Wilmington, NC – Today, Jason Minnicozzi, a Wilmington resident and former prosecutor and public defender, announced his campaign for North Carolina Senate. He is seeking to represent District 7, which includes most of New Hanover County.
Throughout his career, Jason has fought for the rights of others and to make sure that every family had the tools they need to succeed. The North Carolina General Assembly has failed to support our schools, preserve our environment, protect our civil rights, or create a robust economy. Since he was a child, Jason has seen firsthand how these issues have impacted his neighbors and damaged New Hanover County – which is why it is time for new leadership.
Jason Minnicozzi released the following statement on the launch of his campaign:
“I was raised in a working-class household by a family who prioritized education and taught me the value of hard work and service to one’s community. That is why I have dedicated my career to helping my neighbors and why I am running to represent New Hanover County in the North Carolina Senate.
“For far too long, New Hanover has suffered because politicians care more about partisan politics than effective policy. We deserve leadership that will fight to bring jobs back to our communities, defend our teachers and schools, expand access to health care and high-speed internet, and protect our coastline and infrastructure from climate change. As your Senator, I promise to always put New Hanover County first and to always stand up for our people at home.”
In addition, fellow Democrat and District 7 candidate Adam Ericson released the following statement announcing the end of his campaign and endorsing Minnicozzi:
“Like many families, responsibilities to aging parents have increased through the pandemic, and our family is no different. For this reason, I am withdrawing my candidacy for Senate District 7 and will not be filing for office. I want to thank everyone for their support and want to encourage everyone to welcome Jason Minnicozzi into the race. I am prepared to do whatever I can to send Jason to Raleigh, and I am certain he will do a fantastic job representing the people of New Hanover County in the General Assembly.”
About Jason Minnicozzi
Jason Minnicozzi’s grandmother and mother were public school teachers, who instilled the importance of public education and engaging in his community. Having spent his childhood summers staying with family in Wrightsville Beach and Carolina Beach digging for sand crabs, Jason fell in love with the Wilmington area and knew North Carolina was the place for him. He went on to earn a degree in criminology from North Carolina State and his law degree from Campbell University before settling in Wilmington. After graduating Jason worked at the District Attorney’s Offices in Brunswick, Bladen, and Columbus Counties to serve as a prosecutor, where he developed a specialty in convicting predators who sexually abuse children. Later he worked at the New Hanover County Public Defender’s Office standing up for people who were wrongly accused and helping offenders, many of whom are addicts, find the treatment they need to heal themselves and change after paying their debt to society. Now, Minnicozzi resides in Wilmington and enjoys cycling and spending time with his chocolate lab walking on the beach.