The Political Beat Candidate Guide: North Carolina House District 94

North Carolina House District 94 covers Alexander and Wilkes counties in northwestern North Carolina.

Blair Eddins (R)

We will add a response once it is received.

Andy Warren (D)

Why are you running?

I’m running because I’m tired of seeing rural communities ignored once elections are over. I was born and raised in Alexander County, and I believe our small towns and rural communities deserve the same opportunities as larger cities.

I was registered as an independent before switching to the Democratic Party because I believe voters deserve a choice. No candidate should automatically get another term simply because nobody challenges them.

Education is one example of why I’m running. According to the Education Law Center’s Making the Grade 2025 report, North Carolina ranks last in the nation for public school funding effort, which measures education investment relative to the size of the state’s economy. Meanwhile, a private school in Alexander County has received millions of dollars through the state’s Opportunity Scholarship program while our public schools continue to face difficult funding decisions. I believe public dollars should first ensure our public schools have the resources they need.

I want to bring the voices of Alexander and Wilkes counties to Raleigh, strengthen our public schools and infrastructure, and ensure rural communities have a meaningful say in decisions affecting their future.

Are you in favor of the three constitutional amendments on North Carolina’s ballot? Why or why not?

No. I oppose all three amendments.

North Carolina already requires voter identification. I don’t believe we need another constitutional amendment expanding those requirements when we should be making it easier for eligible citizens to participate in elections.

The proposed income tax cap would further restrict the state’s ability to respond to future needs, including education, healthcare, and infrastructure.

The property tax amendment concerns me most because it would limit the ability of local governments to make decisions based on their communities’ needs. Counties already face difficult choices when funding schools, emergency services, and infrastructure.

I believe our Constitution should protect the rights of North Carolinians, not unnecessarily restrict the ability of future generations and local communities to govern themselves.

What should the state do about data centers?

I believe North Carolina should pause new data center development until we fully understand the impact of existing facilities.

We need an independent study examining electricity rates, water consumption, infrastructure demands, environmental consequences, and the effects on surrounding communities.

Economic development is important, but it should not come at the expense of residents who are already struggling with rising costs. We also need to ensure these companies are paying their fair share rather than passing infrastructure expenses along to households and small businesses.

Before approving additional development, we need reliable information and meaningful input from the communities affected.

CMS has faced numerous controversies over the past month. What, if anything, should state lawmakers do?

I oppose Raleigh taking control of Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools. These are local matters that should be addressed by the local school board and the community it represents.

That doesn’t mean ignoring problems. Allegations of wrongdoing should be thoroughly investigated, and anyone responsible should be held accountable.

However, I don’t believe state lawmakers should use these controversies as justification for taking authority away from locally elected representatives.

I believe in local control, whether we’re discussing Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools or the communities of Alexander and Wilkes counties.

The state’s responsibility should be to adequately fund public education, ensure accountability, and provide the resources schools need to succeed.

What legislation will you pursue to bring down costs?

We live in a capitalist economy where businesses generally have considerable freedom to set prices for goods and services. Government cannot simply dictate what every company charges.

We’ve seen federal regulations rolled back with promises of lower costs, but those savings aren’t necessarily reaching consumers. Families continue to struggle to afford groceries, housing, utilities, and healthcare.

I believe one of the most effective ways to help working families is to increase North Carolina’s minimum wage. Putting more money into the hands of working residents gives them greater purchasing power and supports local businesses.

I would also pursue policies that strengthen affordable housing, improve access to healthcare, and reduce unnecessary costs placed on consumers.

We cannot rely solely on promises that corporate savings will eventually reach working families. We need policies that directly improve their financial security.

What sets you apart from your opponent?

I was born and raised in Alexander County, and I care deeply about the community that helped shape me. My priorities come from listening to residents and understanding the challenges facing our rural communities.

I believe in strengthening public schools, investing in infrastructure, and protecting local decision-making.

My opponent, Representative Blair Eddins, has supported legislation expanding private school scholarship opportunities. He also cosponsored and voted for the proposed constitutional amendment requiring Raleigh to impose limits on local property tax increases. I oppose that amendment because I believe local communities should have the authority to make decisions based on their own needs.

My priorities are investing in our public schools, strengthening the infrastructure our communities depend on, and protecting local control so decisions are made by the people who understand their communities best. I believe the people of Alexander and Wilkes counties deserve a representative who listens to them, respects their decisions, and continues working for them long after Election Day.