ABOUT ELISABETH

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Elisabeth Motsinger is a physician assistant and a twice-elected member of the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County School Board. She completed her medical training at Wake Forest University, where she is completing a master’s degree in bioethics.

Elisabeth came to Forsyth County in 1984 with her late husband and two children. In 1989 she married John Motsinger, who grew up in Alleghany County. Their son was born in 1990. The Motsingers live in Walkertown and own property on the family Christmas tree farm in Glade Valley.

Elisabeth grew up in Shrub Oak, NY. When she was 13, her mother returned to school and went on to complete a Ph.D., providing Elisabeth with an understanding and appreciation of education. While attending Manhattanville College, Elisabeth got pregnant and chose to leave school to care for her child. Later, when widowed with two small children, she used her Social Security survivor’s benefits to complete her education.

Her experience of being a poor, single mother shaped her commitment to economic justice and government’s role in strengthening families. She never lost her commitment to meeting the needs of all children, and therefore chose to run for a seat on the Winston-Salem/Forsyth County School Board.  In 2006 she won an at-large seat in what was widely considered an “unwinnable” race. She won re-election in 2010, the only Democratic incumbent running county-wide in Forsyth to be re-elected. She is an unwavering advocate for public education, including federal support for higher education grants and loans.

Elisabeth has been a physician assistant for more than 20 years.  Her experiences caring for women, families and seniors helped to shape her views regarding healthcare policies.
Elisabeth has always been active in her church and community.

She filed as a candidate for U.S. Congress on Feb. 14, 2012.  "I chose to file on Valentine's Day," Motsinger said, "because I love North Carolina and I love this country. As we face our current economic and political challenges, we should return to the values that made this nation great."

Elisabeth won her primary in May with 70 percent of the vote.