House District 55 includes Union and Anson Counties. The Union County portion of the district runs from Monroe to Anson County.
Clancy Baucom is the Republican nominee. He is facing John J. Kirkpatrick IV in midterm election.
Baucom did not respond to our candidate guide questionnaire.
If we receive his response, we will publish it here.
John J. Kirkpatrick IV (D)
Why are you running?
I’m running to bring communication, collaboration, and respect back to our community. A leader who’s willing to talk and listen, with the hope that we can focus on issues that matter and affect all people. Also, it needs to be known as a born-again believer- I am commissioned to serve with the heart of Christ.
Are you in favor of the three constitutional amendments on North Carolina’s ballot? Why or why not?
First, I would not address each amendment as a package.
Income-tax cap: 7% to 3.5%: This will reduce the state’s flexibility to respond to a recession or future needs. It could shift pressure toward spending costs or other taxes.
Limits on local property-tax levy increases: This amendment leaves the actual limit and exceptions to later legislation, so voters would not know the operative rule when they vote. It could constrain schools, emergency services, or growing communities differently.
Photo ID for all voting methods: This creates one constitutional standard across in-person and absentee voting, making the requirement harder to repeal. This amendment must preserve workable exceptions and a fair way to resolve ID problems without rejecting eligible voters.
What should the state do about data centers?
As a House candidate, the central question is: Who gets the benefits, who bears the costs, and who gets a voice before a project is approved? I would ensure electric customers are protected, establish clear water and environmental rules, and keep local communities involved. I’m not against data centers where they make economic sense, but I would require them to pay their full costs.
CMS has faced numerous controversies over the past month; what, if anything, should state lawmakers do?
Lawmakers should first ask CMS and the relevant state agencies for a public account of what happened, what rules already apply, and whether those rules were followed—while protecting student and personnel privacy. If the evidence points to a statewide gap, such as unclear reporting duties or inadequate oversight, a narrowly tailored law may be warranted. If the problem is local implementation, the school board and district leadership should be held responsible for fixing it.
What legislation will you pursue to bring down costs?
I would target health-care prices by requiring clearer hospital and insurer price reporting and scrutinizing consolidation that reduces competition. Measure proposals by whether they lower premiums or out-of-pocket costs, not just whether they shift who pays.
What sets you apart from your opponent?
I’m a leader for Republicans, democrats, independents; people. People who bleed, who struggle, who are rich or poor. I’m very clear that I am respectful of all, even if I don’t agree.