A Mexican American millennial born and raised in Henderson County will run as a Democrat against Sen. Chuck Edwards.

"I'm excited to bring a fresh perspective to the problems and solutions facing our district," Cristal Figueroa said in a statement announcing her candidacy for the 48th District. "I'm looking forward to running a campaign that will bring our community together and show that diversity is our strength."

Figueroa, 25, said she "believe it's time for the people of District 48 to have a strong representative who will fight for a better future." The UNC Asheville graduate describes herself in an advertisement posted on a campaign Facebook page as the daughter of two immigrant parents who became small business owners in Western North Carolina.

Figueroa is a legal aid to a local immigration attorney, according to a news release. She has volunteered for domestic violence victims at local organization True Ridge and is a registered behavior technician, working with children who have learning disabilities.

Her major issues are education, environmental concerns, economic growth and immigration. She has a bachelor's degree in political science.

On her website, Figueroa said she's opposed to local jails participating in federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement detainer programs. She also called for granting tax cuts and incentives to businesses that "convert to renewable sources and reduce their overall energy use."

Figueroa said she supports a statewide living wage.

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"We are seeing a rise in the cost of living, but stagnation in wages," she said. "I will propose the state move towards a living wage, based on the cost of living, that will be implemented over the next 10 years. I will also fight to raise the tipped wage to reflect half of the minimum wage."

A strongly Republican district, the 48th comprises Henderson and Transylvania counties, as well as southern Buncombe — though legislative lines are in the process of being redrawn after state judges ruled the current maps unconstitutional.

They specifically cited the 48th District, saying it was an example of "an extreme partisan gerrymander."

Figueroa will face primary opponents: Mills River Councilman Brian Caskey and former state Rep. Patsy Keever have announced they'll run as Democrats.

The candidates will challenge Sen. Chuck Edwards, a Flat Rock Republican who is seeking a third term. He was first appointed to the seat in summer 2016 following Tom Apodaca's resignation, then was elected that November and easily reelected in 2018.

Figueroa registered as a Democrat the afternoon of Sept. 16, campaign manager Jennifer Floyd said. Figueroa previously was registered as unaffiliated, a switch made from her Libertarian affiliation while she earned her bachelor's degree.

Figueroa does not plan to change her affiliation again in the future, Floyd said.

"As many know, the Democratic Party has undergone a lot of changes since the 2016 election and since finishing her degree, Cristal has found that the Democratic Party's platform aligns more closely with both her worldview and policy stances," Floyd said. "That is why she has decided to join the ticket as a Democrat.

"We hope that by her officially joining the party, it will show others that the party is more welcoming to new ideas and people."