Frequently Asked
Questions
Are you a Democrat or Republican?
I am a Republican.
I am a proud conservative who believes in limited government, lower taxes, strong law enforcement, and protecting constitutional rights. I support President Donald Trump and the America First agenda, and I am committed to defending rural North Carolina values in the State Senate.
Do you support or oppose further restrictions on inshore shrimp trawling? If elected, would you vote against legislation that effectively bans or severely limits shrimp trawling in our estuaries?
I oppose restrictions on inshore shrimp trawling. If elected, I would vote no. But a no vote alone is not enough.
This provision passed the Senate 39 to 2. Only 26 votes are needed to pass legislation. Recruiting another Senator who would vote no does not change the math. They already had far more votes than necessary. The real fight is in the House.
I have made my position clear and I will stand on it. At the same time, I represent everyone in District 1. When I seek appropriations for schools, NC 12, or anything else, it goes through leadership. Relationships matter. I have been clear with Senate Republicans about where I stand on commercial fishing, and I will continue to defend it.
You are supported by individuals and organizations that have historically backed measures reducing commercial access. Where do you differ from them when it comes to protecting working watermen?
I am supported, period. That includes people who voted for the ban. There are 30 Senate Republicans and 26 voted against shrimp trawling.
Whoever wins this primary will have to build relationships with those same people. If someone says they will not work with them, what they are really saying is they are willing to be voiceless for District 1.
I differ because I have been outspoken against what was done. I am actively working to make it harder for that to happen again. I also have relationships outside the Senate that are critical to this effort, including NCDA, NCFB, and NCSU.
Commercial fishermen operate under federal management frameworks and interstate compacts. How would moving fisheries under the Department of Agriculture reduce regulatory pressure rather than create another bureaucratic layer?
Right now commercial fishermen are treated as polluters because they operate under a subsidiary of DEQ. Under NCDA you would be recognized for what you are, food producers.
Moving to NCDA does not eliminate regulation. It changes who sets it. Regulations would be shaped by food production regulators and boards dominated by representatives from your industry, not environmental activists.
You would be treated as essential food providers, not violators.
There are also additional benefits such as access to block grants and disaster relief. When hurricanes or red tide hit, fishermen would have financial support. This is about long term stability, not violent swings and shutdowns based on questionable science.
Farmers and fishermen are the best stewards. We were here long before the first environmentalist earned a degree.
Why do you believe moving marine fisheries under the Department of Agriculture would strengthen the voice of commercial fishermen rather than dilute it?
It is not just the move to NCDA. It is what comes with it.
I plan to work with NCFB to establish a designated committee for commercial fishermen. NCFB is one of the most powerful lobbies in the state. When they are firmly in your corner, anyone looking to attack you will have to think twice.
What direct experience do you have working in or navigating commercial fisheries that prepares you to restructure the industry?
I have not worked in commercial fishing, but I do operate in another highly regulated industry, row cropping and beef cattle, so I understand the realities of working under heavy oversight.
These proposals were developed through direct conversations with commercial fishermen and reflect what many in the industry have been working toward. Moving under the North Carolina Department of Agriculture makes sense because it already serves as a protective umbrella for food producers. Any transition would be deliberate and led by fishermen from District 1, not outside interests.
Adding another no vote in the Senate does not change the math when legislation already has overwhelming support. Real leverage comes from relationships, caucus influence, and structural solutions that prevent harmful policy from advancing in the first place.
The goal is simple: work with NCDA, NCFB, and NCSU to build a durable plan that puts commercial fishermen in control of their own future with strong institutional backing.
Will you or have you ever accepted contributions from the CCA?
No, absolutely not. I have never accepted money from the CCA and I will not. My reports are public and I encourage anyone to review them. Questions have been raised regarding a loan reflected on my campaigns reporting. To clarify, it is very common for candidates to loan their own money to their campaigns, and these loans must be reported on public campaign finance documents. Candidates have the right to self-fund without limits, often using personal loans and I can confirm that this is the case here too.
Being endorsed does not mean blind loyalty. I am not beholden to any organization. I am beholden to the people of District 1.