Stevens, who filed as a candidate for N.C. Senate District 17 in Wake County last Friday, is also the former Wake County manager.
Stevens, a Republican, said the situation with the state budget as well as educational concerns were the main reasons why he decided to run for state government. "I'm very concerned about the state budget deficit," he said. "We've had a history of a sound, balanced budget in this state, and I would like for us to get back to that status."
Stevens also said he is worried about the instability of the state's educational funding and intends to make education a top priority in his campaign. "I intend on being a strong advocate for the educational system on all levels, particularly with the state's colleges and universities."
Stevens had filed to run for the state House in February. Six months of redistricting lawsuits and revisions in the state would have forced Stevens to run against his colleague, Rep. David Miner, R-Wake, in the newly configured House District 36.
Miner had originally convinced Stevens to run for a seat in the House and had contributed money to his campaign.
Stevens decided to concede the race to his ally and chose to run for the Senate instead. "For me it was quite simple really," he said. "Miner has more experience and seniority than me in government, so I made the change."
Stevens said he is happy with the redistricting and believes that the plans provide for a level playing field. Stevens said he is optimistic about his chances. "I'm pretty confident about this election because I've lived in this part of Wake County my whole life," he said. "I've built many strong relationships in the community, and hopefully that will carry me through."
Stevens said he plans to step down from the BOT after the elections are over in November. His term on the board is slated to come to an end next June, as he will have served the maximum eight years. Stevens also said that he does not expect his campaigning to interfere with his duties on the BOT.
As of Tuesday, only one challenger has emerged -- Democrat Thomas Hunt -- in a district that appears to slightly favor Republicans.
