NC House 69 candidate says tax caps shouldn’t undercut schools, public safety

To help inform voters in the Nov. 3, 2026, election, this candidate questionnaire is available to be republished by local publications in North Carolina without any cost. Please consider subscribing to The Charlotte Observer to help make this coverage possible.

This story focuses on the election for NC House District 69, which features Democrat Heidi Sinsley and Republican Dean Arp. The Charlotte Observer asked all candidates in this race to complete a questionnaire to inform voters about their opinions on big issues facing voters. Arp did not return the questionnaire.

Political party: Democrat

Age as of Nov. 3, 2026: 36

District number: 69

Campaign website: sinsleyfornc.com

Current occupation: Attorney

Professional experience

While attending law school at the University of South Carolina, I served as a state congressional law clerk for the South Carolina State Legislature. I’ve had years of experience with hearings, agency audits, legal research and bills, and listening to constituents in my district of all parties and beliefs. Currently I’m an attorney who has practiced insurance, real estate, and estate planning law. I’ve also received numerous pro bono awards for my extensive pro bono work in North Carolina.

Education

I’ve only attended public schools and am proud of that. I hold a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from the University of Wisconsin – Green Bay (2014). I also earned my Juris Doctor from the University of South Carolina School of Law (2021).

Please list any notable government or civic involvement.

I’m a former law clerk who served in the South Carolina State Legislature for over two years. I also hold weekly virtual public office hours on Zoom and TikTok (@SinsleyforNC) every Wednesday evening at 10:00 PM. You can register for these events via my website sinsleyfornc.com. I also regularly canvass throughout my district to hear directly from residents.

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?

Accessibility. I want to be the most accessible state legislator in Raleigh. I will hold regular town halls, continue my current weekly virtual office hours, and make myself available to constituents regardless of party. Representation isn’t just me getting work done in Raleigh. The people I represent should know me, be able to reach me, and always expect me to answer to them.

Name one area where you disagree with your own party, and why.

I disagree with writing off Republican voters. I was raised in a deeply conservative family and registered Independent until 25, I believe votes and trust should be earned, not expected. I consider myself a Democrat now, but party or past votes don’t determine who deserves to be heard. Republicans, independents and former Trump voters attend my office hours and volunteer with my campaign. I don’t ask anyone to agree with me before I help them.

If a constitutional amendment passes, the 2027 General Assembly will decide how to limit local property tax increases. What is your position?

In this case, I would support protecting homeowners from sudden, unaffordable property tax increases, but any cap must first and foremost preserve local governments’ ability to fund schools, public safety and essential services. I would favor reasonable limits with exceptions for emergencies and voter-approved needs, while ensuring Raleigh doesn’t give our local governments unfunded mandates and then kneecap its ability to pay for them.

Should the General Assembly help fund a Major League Baseball stadium in NC, and if so, where?

I would be very careful about using state taxpayer dollars to subsidize a Major League Baseball stadium. Any plan considered would need transparent financing, substantial private investment, and must benefit the public. With families struggling with housing, utilities, healthcare and groceries, those needs always take priority for me over writing a large public check for a professional sports venue.

How should the state regulate hemp and marijuana?

We should regulate hemp with clear testing, labeling, packaging, and age requirements. The unregulated hemp market is not working in our state. I support legalizing and regulating marijuana, for both medical and adult recreational use, with reasonable safeguards against sales to minors, impaired driving, and product safety. Regulation should protect consumers while giving farmers and businesses clear rules.

Should there be a state law about data centers, and what should it be?

I support repealing the sales tax exemptions on hardware, software, cooling equipment, and construction materials attracting data centers to North Carolina. I also support a statewide moratorium on additional data centers being built in our state. While I want North Carolina to be a great state for business, I don’t want our state law to go above and beyond for data centers in ways it does not for many other businesses.

Do you think the economy is getting better or worse in your district, and how?

Worse for many families here. Growth in Union County doesn’t mean much to a family whose paycheck buys less each month. Residents I meet are struggling with groceries, housing, healthcare, utilities, and fuel. Economic growth should improve our general standard of living. When working families earn more on paper but can afford less in practice, we have more work to do in Raleigh.

Did you use AI to answer any of these questions?

No.

This story was originally published October 13, 2026 at 2:10 PM with the headline “NC House 69 candidate says tax caps shouldn’t undercut schools, public safety.”