A long-time resident of District 7 since the age of six, Cory Thornton embodies the values of faith, family, and service that define our community. He has been married to his childhood friend for over 15 years, and together they are raising five daughters who represent the future he's fighting to protect.

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Thornton's commitment to service began early. At just 17 years old, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, deploying to Japan, Thailand, and Iraq in defense of our nation's freedoms. That same spirit of dedication continues today through his role as a deacon at Cedar Rock Baptist Church, where he serves the congregation and lives out his faith in action.

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A proven entrepreneur and job creator, Thornton has invested in our community by building multiple businesses across several industries including construction, real estate, entertainment, and recycling. His commitment to excellence in business led him to earn an MBA from the Jack Welch Management Institute.

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Recognizing the critical skilled labor shortage facing our community, Thornton was among the first business leaders to build an apprenticeship partnership program, creating pathways for the next generation to gain valuable skills and meaningful careers. This commitment to education continues through his service as a trustee for Vance Granville Community College, where he works to ensure local residents have access to quality training and opportunity.

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His combination of military service, business acumen, community investment, and educational leadership makes him uniquely qualified to represent District 7 and fight for the conservative values we hold dear.