Ben Clark (politician) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ben Clark
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| Member of the North Carolina Senate from the 21st district |
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| In office January 1, 2013 – January 1, 2023 |
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| Preceded by | Eric Mansfield |
| Succeeded by | Danny Britt (Redistricting) |
| Personal details | |
| Born | 1959 (age 65–66) Fort Bragg, North Carolina, U.S. |
| Political party | Democratic |
| Education | North Carolina A&T State University (BS) Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville (MBA) George Washington University (GrDip) |
Ben Clark is an American politician from North Carolina. He served as a state senator for ten years, from 2013 to 2023. During his time in the North Carolina Senate, he represented people living in Hoke and Cumberland counties. He was also a leader for the Democratic Party in the Senate. In 2021, he decided not to run for re-election to the Senate. Instead, he announced he would try to become a member of the U.S. Congress.
What is the North Carolina Senate?
The North Carolina Senate is part of the state's government. It is like a team of lawmakers who make rules and laws for the state. These laws affect everyone in North Carolina. Senators are elected by people in different areas, called districts. Ben Clark was elected to represent the 21st district.
Ben Clark's Work in the Senate
During his five terms as a state senator, Ben Clark focused on several important things. He worked hard to support military families and veterans, especially since he was born at Fort Bragg, a military base. He also wanted to make sure everyone could get good healthcare. Another big goal for him was to provide a strong education for every child in North Carolina.
When the COVID-19 pandemic happened, Senator Clark helped lead the effort to safely reopen schools in North Carolina. He also played a key role in creating the 2021 state budget. This budget removed taxes on military retirement income, which was a big help for retired service members.
How Ben Clark Was Elected
Ben Clark was elected to the North Carolina Senate multiple times. He first won his seat in 2012. After that, he was re-elected in 2014, 2016, 2018, and 2020. Each time, he ran as a member of the Democratic Party. To win an election, candidates need to get the most votes from the people in their district. Ben Clark was very popular in his district, which helped him win many elections.
