North Carolina families are struggling under the burden of rising costs. I will work to keep taxes low and spending in check, making sure government works for you—not the other way around.

Every family deserves to feel safe. I support strong law enforcement, sensible crime prevention, and policies that put the rights of law-abiding citizens first.

I believe every child deserves a quality education. I’ll support funding for our schools, empower teachers, and fight for local control so parents have a say in their kids’ education.

Eastern North Carolina runs on agriculture and small businesses. I will cut red tape and support policies that help our economy grow from the ground up.

We’re not talking about more government programs. We’re talking about opportunity — the ability for a young teacher, a first responder, or a family starting out to afford a home of their own. We need to incentivize smart development, cut unnecessary regulations, and support local builders so they can create housing that working people can afford. When people can buy a home and put down roots, communities thrive.

No one in our state — especially not in a region as rich in farmland and natural resources as ours — should have to wonder where their next meal is coming from. We need to support our local farmers and food systems, strengthen food pantries, and work with churches and community groups to close the gaps. A strong community makes sure no neighbor is left hungry.

In Eastern North Carolina, we have too many workers who are cut off from opportunity simply because of lack of reliable transportation or deteriorating infrastructure. We need to invest in better-maintained roads, support regional transit options where needed, and ensure that rural areas aren't left behind when it comes to connectivity and mobility.

Healthcare shouldn’t be a luxury. It shouldn’t mean a two-hour drive or a long waitlist just to see a doctor. We need to work toward practical solutions that expand services in rural hospitals, attract new healthcare professionals to our region, and make preventative care more available — especially for seniors and families with young children.

As a firefighter and fire chief, I know firsthand what it means to serve — and how critical it is that our first responders have the equipment, training, and respect they deserve. We need to support our law enforcement officers, EMS workers, and firefighters — not with slogans or speeches, but with real funding and real trust. Safe communities start with strong support for those who protect them.

Education is the great equalizer — the foundation that gives every child a fair shot at success, no matter where they’re born or how much their parents make. We must support our teachers, modernize our schools, and ensure that every student — from rural crossroads to coastal towns — has access to the tools and opportunities they need to thrive. When we invest in education, we invest in the future of Eastern North Carolina.

These aren’t luxuries — they’re essentials. Whether it’s replacing outdated water systems, expanding broadband in rural pockets, or investing in storm resiliency and modern utilities, we have to build the backbone that supports quality of life and economic growth. Eastern NC can’t attract new industry or keep young families here if we’re stuck with 20th-century infrastructure in a 21st-century world.

Economic opportunity has to be more than a press release. It has to mean site preparation, job training, business incentives, and removing the barriers that prevent growth. We want our young people to stay and build a future here — not leave to find work elsewhere. Whether it’s in manufacturing, maritime, tourism, agriculture, or small business — we must create an environment where opportunity thrives right here at home.