( Editor’s note: This story has been updated to correct the spelling of Freddie de la Cruz’s name in one of the headlines. )
Freshman Rep. Charles Smith, a Democrat, faces a challenge from Republican Freddie de la Cruz for his North Carolina House of Representatives District 44 seat.
District 44 includes areas of Fayetteville west of U.S. 401 and south of N.C. 295 including Bonnie Doone, Haymount and Evergreen Estates. Also in the district are areas near Morganton, Skibo and Murchison roads and a portion of Country Club Drive.
Here are their answers to a candidate questionnaire from The Fayetteville Observer. Some responses may have been edited for style and grammar.
Freddie de la Cruz
Immediate family: Venus, Calista, Miranda, Sarah, Ej (deceased), Ethan, Olivia and 15 grandkids (nine boys and six girls)
Occupation: Retired Army lieutenant colonel; business owner of Venus Vogue Wedding & Formals; and investor
Elected office held: None
Contact: FreddieforNCHouse.com and linkedin.com/in/efraindelacruz