Former Labor Commissioner Cherie Berry, the longest-serving commissioner in North Carolina history, has endorsed Luke Farley to be the next Labor Commissioner.

 "Serving as North Carolina Commissioner of Labor was the honor of my lifetime. I spent two decades in the role and I know what it takes to succeed in the job. I’m delighted to give my full endorsement and support to Luke Farley as North Carolina's next Labor Commissioner," said Former Commissioner Berry. "Luke has the skills, background, and passion to lead the Department and protect the more than 5 million workers in North Carolina. With years of experience as a construction and OSHA lawyer, he’s the most qualified candidate in the race. I know his heart’s in this job and that he’ll fight for the fair treatment of all businesses and care for their, and our, greatest asset: the workers.”

 Responding to the endorsement, Luke Farley said: “I’m deeply honored to have the endorsement of Commissioner Berry. No one knows the job better than she does. During her tenure, she was a champion of both workers and businesses. She left big shoes to fill, but I’ll fight every day to uphold her legacy of commonsense regulation, impartial treatment of businesses, and care for our workers.”

 Commissioner Berry served the Department of Labor from 2001 to 2021. Before becoming Labor Commissioner she served in the General Assembly and owned a highly successful manufacturing business. Cherie Berry is a household name in North Carolina and beyond and is one of the most beloved public servants in our state’s history. She is often referred to as the “Elevator Lady” or the “Elevator Queen”, had a song written about her, and even had a couple of beers brewed in her honor.