My district always comes first. While the district and the state often face similar challenges, they are not always identical. My responsibility is to listen closely to the people I represent and ensure their concerns are understood and reflected in broader policy discussions. When statewide priorities align with district needs, I will work to move those efforts forward collaboratively. When they don’t, I will advocate for solutions that protect my district’s interests while still contributing constructively to statewide goals.   

Elections are important and voting is a fundamental right that  must be protected. Ensuring fair and accessible elections with consistent enforcement of elections laws and clear standards that apply equally to election workers, volunteers, and candidates across the board, To maintain public trust, we must be transparent and be accountable. Accessibility is just as important. Voters should be clearly informed about the different ways they can cast a ballot, this includes early voting, mail-in voting, etc. North Carolina should prioritize clear, easy to understand information about when, where, and how to vote, especially for first-time voters, voters with disabilities, and our senior residents who may face transportation or mobility challenges. Using a combination of electronic and printed materials can help ensure voters have the information they need.

I believe protecting election integrity while maintaining accessibility requires a balanced approach. One safeguard should be regular and frequent maintenance, testing, and security updates of election technology are essential to ensure voting systems remain accurate and reliable. This should be paired with clear procedures and routine audits. However, safeguards should not create barriers. Accessible voting equipment and secure mail-in ballot options are essential to ensuring voters of all abilities can participate fully. 

Public input is of the utmost importance, as representatives we are elected by the people and for the people. To help ensure that legislative decisions reflect the real needs and concerns of the community, there needs to be meaningful engagement. One way I would go about this is by holding regular community meetings across the district and public hearings to community members which allow for open dialogue. By actively listening and maintaining open lines of communication, I can make more informed decisions and better represent the people of District 67.

As someone who currently works in the school system, I see firsthand why teacher shortages continue to grow. Teachers are overwhelmed, underpaid, and often expected to take on responsibilities beyond the classroom, which leads to burnout and fantastic educators leaving the profession altogether. The state should address teacher shortages by offering competitive pay, improving benefits, and investing in additional support staff to reduce workload and retain experienced educators. Improving school funding also means distributing resources fairly and ensuring schools have the support they need to recruit and retain qualified teachers. 

To ensure that education funding is used efficiently and equitably this requires transparency, accountability, and a clear understanding of district needs. I support the creation of an accountability committee to review how funds are allocated and spent. 

Addressing achievement gaps starts with recognizing that not all students begin with the same access to resources and opportunities. The state should focus on equitable funding that directs additional support to districts and students with the greatest needs, particularly in low-income and rural areas. This includes investing more funds in early childhood education, support services, and intervention programs

Strengthening workforce development starts and continues with making our district a place where people want to live, work, and raise their families. While I love our community, not everyone knows how great our district is. Promoting our area’s strengths, while preserving its small town charm, can attract new businesses and industries seeking a permanent home, which in turn creates jobs. Policies could include incentives for businesses to locate here, support for local entrepreneurship, investment in training and apprenticeship programs, and partnerships with schools and community colleges to ensure residents have the skills in demand.

One of the greatest barriers to health care access in my district is the shortage of health care professionals. This workforce shortage leads to longer wait times and increases strain on already overextended physicians. Many residents, in addition, are not within close proximity to medical facilities. This makes it difficult to access timely care in cases of emergency. I would prioritize investing into rural healthcare access, including creating crucial infrastructure to support the needs of our residents. 

Healthcare is a basic necessity, and no one should be denied care simply because of cost. The state plays a critical role in making sure healthcare is both affordable and accessible for all its residents. This includes increasing access to primary and preventative services, investing in rural and underserved areas, and supporting programs that would expand coverage.