Running for Us: Lynne Russo, Candidate for NC House of Representatives District 117

We’re excited to continue our Running for Us series of candidate profiles with a Q&A featuring Lynne Russo, who is running to represent District 117 in the NC House of Representatives.

Over the past year, Lynne has traveled throughout District 117, listening to residents and learning firsthand about the issues that matter most to the people she hopes to represent. She is running to bring practical solutions, with a focus on Helene recovery, lowering the cost of living, strengthening public schools, expanding access to health care, and ensuring local communities have a stronger voice in Raleigh.

HCDP: Thank you for taking time to join us, Lynne! You declared your candidacy about one year ago. Can you explain what led to that decision and what you’ve learned since?

LYNNE: My decision to run grew out of spending the past year traveling throughout District 117 and talking with people about the challenges facing their families and communities. Today, those conversations continue to shape my priorities, which are Helene recovery, lowering the cost of living, strengthening public schools, expanding access to health care, and protecting local decision-making so the people closest to a problem have a real voice in solving it.

I believe representing a community requires more than simply living somewhere for a certain number of years. It requires showing up, earning trust, and doing the work. That’s what I’ve tried to do over the past year, and it’s why I decided to run. I want to make sure the people of District 117 have a strong voice in Raleigh.

Before moving to North Carolina, I spent many years helping mission-driven organizations solve complex problems and also helping care for my father during the final chapter of his life. Those experiences reinforced the importance of service, showing up for people, and building trust, and ultimately led me to begin this next chapter in Western North Carolina.

HCDP: Can you tell us a little more about your background and how it relates to the job of a state representative? What makes you unique?

LYNNE: I spent many years communicating complex issues in ways that inspired people to act. Whether it was helping leaders tell their story, raising awareness for important causes, or securing the resources organizations needed to fulfill their mission, my job was to make sure the right message reached the right people, and helped move their work forward.

Henderson County deserves someone who will bring that same approach to Raleigh. I’m less interested in political arguments than in solving problems.

My goal is for every person in District 117 to know they have a representative who is accessible, responsive, and willing to roll up her sleeves to help. I want the office to be known for solving problems, communicating honestly, and making government work better for the people it serves.

HCDP: Since you’ve been doing a deep dive into our communities, what’s on your list of Henderson County’s Greatest Hits?

LYNNE: Not to start a huge controversy, but I am in love with the ice cream at McConnell Farms in Hendersonville. I think it’s the best in America. I know, strong statement, but I stand by it!

I am also in love with the Carl Sandburg Home in Flat Rock. I love the history, the hiking, and the goats. I go there often. It brings me peace and joy every week.

One of my favorite things about Henderson County is how quickly you can move from a lively community gathering to a quiet trail, a horse farm, or a breathtaking mountain view. I love walking in the woods, spending time around horses, and discovering the small businesses and communities that give the county their character.

HCDP: What has it been like campaigning? Do you have a particular memory that

stands out?

LYNNE: One of my favorite memories was holding a listening session with residents in Bat Cave, Gerton, and the surrounding communities after Hurricane Helene. People shared their experiences with incredible honesty, and the conversation reinforced something I believe deeply: listening is an act of respect, but acting on what we hear is an act of leadership.

HCDP: What do you consider your specialty or niche? Your superpower, so to speak?

I would say that my superpower is identifying what’s standing in the way of progress and keeping people focused on solutions and results. I enjoy bringing together different perspectives, finding common ground, and keeping the focus on solving the problem instead of arguing about it.

My background in communications has taught me how to translate complex problems into clear, practical solutions and make sure local voices are heard where decisions are being made. That skill is especially important for rural and mountain communities, who too often feel overlooked in Raleigh.

To me, a project is fulfilling when it produces a meaningful result for people, especially those who have felt overlooked or unheard.

HCDP: Let’s end with something fun.  What’s a cool thing most people don’t know about you?

LYNNE: I attended the Royal Winnipeg Ballet School as a teenager. Ballet taught me discipline, resilience, and the importance of continuing to work hard even when something is difficult. It also gave me a lifelong love of the arts that I still carry with me today.

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We appreciate Lynne taking time to talk with us! Please share her website with everyone you know— https://www.lynnerussofornc.com/news -- it includes links to some excellent media coverage, including this op-ed in THE HILL.  And be sure to follow her on Facebook, Instagram & TikTok. Lynne and our other candidates are Running for Us—let’s make sure they can feel our support!