Who is Alma Adams, incumbent running for U.S. House District 12?
Political party: Democratic
Age as of Nov. 8, 2022: 76
Campaign website: almaadamsforcongress.com
Email: alma@almaadamsforcongress.com
Occupation: Art Gallery Owner, Retired Art Professor, Current Member of Congress
Education: North Carolina A&T University, Bachelor of Arts in Art Education; North Carolina A&T University, Masters in Art Education; The Ohio State University, PhD in Art Education and Multicultural Education
Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought): Yes. Greensboro City School Board, City of Greensboro City Council, North Carolina House of Representatives, US Congress
Please list your highlights of civic involvement:
Life member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., NAACP, active with the Charlotte Branch, the National Organization of Women (NOW), North Carolina Association of Educators (NCAE), Recipient of the Defenders of Justice Award, North Carolina Justice Center, and the North Carolina Council of Churches, member, the Levine Museum of the New South, Harvey B. Gantt Center, Adams Hunger Initiative, Founder, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Women’s History Hall of Fame
What is your plan for limiting the effects of inflation?
Putin’s war in Ukraine has caused gas prices to rise, but we can provide relief. I support the issuing of gas rebates to every American to reduce the cost of gas. To further address inflation, I voted for the America COMPETES Act (H.R. 4521), which would invest in the U.S. supply chain so that more goods are made in America. It also would accelerate the production of U.S. made semiconductor chips, a critical component required for all electronics that have soared in price.
What is the federal government’s role in controlling or ending the COVID-19 pandemic?
Responding to pandemics is a matter of national security – an inherent responsibility of the Federal Government which should guarantee that testing, vaccines, therapeutics, and other treatments are widely available, with no out-of-pocket cost for anyone. It is in the best interest of our nation to end the COVID-19 pandemic as quickly as possible. I will continue to support legislation and policies that ensure that the federal government has every tool to achieve that goal.
What is the federal government’s role in combating the effects of climate change?
We all have a responsibility to be good stewards of our environment - including the Federal Government. I will continue to push for proactive policies that combat climate change by curbing pollution, investing in renewable energy, and promoting green technologies. Climate justice must also be a part of this conversation as communities of color have disproportionately borne the brunt of pollution and environmental harm. Everyone should be able to grow up and live in a safe, clean environment.
What is your plan for reducing violent crime?
If we’re serious about stopping gun violence in our country, then we need an effective background check system. That is why I voted for the Bipartisan Background Check Act [H.R.8] and Enhanced Background Checks Act [H.R. 1446]. Additionally, we must give police the tools they need and hold wayward officers accountable. I support policies that provide better training to de-escalate dangerous situations and resources for mental health professionals to aid when someone is in a mental health crisis.
What should happen if Roe v. Wade is overturned?
I remember when women did not have access to safe and legal abortion. We must never return to those dark ages again. But the U.S. Supreme Court may very well rule that Roe should no longer be considered the law of the land. This would have devastating impacts on women, particularly women of color. I have co-sponsored and voted for the Women’s Health Protection Act [H.R. 3755], which would prohibit any effort by any state to restrict the provision of, and access to, abortion services.
Do you trust the integrity of the election process and what, if any, changes would you make to ensure election integrity?
Yes, I trust the integrity of the election process, and I also believe that we need to make it easier to vote, not harder. We should expand opportunities for political participation by passing the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act. [H.R.4]. Additionally, we need to have fail-safes in place to ensure that those who wish to corrupt and destroy our democracy are stopped. I support reform of the Electoral Count Act to make it impossible to overturn the will of the People.