Charlotte attorney will enter NC Senate race against Joel Ford

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Democratic state Sen. Joel Ford will have a primary challenger.

Attorney Mujtaba Mohammad announced Wednesday he is entering the race for District 38's Senate seat.

Mohammad's priorities include universal pre-kindergarten, criminal justice reform and education.

“As a product of Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools and graduate of the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, I know firsthand the role that a strong public education system can play in opening the doors of opportunity for all our families," Mohammad said.

Last year incumbent Ford finished third in the democratic primary for Charlotte mayor.

(Joel Ford)

Mohammad cites Ford's voting record and relationship with Republicans as two reasons he is entering the race.

"He's out of touch and he's absent and I believe my Senate district, District 38 at least deserves a state senator who is going to show up, who is not going to support a reckless republican agenda," Mohammad said. "I want to give our governor the veto, I want to give my fellow Democrats in Raleigh a reliable voice that will be dedicated to fighting for District 38."

In addition to Mohammad, sources told Channel 9 City Councilmember LaWana Mayfield is considering a run against Ford.

Ford declined to comment.

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