Paul Arthur Lowe JR

Paul Arthur Lowe Jr. is the incumbent Democratic State Senator for North Carolina’s 32nd Senate district and is seeking re‑election in the November 3, 2026 general election. North Carolina senators serve two‑year terms, represent roughly 200,000 constituents, and are responsible for introducing, debating, and voting on state legislation, as well as serving on standing committees that shape the state budget and policy agenda ¹.

Born May 19, 1959 in Seattle, Washington, Senator Lowe earned a Bachelor of Arts in Religion from Bishop College, a Master of Divisions in Theology from Virginia Union University, a Doctor of Ministry in Congregational Development from Drew University School of Theology, and a Master of Divinity from Christ Church College, according to his VoteSmart biography ¹¹. He is a Baptist pastor, having led Shiloh Baptist Church in Winston‑Salem for more than two decades, and has served as an adjunct professor at Shaw University’s Divinity School ⁹¹¹.

Lowe entered the North Carolina Senate in January 2015 when Governor Pat McCrory appointed him to fill the vacancy left by Senator Earline W. Parmon’s resignation. He has been re‑elected in every subsequent cycle, most recently advancing from the Democratic primary with 59.1 % of the vote and facing Republican Peter Antinozzi in the 2026 general election ¹. Throughout his tenure he has held a variety of committee assignments, most recently serving on the Appropriations on Agriculture, Natural and Economic Resources Committee; the Appropriations/Base Budget Committee; the Commerce and Insurance Committee; the Senate Finance Committee; and the Rules and Operations of the Senate Committee for the 2025‑2026 session ¹. Earlier sessions saw him on the Redistricting and Elections Committee, the Appropriations on Health and Human Services Committee, and the Environmental Review Commission, among others ¹¹¹⁷.

In the legislature, Senator Lowe has focused on economic development, tax‑credit incentives for historic preservation and film production, and expanding access to quality health care and education. He has sponsored legislation to revive tax credits and promote job creation, and he has been an outspoken advocate for the interests of Forsyth County and the broader state economy ⁹¹⁷. He also served as Chairman of the North Carolina Legislative Black Caucus, using that platform to push for economic equality, educational justice, and a more responsive health‑care system ⁹¹⁷.

Beyond his legislative work, Lowe is active in civic and fraternal organizations. He is a member of Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity, a 33rd‑degree Scottish Rite Mason, and holds leadership roles in the General Baptist Convention of North Carolina and the National Baptist Convention, USA, Inc. He is married to LaGail Crews, a retired Master Sergeant of the United States Air Force, and they reside in Winston‑Salem ¹¹¹⁷.

Senator Lowe’s current campaign emphasizes continued work on good‑paying jobs, quality health care, and affordable education for the 32nd district, pledging to collaborate across party lines and with Governor Roy Cooper to keep North Carolina’s priorities at the top of the legislative agenda ⁸.

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