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Get to know Rep.-elect Ken Fontenot

For Wilson County’s new legislator, the second time was the charm.

Ken Fontenot, a military veteran and Baptist pastor, lost a close race for N.C. House in 2018. He tried again this year and unseated incumbent Rep. Linda Cooper-Suggs, D-Wilson. He even got more votes in Wilson County than most other Republican candidates on the ballot there, including U.S. Senate candidate Ted Budd.

The district also includes a small portion of Nash County.

Age: 39

What are the current and past jobs you’ve held outside of politics? U.S. Marine Corps, 2005-2014

Why did you run for state legislature instead of another elected office you might have considered? As a Marine officer, I experienced how policy can influence events for better or worse and wanted to become a legislator.

If you could enact a single piece of legislation into law today, what would it be? Welfare reform that promotes family values and fathers being in the home.

Where do you most enjoy taking an out-of-town visitor in your district? Parker’s BBQ and Marty’s BBQ

What is your favorite hobby outside of work? Weight lifting

Who do you most admire, and why? Nehemiah, governor of Judea during Persian rule.

What’s your favorite snack food or beverage to get through long meetings? Kombucha