Candidate website

Steve Rutherford has a bachelor's degree from Southern Illinois University and a graduate degree from the HEC Paris Business School. Steve has a wife, three daughters, one son, and six grandchildren. 

Steve is an entrepreneur and documentary filmmaker. He previously served in the U.S. Navy for 20 years. 

Steve Rutherford's campaign for North Carolina State Senate District 43 is his first entry into politics.

Steve Rutherford - Ballotpedia

Steve's campaign for North Carolina State Senate District 43 is his first entry into politics.

Believes in investing in skills, apprenticeships, and workforce programs to promote community growth.

Believes in protecting neighborhoods, infrastructure, and quality of life from deals that "put profits over people" and outside investors "looking to cash out and leave."

Believes in fair taxation where everyone pays "their fair share."

- Believes in investing in skills, apprenticeships, and workforce programs to promote community growth.
- Believes in protecting neighborhoods, infrastructure, and quality of life from deals that "put profits over people" and outside investors "looking to cash out and leave."
- Believes in fair taxation where everyone pays "their fair share."

Economy

As of January 5, 2026, Steve Rutherford’s website did not contain information on this issue.

Public Safety

Opposes all efforts to cut or privatize Social Security, Medicare, or Medicaid.

Supports expanding access to affordable healthcare.

Advocates for seniors and veterans receiving reliable healthcare, housing stability, and access to benefits.

- Opposes all efforts to cut or privatize Social Security, Medicare, or Medicaid.
- Supports expanding access to affordable healthcare.
- Advocates for seniors and veterans receiving reliable healthcare, housing stability, and access to benefits.

Healthcare

Supports ensuring schools prepare students for college, careers, and life.

- Supports ensuring schools prepare students for college, careers, and life.

Education

Energy & the Environment

Foreign Policy and Immigration

Voting & Elections

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Steve Rutherford

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- Your State Senator participates in the legislative process at the state level. They are one of 50 members of the North Carolina Senate. The North Carolina Senate is the upper house of the North Carolina General Assembly (the state's lawmaking body).
- Your State Senator drafts laws, approves budgets, has oversight of the state executive branch, and debates and votes on proposed laws.
- In addition to drafting and voting on bills, your State Senator can serve on committees. This is important because many bills can be stalled in committee, preventing them making it to a vote.
- Your State Senator is responsible for representing your interests. They also are responsible for helping you navigate the state's services and bringing back resources to your district.
- The State Senator is elected to a 2-year term. There is no term limit.