MEET STEVE

Leadership That Listens. Results That Matter.

Steve Rao has built a reputation as a tireless advocate for innovation, equity, and progress in North Carolina. As the son of immigrants, Steve has seen firsthand the power of hard work, education, and opportunity. His dedication to public service is inspired by his parents’ journey and his desire to leave a better future for his wife, Komal and their two children, Sonia, a graduate of the UNC School Hussman School of Journalism, and Rayan, a sophomore at NC State in Biomedical Engineering.

As a respected Councilmember in Morrisville and a long-time public servant, Steve brings years of experience, vision, and results-driven leadership to the table. Now, he is ready to take his commitment to our communities to the next level as your next Wake County Commissioner.

“I will offer leadership that is accessible and engaged. I will return phone calls and respond to your emails. That’s part of the job. Too often, I hear from voters who say they think county government is difficult when it comes to engagement and input. I will be that leader who listens and then acts to make sure we tackle the public policy issues facing Wake County.”

--- Steve Rao

STEVE'S RESUME

ENDORSED BY

Ro Khanna

United States Representative

Wiley Nickel

Former United States

Representative

Mitchell Silver

Raleigh City Council Member

District A

Rufus Edmisten

Former Attorney General and Secretary of State

Ya Liu

NC State Representative

Sarika Bansal

Cary Town Council Member

District D

Glenn York

Zebulon Mayor

Terry Mahaffey

Apex Town Council Member

Shannon Baxter

Zebulon Commissioner

Dimple Ajmera

Charlotte City Council Member

Vivian Jones

Wake Forest Mayor

Michael Shlink

Former Morrisville Town

Council Member

Abe Jones

NC State Representative

Allen Thomas

Former Greenville Mayor

Ed Gray

Apex Mayor Pro Tem

Lenwood Long

Rolesville Commissioner

Bill Harris

Fuquay Varina Commissioner

Vicki Scroggins-Johnson

Morrisville Council Member

District 4

David M. Walker

Former United States Comptroller General - Bill Clinton and George W. Bush

Shane Reese

Apex Business Leader &

Town Council Candidate

CONTRIBUTE

Your contribution today will help us reach more voters, spread Steve’s vision, and build a community-driven campaign. Whether it’s $25, $50, or $100, every dollar makes a difference.

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VISION

INVEST IN OUR COMMUNITIES

Expanding Affordable Housing: Ensuring sustainable growth while addressing housing affordability across the county. In the meantime, work with our nonprofit organizations to offer housing solutions to assist our unhoused population.
Investing in Transportation: Reducing congestion and improving connectivity through smart infrastructure investment - smart transportation grids. Deliver a reliable, coordinated transit system that can meet the needs of our county.
Parks & Rec: Champion our parks, libraries, community centers and quality of life. Expand our Parks + Recreation Programs to improve services for our seniors and after school programs for teenagers.
Infrastructure: Strengthen our infrastructure, repair aging water lines, sewer lines, expand high-speed internet + broadband to all regions of the county

PUBLIC SAFETY & PUBLIC HEALTH

Faster Response Times: Improving EMS Service and supporting our First Responders and Sheriff to reduce 9-1-1 response times and support public safety.
Support our Sheriff: Increasing community patrols for safer neighborhoods, put more deputies on patrol to better our communities
Fortify our Fire Departments and First Responders: Supporting competitive pay, training and top of the line equipment

PROMOTING DIVERSITY & INCLUSION

Celebrating the rich cultural fabric of Wake County while ensuring equitable opportunities for all residents.

DRIVING A DYNAMIC ECONOMY

Expand Economic Sector: Work to expand our information, technology and life sciences economic sector bringing high-tech, high-wage jobs to our area.
Job Training Programs: Coordinate with our public schools and Wake Tech to help build a strong workforce
Small Business Support: Assist small business upstarts, development + success.
Strengthening Public Education: Partnering with state and local leaders to improve teacher pay, enhance resources for students, and prepare our workforce for the future.
Expand Economic Sector: Work to expand our information, technology and life sciences economic sector bringing high-tech, high-wage jobs to our area.

KEY ISSUES

CHAMPIONING ECONOMIC GROWTH

Steve has worked to attract new businesses, foster entrepreneurship, and support local startups, helping to create jobs and strengthen the regional economy.

PRIORITIZING EDUCATION

Steve has been a vocal advocate for increased funding for public schools and STEM education, understanding that strong schools are key to our county’s success.

INVESTING IN PARKS

Steve has worked with his colleagues to invest over $15 million in Morrisville Parks and Greenways, and has led the efforts to grow Major League Cricket at Church Street Park!

PROMOTING SMART TECHNOLOGY

As a tech advocate, Steve has spearheaded initiatives to bring smart city solutions and digital innovation to local government, making Morrisville a leader in tech-forward governance and looks to expand this across Wake County.

ADVOCATING FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING

He has pushed for smart zoning initiatives, including affordable housing options, ensuring that families of all income levels can call Wake County home.