AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
The election for North Carolina Senate District 17 features candidates Sydney Batch, the incumbent; Patrick Bowersox; and Shirley Johnson. The News & Observer asked all candidates in this race to complete a questionnaire to inform voters about their opinions on big issues facing voters. Batch and Bowersox have not responded.
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Political party: Republican
Age as of Nov. 3, 2026: 51
Campaign website: https://www.shirleyjohnson4nc.com/
Current occupation: Consultant
Professional experience: Over 25 years combined legislative (10), government and human service
Education: MS-Human Services, Specializing in Professional Counseling, MFT Certified
Please list any notable government or civic involvement.: Elected Trustee, Jerome, Illinois (2016-2019); Aldermanic Candidate (2000), Illinois State Senate staffer (2001-2011)
What do you see as the most important issue that you would have control over if you win, and what is your position on it? Public safety is the foundation of strong communities. Families, businesses and children cannot thrive where they feel unsafe. My work with abused and trafficked children has shown me firsthand the devastating impact of crime. I will prioritize accountability for violent repeat offenders, stronger protections for children, safe schools and neighborhoods, and ensuring law enforcement has the support and resources needed to protect our communities.
Name one area where you disagree with your own party, and why: Passing a balanced budget is a constitutional responsibility of the NC General Assembly. Budgeting delays potentially create uncertainty and delays for essential services. I will bring my appropriations experience and a commitment to bipartisan collaboration — working across the aisle, finding common ground, and resolving differences to keep the process moving and deliver a responsible, balanced budget for North Carolinians.
If a constitutional amendment passes, the 2027 General Assembly will decide how to limit local property tax increases. What is your position? I am hopeful the constitutional amendments pass in November. North Carolina taxes are too high, placing a heavy burden on working families and seniors. Rising property taxes can threaten the ability of longtime homeowners to remain in homes they have already paid for. I support targeted relief for seniors and a careful review of programs funded by property taxes to reduce waste and determine the Actual Tax Need (ATN).
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Should the General Assembly help fund a Major League Baseball stadium in NC, and if so, where? I do not support using General Assembly funds to subsidize a Major League Baseball stadium in North Carolina. While such a project could bring economic benefits, taxpayers should not carry the financial risk while team owners receive lucrative subsidies. Stadium investments can require substantial public funding without guaranteeing an adequate return. I support economic development, but it must be fiscally responsible, transparent and provide measurable benefits to taxpayers.
How should the state regulate hemp and marijuana? Currently, marijuana that contains more than 0.3% delta-9 THC is completely illegal in North Carolina for recreational purposes and medical use. Regulating hemp and marijuana should be handled carefully, with a focus on access based on age and other usage restrictions such as driving or operating heavy equipment/machinery. Regulations should also include a strong enforcement component to protect our youth and ensure public safety. This industry should be privatized, not government-controlled.
Should there be a state law about data centers, and what should it be? Data centers contribute to economic growth and create construction jobs, but those jobs decline once projects end. Also, their significant energy and infrastructure demands can increase utility costs for families and taxpayers. I support a moratorium on new data centers until North Carolina develops a comprehensive plan balancing economic benefits with residents’ needs. We need transparent, responsible policies that require data centers to pay what’s fair — not shift these costs onto residents.
Do you think the economy is getting better or worse in your district, and how? District 17 is thriving! Our businesses are booming and expanding; we have a healthy housing market with low turnover, and our schools work together with our parents to create a strong school environment. There will always be room to grow, but we are off to a great start.
Did you use AI to answer any of these questions?: AI was not used to create responses to these questions, but it was used to reduce responses to meet the 500-character requirement and adjust minor grammatical errors.
This story was originally published October 5, 2026 at 12:03 PM with the headline “Republican Senate candidate in southern Wake County backs data center moratorium.”
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