: Thank you, we welcome you to Brevard!
Great info. Thanks Deda