All three candidates running in the March 5, 2024, Republican primary for North Carolina Secretary of State — Chad Brown (R), Jesse Thomas (R), and Christine Villaverde (R) — completed Ballotpedia’s Candidate Connection survey. These survey responses allow voters to hear directly from candidates about what motivates them to run for office.
Here are the candidates’ responses to the question: What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?
Brown:
“I am passionate about several areas of public policy that reflect these values and connect with the concerns of the people of our state. Here are two areas I am passionate about.
One area that is close to my heart is protecting and promoting the sanctity of life. I firmly believe in the value and dignity of every human being, from the earliest stages of life to natural death.
Fiscal responsibility and limited government are values that I hold dear. I believe in lowering taxes, reducing government spending, and eliminating unnecessary regulations hindering economic growth and entrepreneurship.”
Thomas:
“1. Eliminate the state income tax:
- Starting with first responders, active duty military, seniors citizens, teachers, and eventually including all North Carolinians; we will ease the financial burdencaused by Joe Biden’s failed economy while luring new jobs to our state.
2. Term limit the secretary of state:
- The incumbent has been in office since 1997. North Carolina has had only 3 elected secretaries of state since 1936.
- I will push the legislature to term limit the office.
3. Modernize the secretary of state’s office:
- Secretary of state become chief elections officer like over 90% of states.
- Constantly push the envelope to make our state as attractive for investment and business expansion and relocation as possible.”
Villaverde:
“Citizens deserve the best possible constituent experience from their elected officials. As North Carolina’s next Secretary of State, I will ensure that citizens are able to access information and services quickly through various channels. Citizens must be able to access the services of the Secretary of States office more easily and I will ensure that my agency proactively provides up-to-date and accurate information to better streamline agency services. I will also ensure my office is transparent and responsive to constituent inquiries.”
Click on the candidates’ profile pages below to read their full responses to this and other questions.
We ask all federal, state, and local candidates with profiles on Ballotpedia to complete a survey and share what motivates them on political and personal levels. Ask the candidates in your area to fill out the survey.
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