Caitlin “Goose” Marsh Announces Bid For NC Senate District 10

JOHNSTON COUNTY — Domestic violence survivor and advocate Caitlin “Goose” Marsh has formally announced her candidacy for the North Carolina State Senate, seeking to represent District 10 as a Republican challenger. Framing her campaign as a mission rooted in personal experience and faith, Marsh says she’s running to “reform protections for women and families” that she believes the justice system has failed.

“I am not a career politician,” Marsh said. “I’m a mother, a survivor, and a woman of faith. I know what effects bad policies have on my fellow neighbors because I’m living it.”

Marsh, a Johnston County resident, said her decision to run was born out of firsthand experience with domestic violence, followed by what she described as a justice system riddled with loopholes and empty promises. Rather than remain silent, she said she felt called by God to turn her survival into service.

“I have witnessed countless injustices within our legislation,” Marsh said. “These fallacies give us a false sense of safety. They pacify us through legislation that looks beneficial, but underneath the black ink are gray areas that criminals have used to exploit our judicial system.”

If elected, Marsh says she will prioritize accountability for offenders, expanded protections for women and children, and greater transparency in government. Her proposed policies include mandatory financial support from fathers beginning at pregnancy and criminal liability for abandonment—measures she says are designed to put “real consequences” in place. “Enough with soft penalties that lack true accountability,” she said.

As a self-described faith-led conservative, Marsh also embraces a firm pro-life stance, but she emphasizes the importance of supporting women beyond rhetoric. “Life begins at conception — period,” she said. “But unlike hollow pro-life talking points, I demand full support for mothers: free access to birth control, prenatal care, and crisis resources.”

Marsh also pledges to be a staunch defender of the Second Amendment, advocating for the expansion of concealed carry rights and the introduction of gun safety education in public schools. She believes responsible gun ownership should be taught early to instill respect and understanding.

In addition to individual freedoms, Marsh said she’s committed to breaking down barriers between everyday citizens and their government.

“Politics shouldn’t be an elite club,” she said. “This campaign wasn’t curated for me — I educated myself, built it independently, and now I’m running to open the doors for everyone.”

She also highlighted concerns over rapid urbanization in Johnston County, calling for legislation to preserve farmland and invest in infrastructure to meet the demands of growth.

Marsh said her candidacy is motivated not by political ambition, but by the need for leadership grounded in lived experience.

“For far too long, we have been forced to vote for politicians who are not affected by the same legislation they implement,” she said. “It stops now. I believe that circumstances do not define one’s capabilities — and while I may not be what some view as the ‘perfect’ candidate, those imperfections are what make me the right candidate.”

The filing period for candidates for NC State Senate in the 2026 election begins at noon on Monday, December 1, 2025, and ends at noon on Friday, December 19, 2025. The seat is currently held by Senator Benton Sawrey.