CONCORD — Democrat Senah Andrews has announced her candidacy for the North Carolina House of Representatives in the newly drawn District 83.

District 83 includes Cabarrus and Rowan counties. The incumbent is Republican Larry Pittman of Concord.

“I grew up in New Bern, graduated from N.C. State University, and raised my family in Concord,” said Andrews.” I am a North Carolinian through and through.”

Through her work as a psychologist and educator, Andrews said she has been exposed to many challenges that affect communities daily.

“I have sat at the bedside of those who have overdosed from opioids, held mothers who have lost children to suicide, counseled men and women who are in crisis after a job loss, and listened while seniors describe feeling hopeless and afraid because they can’t afford their medications and increasing need for nursing care,” she said.

Andrews was for seven years a member of the psychology faculty at Rowan-Cabarrus Community College. When Pillowtex closed in 2003, Andrews welcomed displaced workers into her classroom as they transitioned into a changing workforce.

“Fear, loneliness, insecurity and abandonment were common feelings among my students. In those moments of vulnerability, I became coach, teacher and cheerleader,” said Andrews. “The courage my students displayed during such personal and community devastation continues to inspire me.”

Andrews, a small business owner, said workers need skills training, increased job opportunities and a living wage. She believes that even with low overall unemployment rates and growth in her district, there is a growing divide among people from different communities.

“I believe it is the right of every citizen to be able to earn a living wage, support their families and contribute to their communities. I will unapologetically stand up for the poor, the suffering and the disenfranchised. I will fight for equal rights, quality health care, top-notch public schools and safe communities,” Andrews said.

Andrews said though her run for the General Assembly will be a hard-fought battle, she is armed with a desire to restore balance within the legislature and ensure all people have a voice.

“Too many people of North Carolina feel left behind, forgotten and lost,” she said. “We all deserve a fighting chance to live our best lives, and I will advocate for every person regardless of race, gender, religion, creed, sexual orientation or socioeconomic status.”