April Cook, a Democrat, is running for North Carolina State Senate District 34 in the Nov. 3, 2026, general election. She faces Republican Kevin R. Crutchfield.

Cook is a first-time candidate. Asked in our candidate questionnaire why she is running, Cook said: "I am running for North Carolina Senate District 34 to bring the same effective, service-centered leadership I have practiced for more than two decades to Raleigh. I believe every North Carolinian deserves dignity, opportunity, and access to care."

She added: "Too many politicians have lost sight of whom they serve, prioritizing partisan battles over everyday concerns. I intend to stay grounded in my community, remain accessible and accountable to the people of Cabarrus County, and use my seat to solve real problems."

Candidate information

Residence: Cook said in our questionnaire that she has lived in Concord for more than 30 years. "My three children were all born and raised in Concord, and each attended our local public schools," she said.

Family roots: Cook described herself as "a proud fourth-generation North Carolinian with family roots in Montgomery County …"

Education: Cook said: "I received my Bachelor of Science (BS) in Business Management from North Carolina State University and my Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.) from Meredith College."

Party: Democratic

Experience and public service

Cook said in our questionnaire: "I am the CEO of the North Carolina Association of Free and Charitable Clinics (NCAFCC), a role I have held since 2022. I represent and advocate for free and charitable clinics statewide."

She described her earlier work: "For more than two decades, I served as Co-Founder and Executive Director of the Lake Norman Community Health Clinic, now the Cook Community Clinic. Today it provides over 6,000 medical appointments to more than 1,600 patients annually and holds a Gold Rating from the National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics Quality Standards Program."

Cook said she also chairs "the Board of Directors of the Translational Health Institute of the Safety Net in North Carolina."

Asked about previous public office, Cook said: "I have not served in public office. I believe that is a strength. Raleigh needs fresh perspectives, and North Carolinians are best served by elected officials who see firsthand the challenges people are facing and who pursue common-sense solutions rather than partisan battles."

On the issues

Healthcare and community clinics: Asked what legislation she would pursue to expand community-based primary care, Cook said: "I would pursue legislation in three areas. First, stable, recurring state funding for free and charitable clinics, community health centers, and other safety-net providers, so they can expand capacity. Second, primary care workforce measures, including loan repayment incentives for providers serving underserved communities and expanded liability protections for volunteer clinicians. Third, protecting Medicaid coverage and reducing the cost-shifting that creates medical debt for families and hospitals."

Cook said these policies would lower costs: "When people can see a primary care provider early, conditions are managed before they become emergencies. That means fewer costly emergency room visits and hospitalizations."

Education: Cook said on her campaign platform that she supports making public school funding a priority, paying teachers competitively and protecting their long-term benefits and retirement security.

What sets her apart: Cook said in our questionnaire: "Running for office was never on my bucket list. I stepped forward after watching Raleigh politicians attack our healthcare system and public schools. Midway through my campaign, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. Even with insurance, my first biopsy cost thousands of dollars. I stayed in this race for everyone who faces a devastating diagnosis without coverage."

She described her vision: "Lower costs for working families, fully funded public schools with competitive teacher pay, more affordable healthcare, and an end to corruption in Raleigh."

Candidate responses were collected through the Concord-Harrisburg Herald's candidate questionnaire. Answers are presented in the candidate's own words and have not been independently verified unless noted.