Cruz Campaign Press Release - Cruz for President Expands North Carolina State Leadership Team

HOUSTON, Texas — Today, Presidential candidate Ted Cruz announced the expansion of his North Carolina State Leadership Team to include more than 70 state and county leaders and a team of local pastors and ministry leaders. New members include conservative stalwart State Rep. Rayne Brown, historian, best-selling author and grassroots activist Dr. Willian Forstchen of Montreat College, and renowned Hebrew scholar, pastor, and radio talk show host Dr. Michael Brown, who will serve as Cruz's North Carolina pastors coalition chairman.

"The diverse talent representing the legislative, faith-based, and activist communities will ensure that our campaign continues to build a winning operation in the Tar Heel State," said Cruz. "I couldn't be more proud to have such capable, respected, and qualified leaders on our team."

The following small business owners, Republican women, Tea Party leaders, elected officials, pastors, policy experts, faith-based community leaders, and Millennials comprise additions to the Cruz Campaign's North Carolina Leadership Team.

North Carolina State Leadership Team Members:

Lisa Briley, Roxohel

North Carolina State Rep. Rayne Brown, Lexington

Mason Burchette, Fairview

James Davis, Hayesville

Dr. Florian Deltgen, Columbia

Hazel and William Diederich, Kenly

Michelle Dufay, Davidson

Dr. William Forstchen, Black Mountain

Rex Foster, Lexington

Deborah and Ron Greer, Concord

Jennifer Hargett, East Flat Rock

Larry Herwig, Grimesland

Theodore Hicks, Cary

Heather Jameson, Yanceyville

Janet Keever, Conover

Warren Kennedy, Castle Hayne

Korey Kiger, Greensboro

Elizabeth Lankford, Charlotte

Jeff Lominac, Conover

Matthew Paruch, Granite Falls

Dr. J.N. "Hub" Powell, Asheville

Ron Price, Reidsville

Frank Shultz, Davidson

Jerry Stafford, Reidsville

David E. Stewart, Windsor

Suzannah Tho'mas, Durham

Norman Thompson, Rocky Mount

Wyly Walker, State Millenials Director

Bobbi Wise, Roxohel

Pastors Team:

Dr. Michael Brown, Concord

Pastor Kevin Broyhill, King

Pastor Tim Daniel, Kinston

Rev. Chad Ellege, Waynesville

Pastor Jackie Elwart, Kinston

Pastor Rick Finlay, Durham

Dr. David Frye, Raleigh

Dr. Eric Grindstaff, Marion

Robert Eugene Lewis, Fuguy

Pastor Jon McConkey, Jacksonville

Pastor Michael Parker, Kinston

Dr. Timothy D. Rabon, Raleigh

Rev. J. Wendell Runion, Asheville

Rev. Terry Sartain, Charlotte

Dr. Rit Varraile, Jr., Shelby

Regional and County Leaders:

Greg Arnette, Kinston

Susan Baker, Lewisville

Jordan Burchette, Fairview

Tommy Covill, Wilmington

Angela Denton, Stanfield

Deborah G. Fullam, Landis

Patricia Garrison, Pantego

Jonathan Hewitt, Monroe

Laura and John Hodges, Goldsboro

Andrew Johnson, Winston-Salem

Lauren Kelly, Hickory

Dylan Light, Sanford

Carolyn Marin, Louisburg

Nicole McAbee, Mills River

Hannah McLawhorn, Grifton

Alexa C. Pike, Denver

Mary Ellen Schick, Mt. Holly

Dick Shaughnessy, Rutherfordton

Sara Jane Sparks, Hookerton

Laura and Cliff Sumrall, Pinehurst

Donnie Taylor, Ahoskie

Jackie Weyhenmeyer, Fayetteville

Lynn Whitehead, Ahoskie

Barb and Thomas Yarter, Rutherfordton