Position/philosophy statement
Mountain Democrat and farmer working to bring people together and make life better for all of us.
Current Occupation
Farmer and Business Owner
Age (optional)
48
Campaign Youtube URL
As a local farmer and the founder of Hickory Nut Gap, I’ve spent my life bringing people together across backgrounds, beliefs, and communities to solve real problems. Running a farm and business taught me how to listen, build trust, and deliver results even when resources are limited and stakes are high. I understand what it takes to keep a local operation running, support working families, and protect the land that sustains us. In Congress, I’ll bring that same practical leadership, compassion, and commitment to uniting Western North Carolina and getting things done.
My top priority in Congress from day one will be to deliver Hurricane Helene funding and help steward long-term recovery. Too many families, small businesses, and communities are still waiting on help they were promised. They are still waiting for Chuck Edwards to fight for them. I will fight to cut through red tape, bring federal recovery dollars home, and make sure aid actually reaches the people who need it, not get stuck behind excuses on some unelected bureaucrat’s desk in Washington.
Too many working families are doing everything right and still falling behind. I’ll fight to lower the cost of everyday essentials like child care, groceries, housing, health care, and prescription drugs. That means taking on corporate price-gouging, protecting Social Security and Medicare, and investing in small businesses, family farms, and modern manufacturing so good jobs stay here in Western North Carolina. We should cut taxes for working people and make sure hard work leads to real economic security and a fair shot at getting ahead, not reward corporations that exploit communities or ship jobs overseas.
I’ll start by focusing on restoring trust and working to change how accountability in Washington works. That starts with banning stock trading by members of Congress, working to overturn Citizens United, and reducing the influence of lobbyists and special interests. I’ll also hold myself to higher ethical standards and push for transparency and accountability across every aspect of government. When people see that their representatives aren’t profiting from the system, it becomes easier to work together and make government effective again.
Farming is one of the best tools we have to protect our environment. We should work to create policies that give incentives for farmers to adopt regenerative practices that have been shown to improve soil health, protect waterways, and strengthen long-term farm viability. These practices help reduce erosion, improve resilience to floods and droughts, and keep farms productive for future generations. Scaling these up will make a major positive impact on the productivity of the land, while capturing and using carbon. Our environmental policy should work hand-in-hand with agriculture, we can reward stewardship while strengthening our rural communities through these policies.
At Hickory Nut Gap, we work every day to build community through agriculture — understanding that the land, the animals, and the people we impact are all connected. That same collaborative mindset is what Washington is missing.
My great-grandfather was a minister who helped start a local farmers co-op here over 100 years ago. The values of service, hard work, and leadership have been passed down through generations. For the past 25 years, my wife Amy and I have grown Hickory Nut Gap into a successful business supporting dozens of local employees and farmers.
Above all, I’m a patriot and a proud native of Western North Carolina, and I believe that our communities and this place we all call home will always be more important than political affiliations. My job is to be a representative of all of us here. Regardless of political party, I will always fight for what’s best for our region.
Position/philosophy statement
Public Service over Political Theatre
Current Occupation
Field Service Technician
Age (optional)
35
Campaign Phone
8287749486
Campaign Youtube URL
The role of a representative is to advocate, represent, listen, and educate. My professional background is in public health, social services, direct services, and education. I have supported and advocated for clients as they attempt to utilize our social safety nets.
Additionally, I have been working as a field service technician for the past few years and my territory is all of District 11. I've been traveling and actively listening to constituents and developed our platform based on the needs, wants, and expectations of Western North Carolinians.
Lastly, I have been working class my entire life and have not only supported labor unions but also unionized my former workplace.
The people of WNC are still struggling post-Helene. Add to that the rising prices of healthcare, dismantling of our social safety nets, and lack of opportunity, and you have a recipe for disaster. My primary focus is to address the affordability issue that is keeping the working class from thriving. I must act in the best interests of my constituents first and foremost.
This being said, it is extremely difficult to address this issue when the current administration is actively making things worse every day. In order to affect meaningful change, our efforts must not be impeded. Therefore, I believe we need to impeach and remove the root cause of the issue.
Reduce taxes for the working class and increase taxes on corporations and anyone making more than 2 million a year.
Invest in climate-resilient infrastructure that will bring thousands of good union jobs that cannot be outsourced or given to AI.
Increase federal minimum wage to AT LEAST 20 an hour.
Break up monopolies and actively address corporate price gouging.
Revamp and strengthen our social safety nets so they lift people out of poverty, not keep them there.
Fund social security by removing the taxable maximum so our seniors can retire with dignity.
Heavily regulate AI, place a moratorium on data centers, and hold companies accountable when they favor AI over humans.
Prioritize subsidies for small businesses, reduce corporate welfare.
We need to hold news organizations accountable for false reporting, especially when the narrative and reporting leads to crimes being committed.
Implement ranked choice voting, which encourages healthy competition that doesn't promote a 2 party systems.
Explore adding two more branches of government: the examination branch and the control branch. The examination branch will manage the civil service system while the control branch will be responsible for the impeachment and censure of government officials as well as auditing government agencies. This will address the separation of powers issue that we find ourselves combatting today.
Prioritize renewable energy over fossil fuels.
Heavily regulate pollution cause by corporations.
The US military is the #1 polluter in the world, so we will reduce the military budget and stop being the world's police. The reduction in military presence will reduce the environmental impact of the US military.
Prohibit private equity firms from buying residential housing and pressuring land owners to sell their assets.
Place a moratorium on data centers until regulations can be established so that corporations aren't siphoning resources from communities.
I will abide by a vote of no confidence. With a successful petition, constituents can have a ballot measure brought to the electorate. If 60% or more vote that I am not doing an effective job and want me to step down, I will do so. Not because of law, but because it's the morally correct thing to do.
Position/philosophy statement
My approach to public service values democratic institutions and engaged citizens. I support transparent, accountable government, economic opportunity for working families, strong healthcare and education, and protecting fundamental rights.
Current Occupation
Family Physician
Campaign Phone
(828)231-4977
Campaign Youtube URL
I’m a family physician and for the past ten years I led Western North Carolina’s largest community health center. During that time, we expanded access to affordable health care across rural WNC, more than tripling the number of neighbors served to over 80,000 people. My career has been dedicated to service, both here at home and abroad, including volunteering in West Africa during the Ebola epidemic. I also bring proven leadership experience, having managed a growing nonprofit with a $77 million budget, created more than 500 good-paying jobs, and led teams focused on delivering results for the communities they serve.
These are the skills that I will bring to Congress to make life better in NC-11!
In my first year, my top priority will be fixing our broken health care system so no one has to choose between getting care and paying their bills. I will fight to move us toward Medicare-for-All.
Too many families in Western North Carolina are losing coverage, worrying about Medicaid cuts, or stuck in jobs that don’t offer affordable insurance. Young adults, especially in rural areas, are being hit hard, and more than 25 million Americans remain uninsured. We can do better.
As a family physician who has spent my career delivering care and leading health systems, I know what works and what doesn’t. I’m ready to use that experience to lower costs, expand coverage, and make sure everyone can see a doctor when they need one.
I hear every day from voters how hard it is to make ends meet. Even with a decent paycheck, families are being squeezed by rising health care costs, unaffordable housing, expensive or unavailable child care, and higher prices for groceries.
I proposed a homegrown food tax credit of $500 for growing your own food, in a garden or raising chickens. I oppose hedge funds and corporations buying single family homes. I support programs like New Mexico’s universal child care program being implemented at the federal level. I have brought real leadership to our communities to break through the stagnation families face. Our elected leaders must recognize the urgent crisis facing working people and relentlessly fight those who created this crisis.
As a family physician, I’ve built my career on listening first—truly hearing what people need before offering solutions. I will bring that same approach to Congress, working across party lines to focus on what unites us: helping the American people.
My experience leading Federally Qualified Health Centers has shown me both the dedication of our hardworking federal workers and the frustrations of bureaucracy. In Congress I will work to build more effective oversight of federal programs. I will use that insight to help reduce entrenched red tape, empower staff and colleagues to focus on results, and build practical, people-centered solutions that serve everyone—not just the rules.
One of our most important generational responsibilities is leaving a healthier Earth for our children and grandchildren—and right now, we’re falling short. I will fight to invest in alternative energy that creates good jobs, protects our environment, and diversifies our energy sources for the 21st century.
I will also push Congress to reassert its authority to protect our air, water, and forests by reversing Executive Orders that rolled back environmental protections, like harmful EPA regulation rollbacks and the Roadless Rule that threaten our national forests. Every action we take should leave our communities healthier, our economy stronger, and our natural heritage intact for generations to come.
I’ve spent my career working to improve the lives of families across Western North Carolina by expanding access to whole-person health care that too many families were struggling to find. This work is having a long lasting impact beyond in-the-moment outcomes-it helped inspire people to serve in community health centers, to work alongside others focused on helping people and making the most of limited resources to meet our communities real needs.
When Helene brought some of our region’s darkest days, I led my teams into devastated communities to help. We went to places like Barnardsville and Chimney Rock, staffed shelters at the WNC Ag Center and in Hendersonville, and conducted wellness checks on high-risk seniors in Asheville to be sure they had medicine, food, and water.
I’ll bring that same hands-on, accountable leadership to Washington to help build a better North Carolina, a stronger nation and a brighter future.
I’d be honored to earn your vote this primary election. Thank you.
Position/philosophy statement
There’s a cancer running through Washington, and I’m running to cure it.
Current Occupation
Cell Biology Professor (On Leave)
Campaign Phone
3343294583
As a research scientist, I have spent my life finding solutions and testing hypotheses to find cures to rare diseases like cancer. And when it feels impossible to find a solution, I have invented tools to expand scientific research. I’m not satisfied with the mindset that something cannot be done just because it hasn’t before and I do not give up when I hit a roadblock. In Congress, I will write legislation, find new policy approaches, and not stop exploring until solutions to the most pressing issues facing Americans today, just as I have throughout my career in the lab.
The lack of access to affordable, straightforward, and accessible healthcare does not just affect someone’s ability to receive medical treatment. It also deters people from seeking preventative care, prevents early diagnoses, lowers health outcomes, and hinders people’s ability to escape the cycle of debt. The current system of extending ACA subsidies is not sustainable for our Country or fair to Americans relying on it who are put in limbo by partisan infighting every time subsidies must be extended. There is not one fix to our healthcare system, but I am committed to understanding other country’s effective healthcare systems, examining how to apply their methods in the U.S. and adapting those to America’s healthcare system day one.
Billionaires should not be receiving tax breaks. Americans working multiple jobs to make ends meet and the disappearing middle class should. I will also advocate for raising the minimum wage. It is shameful that the federal minimum wage has stagnated at $7.25 for 17 years. In 2022, the Economic Policy Institute found that the federal minimum wage was worth 27% less than it did 17 years ago and 40% less than when it was established in 1968. Our young people have been handed an economy where they have less buying power, higher costs of living, and fear they will never be able to afford to buy a home. We must incentivize low-income housing development and programs offering down payment and mortgage assistance to first time homebuyers.
I have experience building broad, collaborative teams in research labs. This involves seeking out experts in various fields to work together for a common goal. I have no issue with going across the aisle to seek out information in areas I am not an expert in to make Western North Carolinians lives better. I know the areas I am an expert in and will continue to educate myself on the issues, but I also am not afraid to admit when I need the knowledge of another expert. This kind of consensus building and information gathering will increase effectiveness and highlighting the strengths of legislators will help foster a less polarized environment.
Climate change is here and it is irresponsible for legislators to act like it is not. The magnitude and frequency of natural disasters is going to continue to increase unfortunately. Now is the time to invest in climate resilient and sustainable infrastructure and developments. In the aftermath of Helene, there is an opportunity to use legislation to incentivize climate resilient infrastructure for developers. In addition, I will support legislation to protect our natural resources and the natural beauty of this region instead of trying to take away these resources and privatize public lands.
AI is here to stay and Congress must regulate AI usage and data centers before it’s too late. I’ve used AI for medical research and am extremely familiar with how it has been and can be used for good, especially for medical research. But I also know it can be used maliciously by bad actors. Congress needs a leader who understands AI for proper regulation before it becomes unmanageable. In addition, data center development for AI is targeting low income, rural, and marginalized neighborhoods, leading to increasing energy costs and negative health outcomes for these residents. When communities are being sought out for data center development, community forums and opinion should be required before the land is bought and development begins in addition to oversight and accountability of the centers regarding energy costs, taxes, and public and environmental health.
Position/philosophy statement
Of issues that face our Country today, two are the most dangerous. The first is the instantaneous spread of lies through Media. The second is the creation of a Federal Force loyal to the Administration. We must take steps to stop these things.
Current Occupation
Civil Engineer
Age (optional)
56
Campaign Phone
5554443322
I am a licensed Civil Engineer in NC. That means that I have experience permitting plans with local, state, and federal agencies. I've read technical regulations to acquire the needed knowledge. I've worked with budgets, construction schedules, and contracts. Especially in regards to Hurricane Helene Recovery, I am the most qualified Candidate. In addition, I have been recording New and Original Ideas to help our Nation in the trying times we face. Once in office, I will seek out Members of Congress that have the interest and the wherewithal to make these Ideas a Reality. I feel that I have the Leadership Potential to Turn the Tide in Washington D.C.
Locally, the funding for Hurricane Helene Damage from FEMA has been minimal. The State has not done enough either. The Federal program designed to reimburse people for destroyed property, The Hazard Mitigation Grant Program has not given out a dime yet. I would hold Trump appointed officials accountable for the money that they owe to the People of WNC. In addition, I would work with Local and State agencies to make sure Construction is taking place with as little red tape as possible. Simple Modular Bridges could be built quickly for private (and public) roads, and then Reimbursed through FEMA. I would consider getting help from the contractor of the I-26, Patton Ave. Corridor and use the $2.6 Billion to aid in Hurricane Recovery.
Although Inflation has diminished in recent years, Prices never go down. Since wages have been flat for about twenty years, you can see why so many people are losing ground. We need an up to date Federal Minimum Wage. However, the Minimum Wage in Kansas should not be the same as in California. I have made a spreadsheet that ties Minimum Wage to the Ratio of a State's Electoral Votes to the Total Number of Electoral Votes in the Nation (538). In this way, States with larger cities, and with a more robust economy in general, will have a Higher Minimum Wage. Once people around the Country are making more money, they will spend more money. This will help the economy in every sector.
As long as Trump is in office, Republican members of Congress will not go against him. One of the things that have created this polarization is Lies in Media. Long ago, communication was limited by time and distance. Now, communication is instant and widespread. This constitutes the situation of yelling "Fire!" in a crowded theatre. Just look at the attack on the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. Most of those rioters really thought that the election had been stolen from Trump. As a start, we need to mandate Social Media users to provide their real name, company name, or post as anonymous. Then they have to label their content as "Fact-End Fact," "Opinion-End Opinion," or "Entertainment-End Entertainment." Violations mean Revocation Rights.
Everyone is talking about Server Farms to sustain cloud computing, cryptocurrency, and AI. These use tremendous amounts of Power and Water, as well as being bad to live near. If a Server Farm technology is to be sustainable, it needs to have a location away from where people are living, like a desert. Then it has to provide its own water by taking Ice Bergs from the Artic Circle and shipping them to Server Farm locations. They could make artificial Freshwater lakes nearby, or refill lakes like Lake Mead. Then in addition to the power they use, they must pay power bills for low income residents who struggle to pay their own bills. Server Farms are here to stay but they can't exploit a regions commodities without a sustainable plan.
The point of my Candidacy is to bring New Ideas to Washington. I will share some that come to mind. Recycled plastic pennies slightly larger than a quarter. Regulated Counterfeiting okay. Warehouse collectives for Housing with own less stringent requirements. Buying Camping Equipment needs Mandated Fire Education Class. Cases of Libel and Slander against Famous People must be easier to bring. Ask Police Societies if we should make all Drugs Legal (no more Surprise Overdoses). Reform NIL. Create a 9 member independent board to Delete old laws by Line-Item. Reinstate and Expand a Robust Inspectors General Team. Reform Mandatory Minimum Sentencing. Real Wars have endings. There will never be an end to a War on Drugs or a War on Terrorism, so they cannot be legally treated as Wars. If the President is too important to be Sued or Charged because his time is too important, he cannot take time to Sue anyone else. Close votes in a House or Senate must be scheduled ahead of time.
