Tag: Smithfield

To help voters learn which candidates are on their ballot and where they stand on important policy issues, The News & Observer is publishing candidate questionnaires in all state and federal races in North Carolina on the March 3, 2026, ballot.

There are 15 people vying to be North Carolina’s next senator, replacing second-term Republican Sen. Thom Tillis.

Tillis opted not to run for reelection following a public dispute with President Donald Trump over the One Big Beautiful Bill Act and whether it would impact North Carolina’s Medicaid coverage.

That left six Republicans, six Democrats, a Green Party candidate, a Libertarian and an independent running, all without an incumbent. (A seventh Republican on the ballot, Margot Dupre, was disqualified and planned to appeal.)

Below are the candidates running for U.S. Senate in contested primaries who responded to our questionnaire, in order by the date their responses were received. Some candidates did not provide a photo.

Republicans Richard Dansie and Michael Whatley and Democrats Daryl Farrow and Marcus Williams did not respond to the questionnaire.

Elizabeth Anne Temple

Age as of March 3, 2026: 55

Political party: Republican

Current occupation: Certified current licensed teacher K-12, North Carolina Department of PubIic Instruction.

Professional experience: Teacher, businesswoman.

Education: Master’s degree in education.

Please list any notable government or civic involvement.: I am a member of a Smithfield town board, the Historic Preservation and Properties Commission. (See town website for my name under Boards, Historic Preservation). 911 Responders Event, Salvation Army bell ringer, I ran for N.C. House – District 28 in 2024, and town council twice.

What would be your top priority if elected? Homelessness

Republican and Democratic candidates often explain the state of the economy differently. How do you see it and what, if anything, would you do that you believe would improve it? I believe that the MAGA Republicans are paying off the national debt and deficit, that this is essential to our national security. I think that the economy is doing well under the current administration.

In 2025, Congress caused the longest government shutdown in U.S. history. What should members of Congress do to prevent this in the future and how important is it for Congress to pass a budget? It is important for the U.S. Senate to pass a budget soon and not shut down the government. I am for decreasing the costs of health care itself, and focused more on how we can pay out-of-pocket and pay off our doctor and hospital bills, when necessary, ourselves.

Should the president go before Congress before taking military action in foreign countries? The president makes decisions on national security.

Do you support the tactics that the Trump administration has used in immigration enforcement? Do you believe the immigration crackdown has had collateral effects for residents with legal status? I do support ICE and enforcing the immigration laws.

Do you believe oversight of public education should be left up to individual states? Yes, I support that the federal government send education back to the states and local governments.

Is there an issue on which you disagree with your party? What is your position on that issue? I do not disagree with anything that the MAGA Republicans such as President Trump. I know that Trump is doing what is best for our country.

Justin Dues

Age as of March 3, 2026: 41

Political party: Democrat

Campaign website: https://www.justicewithdues.org

Current occupation: Father, educator, entrepreneur

Professional experience: 10 years active duty Marine Corps infantry (2003-2012). Business management and advising (2012-2025).

Education: Master of business administration from UNC Charlotte.

Please list any notable government or civic involvement.: Military service, public service with UNC Charlotte and N.C. A&T State University and volunteer involvement with local veteran community.

What would be your top priority if elected? Anti-corruption efforts such as taxing billionaires out of existence, punishing corporate greed, busting monopolies and capping CEO pay. Constitutional amendments to 1. End gerrymandering 2. Overturn Citizens United 3. Add term limits to Congress and the Supreme Court.

Republican and Democratic candidates often explain the state of the economy differently. How do you see it and what, if anything, would you do that you believe would improve it? The economy sucks for anyone in the bottom 90% of earners. Affordability measures like these would likely improve the working-class economy = living wages to $30 an hour by 2030. No-cost universal health care. Housing programs that build more inventory, reform negative zoning issues and push corporate landlords out of private residential housing.

In 2025, Congress caused the longest government shutdown in U.S. history. What should members of Congress do to prevent this in the future and how important is it for Congress to pass a budget? To prevent: pass a law that reduces congressional pay by a certain percentage for every day and week that passes without a funded government. Not only is a budget a basic necessity, a balanced budget is also critical. Again, pass laws that disincentivize a lack of compromise. Disagreement is fine, obstruction is not. Health care is a human right. The U.S. is the only developed nation in the world without universal health care and as a result we are living shorter and sicker lives. We need a single-payer system like Medicare for All that covers every American from birth to death. The fact that a profit incentive drives health care and health insurance is a moral and ethical disgrace.

Should the president go before Congress before taking military action in foreign countries? Yes, 100% of the time unless the window to decide/act is so urgent and short it would impede the ability to carry out said action.

Do you support the tactics that the Trump administration has used in immigration enforcement? Do you believe the immigration crackdown has had collateral effects for residents with legal status? No, the Trump administration and ICE tactics continue to give American democracy a black eye. This is a country founded by immigrants, built by immigrants and until recently, celebrated the fact that we were a melting pot. Yes, there is significant economic, physical, mental and emotional collateral damage when people are living in fear. No human is illegal, citizenship and lines on a map only exist and matter because we are told to believe so (tribalism).

Do you believe oversight of public education should be left up to individual states? No, that represents a conflict of interest in my opinion. There should be an external or third party that controls independent oversight.

Is there an issue on which you disagree with your party? What is your position on that issue? As a true independent I support several items that neither Democrats or Republican parties do, those are; open primaries (less extremist candidates), ranked choice voting (increased research of candidates), automatic unaffiliated voter registration at 18 (increased turnout) and alternative party access to ballots without signature gathering (lessens two-party stranglehold).

Thomas Johnson

Age as of March 3, 2026: 52

Political party: Republican

Campaign website: TLJ2026.COM

Current occupation: Founder & CEO, university lecturer

Professional experience: Thomas built Agile Immersive, a multimillion-dollar strategy consulting firm serving Fortune 500 clients including T-Mobile, MetLife and FedEx. He lectures on organizational transformation at institutions for master of business administration in Frankfurt, Germany

Education: Master of science degree in space commercialization from the Air Force Institute of Technology and a bachelor of science in political science from the U.S. Air Force Academy

Please list any notable government or civic involvement: Thomas attended the U.S. Air Force Academy, earning Dean’s List and Commandant’s List honors. The CIA recruited him to study space commercialization and build intelligence satellites at the National Reconnaissance Office. He escaped death at the Pentagon on Sept. 11, 2001, by mere minutes.

What would be your top priority if elected? Religious Freedom Restoration Act. Two weeks ago, I sent letters to Sens. (Chuck) Grassley, (Mike) Lee, (James) Lankford, (Eric) Schmidt and (Josh) Hawley urging them to co-sponsor a day one amendment protecting houses of worship during national emergencies. What happened during COVID — when liquor stores stayed open while churches were shuttered — must never happen again. Government has no authority to declare faith “non-essential.”

Republican and Democratic candidates often explain the state of the economy differently. How do you see it and what, if anything, would you do that you believe would improve it? I have started a conversation with President Trump and (Peter) Navarro, our U.S. trade representative, to grant North Carolina farmers a tariff exemption for our agricultural goods like poultry, pork and produce. I see North Carolina families struggling. I see mothers doing math at the grocery store, choosing between milk and medicine. I see fathers filling up their trucks and watching their paychecks drain away. I see families working harder than ever and falling further behind.

In 2025, Congress caused the longest government shutdown in U.S. history. What should members of Congress do to prevent this in the future and how important is it for Congress to pass a budget? Every American family balances their checkbook. Our federal government should do the same. Today, Congress appropriates money through one set of books while agencies spend through another. The result: failed audits, billions unaccounted for and taxpayers left in the dark. Blockchain technology offers the solution — a single, immutable ledger where every appropriation and expenditure is recorded, traceable and visible in real time. No more conflicting figures. No more accounting shell games.

Lawmakers have been at odds on Capitol Hill over health care coverage for Americans. Where do you stand on Medicaid coverage and Affordable Care Act subsidies? Health care support Medicaid for the truly vulnerable — children, the disabled and those temporarily down on their luck — but we must add work requirements for able-bodied adults. Dependency isn’t compassion. The Affordable Care Act promised affordability but delivered skyrocketing premiums and narrower choices. We need market-based reforms: price transparency so you know costs upfront, insurance sales across state lines and expanded Health Savings Accounts. Empower families; don’t trap them in government programs.

Should the president go before Congress before taking military action in foreign countries? The Constitution divides war powers between branches. Article II, Section 2 designates the president as commander in chief of the Army and Navy, granting executive control over military operations. However, Article I, Section 8 reserves to Congress alone the power to declare war, raise armies and fund military operations. The Senate specifically must ratify treaties by two-thirds vote. The founders intentionally split these powers — the president commands; but Congress authorizes and funds.

Do you support the tactics that the Trump administration has used in immigration enforcement? Do you believe the immigration crackdown has had collateral effects for residents with legal status? I fully support President Trump’s efforts to secure our border. A nation without borders is not a nation. From my service in the intelligence community, I know border security is national security — we cannot know who enters or what threats they pose when the border is open. Secure the border first with barriers, technology and personnel. End catch-and-release, reinstate Remain in Mexico and expedite deportations. Reform legal immigration to prioritize merit-based entry that serves America.

Do you believe oversight of public education should be left up to individual states? No. The Department of Education must pivot from bureaucratic compliance to workforce readiness. Our students and displaced workers need skills for artificial intelligence, biotech and advanced manufacturing — not yesterday’s economy. I support federal incentives for apprenticeships, industry-credentialed training and community college partnerships with growth-sector employers. Cut administrative bloat and redirect funds to STEM education, coding boot camps, and adult upskilling programs.

Is there an issue on which you disagree with your party? What is your position on that issue? Compassion. The Republican Party has lost this value, but compassion is essential to excellent leadership. I am a warrior who has survived terrorist bombings and shotguns pointed at my chest. I am also a father, who knows compassion lets me feel my children’s struggles and comfort them and lead them to a more hopeful moment. Compassion requires vulnerability. Being vulnerable requires self-awareness and deep strength. Knowing that God made you who you are and in his love there is compassion.

Robert Colon

Age as of March 3, 2026: 37

Political party: Democrat

Current occupation: Caretaker

Professional experience: Caretaker

Education: High school equivalency; continuing education

Please list any notable government or civic involvement. Eagle scout

What would be your top priority if elected? Crime

Republican and Democratic candidates often explain the state of the economy differently. How do you see it and what, if anything, would you do that you believe would improve it? I see the U.S. economy getting better, but not the best. I would just try to keep growing.

In 2025, Congress caused the longest government shutdown in U.S. history. What should members of Congress do to prevent this in the future and how important is it for Congress to pass a budget? The Senate should reconsider the rules to prevent this in the future. It is pretty important to try to pass a budget.

Lawmakers have been at odds on Capitol Hill over health care coverage for Americans. Where do you stand on Medicaid coverage and Affordable Care Act subsidies? I think that we have economic considerations to weigh.

Should the president go before Congress before taking military action in foreign countries? Yes, unless we are in imminent danger and there is no time for delay.

Do you support the tactics that the Trump administration has used in immigration enforcement? Do you believe the immigration crackdown has had collateral effects for residents with legal status? For the most part I don’t support what I’m seeing.

Do you believe oversight of public education should be left up to individual states? I believe in states running their own schools.

Is there an issue on which you disagree with your party? What is your position on that issue? I disagree with them on the size of government, which I believe should be smaller.

Orrick Quick

Age as of March 3, 2026: 42

Political party: Democrat

Campaign website: www.voteorrickquick.com

Current occupation: Pastor, business owner.

Professional experience: Community leader, entrepreneur, author and speaker with over a decade of experience in youth development, education and economic empowerment. Founder of Oak Tree Publishing and Quick Capital Ventures, leading literacy programs, small business support and leadership initiatives across North Carolina.

Education: NC State former Division I student-athlete (football). In addition to formal education, I have spent years in leadership development, public speaking, business training and community-based education through real-world experience working directly with families, students and entrepreneurs.

Please list any notable government or civic involvement: Founder of Project 400 and the Kid Author Program: initiatives designed to help hundreds of children become published authors and develop literacy, confidence and leadership skills. Over 13 years of continuous community service through mentoring, youth programs, senior outreach, church leadership and educational initiatives across North Carolina. Active advocate for constitutional rights, civil liberties and community-based solutions to public policy challenges.

What would be your top priority if elected? My top priority is restoring constitutional integrity and economic dignity for everyday Americans. That means protecting civil liberties, ensuring due process under the law and building an economy that actually works for working families — not just corporations and special interests. I will focus on lowering the cost of living, expanding access to capital and education and holding government accountable to the Constitution.

Republican and Democratic candidates often explain the state of the economy differently. How do you see it and what, if anything, would you do that you believe would improve it? The economy looks strong on paper, but families feel squeezed by inflation, housing, health care and debt. I support lowering living costs, expanding access to capital, investing in workforce development and stopping monopolies from hurting workers and small businesses.

In 2025, Congress caused the longest government shutdown in U.S. history. What should members of Congress do to prevent this in the future and how important is it for Congress to pass a budget? Shutdowns are failures of leadership. Congress should pass budgets on time and use automatic continuing resolutions to prevent shutdowns. A stable budget is essential for workers, military families and economic security.

Lawmakers have been at odds on Capitol Hill over health care coverage for Americans. Where do you stand on Medicaid coverage and Affordable Care Act subsidies? I support expanding Medicaid and ACA subsidies. Health care should be affordable and accessible. We must lower drug costs, increase transparency, support mental health and ensure no one goes bankrupt because they got sick.

Should the president go before Congress before taking military action in foreign countries? Yes. Except for immediate self-defense, the president should seek congressional approval before military action. The Constitution gives Congress war powers and endless wars without oversight undermine democracy.

Do you support the tactics that the Trump administration has used in immigration enforcement? Do you believe the immigration crackdown has had collateral effects for residents with legal status? I oppose tactics that violate due process or civil liberties. Enforcement must be firm, fair and constitutional. The crackdown has harmed legal residents and families. We need more judges, lawful processing and humane enforcement.

Do you believe oversight of public education should be left up to individual states? States should lead education, but the federal government must ensure equal opportunity and civil rights. I support local control with federal oversight to prevent discrimination and ensure fair funding.

Is there an issue on which you disagree with your party? What is your position on that issue? I disagree with my party on expanding government power and surveillance. No matter who is in charge, the Constitution comes first. I will oppose any policy that violates due process, privacy, or civil liberties.

Don Brown

Age as of March 3, 2026: 65

Political party: Republican

Campaign website: DonBrownforNC.com

Current occupation: Constitutional attorney

Professional experience: Constitutional attorney with extensive experience defending individual liberties and challenging government overreach; former U.S. federal prosecutor, with firsthand experience enforcing federal law and holding offenders accountable; Navy Judge Advocate General officer, served at the Pentagon, advising on military law and national security matters.

Education: A bachelor of arts degree from UNC-Chapel Hill and a juris doctor degree from Campbell University.

Please list any notable government or civic involvement.: Former U.S. Navy JAG Officer who served at the Pentagon, advising on military and national security matters. Former U.S. federal prosecutor. Constitutional attorney who has defended civil liberties and challenged government overreach. Successfully represented clients who received presidential pardons and has been a public advocate on constitutional and military justice issues.

What would be your top priority if elected? The national debt must be eliminated. Endless deficit spending weakens the dollar, fuels inflation, and threatens America’s long-term security. Fiscal responsibility is not optional — it is essential to preserving our nation’s strength and sovereignty.

Republican and Democratic candidates often explain the state of the economy differently. How do you see it and what, if anything, would you do that you believe would improve it? The economy is not working for everyday Americans. Inflation, rising costs, and record debt are hurting families despite Washington’s claims. To improve it, I would end reckless spending, work to eliminate the national debt, protect the strength of the dollar, lower energy costs through domestic production and reduce regulations that crush small businesses. Sound money and fiscal discipline are essential to real prosperity.

In 2025, Congress caused the longest government shutdown in U.S. history. What should members of Congress do to prevent this in the future and how important is it for Congress to pass a budget? Congress has a responsibility to pass a responsible budget and keep the government operating. Shutdowns occur when lawmakers use taxpayer dollars as leverage instead of prioritizing core duties. Americans should not be forced to fund programs that put illegal immigrants ahead of citizens. Preventing shutdowns requires fiscal discipline, common-sense leadership and respect for the hard-earned money of the American people.

Lawmakers have been at odds on Capitol Hill over health care coverage for Americans. Where do you stand on Medicaid coverage and Affordable Care Act subsidies? Medicaid should be reserved for those who truly need it — the most vulnerable Americans it was created to serve. Taxpayers should not be forced to fund unsustainable expansions or costly Affordable Care Act subsidies that drive up spending without lowering overall health care costs. We need reforms that promote responsibility, competition and real affordability.

Should the president go before Congress before taking military action in foreign countries? The Constitution gives Congress the power to declare war, while granting the president authority to act swiftly to protect national security. In urgent situations, military action cannot wait for advance notice or congressional approval without risking American lives. Congress should exercise oversight, but the president must retain the ability to respond immediately to serious threats.

Do you support the tactics that the Trump administration has used in immigration enforcement? Do you believe the immigration crackdown has had collateral effects for residents with legal status? I fully support the immigration enforcement tactics of the Trump administration and Secretary (Kristi) Noem. Federal law must be enforced, and ICE must be allowed to do its job without interference. When state and local officials obstruct enforcement, they create lawlessness and put public safety at risk. Laws must be obeyed, and violent protesters who interfere with federal officers must be held accountable.

Do you believe oversight of public education should be left up to individual states? Yes. Oversight of public education should be returned to the states. The federal Department of Education has added bureaucracy without improving outcomes and should be eliminated. States and local communities know their students best and should have full authority over education policy, standards and funding — not Washington bureaucrats.

Is there an issue on which you disagree with your party? What is your position on that issue? I disagree with my party on its failure to meaningfully reduce the national debt. Republicans talk about fiscal responsibility but too often fail to act. There must be a coordinated, serious effort to cut spending — and those cuts must be implemented, including DOGE reductions. Promises without action are unacceptable when the debt threatens our economy and national security.

Michele Morrow

Age as of March 3, 2026: 54

Political party: Republican

Campaign website: morrow4nc.com

Current occupation: Nurse – registered nurse, bachelor of science in nursing

Professional experience: Nurse for 32 years, political advocate for 11 years, missionary for eight years, educator for 10 years, legislative liaison for six years (Liberty First Grassroots, Pavement Education Project), citizen advocate for election integrity, medical freedom and education reform for 10 years, NC Council of State Candidate in 2024.

Education: Bachelor of science in nursing

Please list any notable government or civic involvement.: Traveled the state for 11 years advocating for election integrity, border security, medical freedom and education reform. Have spoken at school boards, county commissions, legislative committee hearings and met with congressmen and women regarding multiple legislative issues.

What would be your top priority if elected? As your senator, my top priority will be to bring justice back to America by exposing the fraud and corruption and arresting the criminals from the top tiers of government down to our city streets. When we prosecute the criminals and expose the fraud, waste and abuse, we will strengthen our communities and put more money back into the pockets of hard-working Americans. We must enforce our laws and return blind, balanced justice to our country.

Republican and Democratic candidates often explain the state of the economy differently. How do you see it and what, if anything, would you do that you believe would improve it? The U.S. economy is stressed by millions of illegal immigrants welcomed under Biden, taxing education, health care, our courts and infrastructure. Forty years of unchecked spending, misplaced priorities and ever-increasing entitlement programs demand radical corrections — uncomfortable short-term, but restoring prosperity long-term. The federal government must account for every tax dollar spent and prioritize Americans first.

In 2025, Congress caused the longest government shutdown in U.S. history. What should members of Congress do to prevent this in the future and how important is it for Congress to pass a budget? I am not as concerned with a government “shutdown” as I am passing a budget that harms the American people. I am concerned about the billions of dollars that have been wasted on noncitizens, foreign entities and special interests. Americans deserve an accounting for every dollar and prioritize citizens first. As your senator, I will advocate to end omnibus bills, a continuation of DOGE initiatives and a 75% federal workforce reduction, allowing us to reduce taxes and balance our budget.

Lawmakers have been at odds on Capitol Hill over health care coverage for Americans. Where do you stand on Medicaid coverage and Affordable Care Act subsidies? When the federal government takes over a program it becomes less effective, less efficient and more expensive. As senator, I would end the Affordable Care Act and charge the Department of Health and Human Services in every state to provide quality, local, affordable health care in every county. As a nurse of 33 years, I have practical solutions to this crisis. Every person on Medicaid should have to pay $10/month, insurance should be for crises only and routine/preventative care should be private payer with primary doctors.

Should the president go before Congress before taking military action in foreign countries? That depends on the military action being taken, the need for secrecy and the element of surprise. As commander-in-chief, the president confers with military leaders to act within the confines of the Constitution, the War Powers Resolution of 1973 and the best interests of U.S. citizens and our troops. If military action is indicated before it is discussed with Congress, the president is required to submit a report, in writing, within 48 hours.

Do you support the tactics that the Trump administration has used in immigration enforcement? Do you believe the immigration crackdown has had collateral effects for residents with legal status? This should not be a surprise to anyone. President Trump has been very clear since 2016. If you want to come to the United States, do so legally. It is (President Joe) Biden’s refusal to obey our laws and blatant thievery from U.S. taxpayers that has led to this dangerous and untenable situation. Trump’s administration offered people $3,000, a plane ticket and first in line status to self deport. If anyone is here legally they have nothing to worry about.

Do you believe oversight of public education should be left up to individual states? If states are going to receive federal monies for their public schools, every district should be required to prove that they are in compliance with federal law. As senator, I would propose a national standard for curriculum, based on best practices from around the world. We should be number one in education. Currently, the United States ranks 34th in the world and North Carolina ranks 43rd out of the 50 states. This is abominable.

Is there an issue on which you disagree with your party? What is your position on that issue? I disagree that anyone should be buying their way into an elected position. Elections should not be about parties, it should be about the people. Who is the candidate who will best represent their constituents, respect the Constitution and make every decision based on what is best for America and Americans.

Roy Cooper

Age as of March 3, 2026: 68

Political party: Democrat

Campaign website: https://roycooper.com

Current occupation: Former governor of North Carolina, candidate for the U.S. Senate

Professional experience: North Carolina’s 75th governor, 2017-2025; attorney general, 2001-2017; state legislator, 1987-2001. Lawyer in private practice, 1982-2001.

Education: I attended Nash County public schools and earned undergraduate and law degrees from UNC-Chapel Hill.

Please list any notable government or civic involvement: I was born in Nash County, where I attended public schools and worked summers on the farm. I represented everyday people while practicing law in Rocky Mount; where I taught Sunday school and raised three daughters with my wife Kristin. As attorney general, I prosecuted thousands of violent criminals, kept them behind bars and protected our state’s families. As governor, I led North Carolina to be one of the nation’s fastest-growing states with more affordable health care and better-paying jobs.

What would be your top priority if elected? I’ll be laser focused on making life more affordable for our people. That means working to lower the cost of health care, housing, groceries, utilities and more. Because for too many people, the middle class feels like a distant dream, and those already in the middle class are barely hanging on. And the chaos in Washington right now is only making it worse. Working people are being left behind while the biggest corporations get more and more. It’s not right.

Republican and Democratic candidates often explain the state of the economy differently. How do you see it and what, if anything, would you do that you believe would improve it? The cost of groceries, rent, utilities, and more are too high for families who are just trying to make ends meet. Washington politicians are making it worse by cutting health care and making it more expensive, imposing indiscriminate tariffs that are jacking up prices and giving more tax breaks to corporations and billionaires at the expense of working people. As senator, I’ll fight to roll back these economic policies that are devastating our state’s farmers, small businesses and working families.

In 2025, Congress caused the longest government shutdown in U.S. history. What should members of Congress do to prevent this in the future and how important is it for Congress to pass a budget? The fact that this shutdown happened is just further evidence that Washington is broken. North Carolinians deserve leaders in Washington who are laser focused on lowering costs and protecting health care. Because while all of this has been happening, North Carolina families have seen their health care premiums, housing costs and everyday expenses skyrocket. Working families need help and Washington needs to come together, find a solution and do its job.

Lawmakers have been at odds on Capitol Hill over health care coverage for Americans. Where do you stand on Medicaid coverage and Affordable Care Act subsidies? As governor, I fought for years to expand Medicaid in our state and make health care more affordable for hundreds of thousands of working North Carolinians. But health care in our state is at risk right now because Medicaid and Medicare are under attack, greedy insurance companies are charging high premiums and ACA subsidies have been gutted. Meanwhile, my opponent, Washington, D.C., insider Michael Whatley, cheered on actions that raised health care costs for so many North Carolinians.

Should the president go before Congress before taking military action in foreign countries? Yes. The Constitution requires it.

Do you support the tactics that the Trump administration has used in immigration enforcement? Do you believe the immigration crackdown has had collateral effects for residents with legal status? This administration has done a good job strengthening the southern border. But instead of focusing on violent criminals, they’re rounding up people just because of what they look like, capturing U.S. citizens and people otherwise here legally. Now they’ve killed American citizens on the street. As attorney general and governor I locked up violent criminals – maintaining trust in law enforcement was key to that success. Americans deserve answers, the administration must stop this chaos and keep people safe.

Do you believe oversight of public education should be left up to individual states? I believe the best decisions are made at the state and local level, but we must use every resource at our disposal to keep our public schools strong and help them provide safe environments for our children. Eliminating the U.S. Department of Education and reducing federal funding for public schools is wrong. I’ve worked my whole career to invest in our public schools and increase teacher salaries and pushed the state legislature to raise teacher pay during my eight years as Governor.

Is there an issue on which you disagree with your party? What is your position on that issue? There are Democrats who want to provide less funding for law enforcement and who don’t want strong borders. I believe we must do more to fund and support law enforcement and that we must have strong borders and deport violent criminals.