US House District 6 candidates speak out on immigration, president’s war powers
To help inform voters in the March 3, 2026, election, this candidate questionnaire is available to be republished by local publications in North Carolina without any cost. Please consider subscribing to The Charlotte Observer to help make this coverage possible.
This story focuses on the Democratic primary election for U.S. House District 6, which stretches from Concord to Greensboro. The race features Beau Blair, Keith Davenport, Cyril Jefferson and Alysa Kassay. There is no Republican primary for District 6. The Charlotte Observer and the News & Observer asked all candidates in this race to complete a questionnaire to inform voters about their opinions on big issues facing voters.
Beau Blair
Email: beaufornc6@gmail.com
Political party: Democrat
Age as of March 3, 2026: 42
Campaign website: www.beaublaircongress.com
Current occupation: Brand Ambassador
Professional experience: My background is in hospitality and the service industry. I’ve spent years working as a bartender and server, and I’ve also worked behind the scenes in hotels, from accounting to running purchasing departments. I know what it means to work 12 to 14 hours on your feet, serve every guest who walks through the door, and still show up the next day ready to do it again. That experience shaped who I am and grounded me in the realities working people face every day.
Education: Salisbury High/The Blue Ridge School Class of 2002
Please list any notable government or civic involvement.
I’ve spent years giving back to my community through volunteer work with Habitat for Humanity, food drives with the Boy Scouts of America and supporting local food pantries to help ensure families have access to food. Serving my community has always been a priority.
What would be your top priority if elected?
My top priority is working together to strengthen public education. For years, our children have been held back by repeated cuts to critical education programs, overcrowded classrooms and underpaid teachers. These choices have weakened our education system and limited opportunities for too many students. We must recommit to funding quality education, supporting educators and ensuring every child has access to a high-quality education and a real chance at a brighter future.
Republican and Democratic candidates often explain the state of the economy differently. How do you see it and what, if anything, would you do that you believe would improve it?
Right now, the cost of living is putting enormous pressure on American families. Tariffs have raised prices on everyday goods, and many companies have responded by passing those costs onto consumers or laying off workers. Families are paying more while getting less, and that’s not sustainable. We must end broad tariffs that function as a hidden tax on the American people and replace them with smart trade policies that lower costs, protect workers and support long-term economic growth.
In 2025, Congress caused the longest government shutdown in U.S. history. What should members of Congress do to prevent this in the future and how important is it for Congress to pass a budget?
Passing a budget is extremely important, but passing the right budget requires Congress to work together, regardless of which party holds the majority. Every member represents constituents who deserve to be heard, and a simple majority does not grant total control. We need to restore a governing mindset that prioritizes collaboration and responsible decision-making over partisan victories, so budgets reflect the needs of the entire country.
Lawmakers have been at odds on Capitol Hill over health care coverage for Americans. Where do you stand on Medicaid coverage and Affordable Care Act subsidies?
Healthcare is a human right. I support making the Affordable Care Act’s enhanced subsidies permanent so families can afford coverage without fear of losing it. At the same time, we must ensure federal healthcare dollars go toward patient care and not insurance company profits. While the ACA was not perfect, it was an important step toward expanding coverage and moving our country closer to universal access to affordable healthcare.
Should the president go before Congress before taking military action in foreign countries?
Yes. Before committing U.S. troops to foreign conflict, the President must go before Congress. The Constitution gives Congress the power to declare war so decisions of war and peace remain with the people’s representatives, not a single executive. While the President is Commander in Chief, that role does not grant unlimited authority to deploy the military. Congress must reclaim its oversight role and restore proper checks and balances.
Do you support the tactics that the Trump administration has used in immigration enforcement? Do you believe the immigration crackdown has had collateral effects for residents with legal status?
No. I do not support the President’s immigration crackdown. It has put American citizens and legal immigrants at risk by creating fear, confusion and a lack of due process. These actions harm legal immigration, tourism and workers who are lawfully contributing to our economy. We need a serious, humane approach to immigration that upholds the law, protects rights and strengthens our economy instead of undermining it.
Do you believe oversight of public education should be left up to individual states?
Yes, I believe primary oversight of education should remain with the states. However, we cannot allow states to defund or deny students access to education. The federal government has a responsibility to ensure every child receives a high-quality education, regardless of the state they live in, by setting strong baseline protections and investing in critical programs that support students and teachers.
Is there an issue on which you disagree with your party? What is your position on that issue?
The ongoing violence against Palestinian civilians during a declared ceasefire is unacceptable and demands accountability. The United States cannot remain silent while civilians are killed and humanitarian law is ignored. We must stand up for human rights and ensure U.S. military aid is not used to facilitate mass civilian suffering.
Keith Davenport
Email: info@davenportforcongress.com
Political party: Democrat
Age as of March 3, 2026: 71
Campaign website: www.davenportforcongress.com
Current occupation: Retired
Professional experience: U.S. Air Force veteran and former law enforcement officer. Previously owned and operated a small security business. Lifelong public servant with experience in leadership, compliance and community protection.
Education: Completed military and law enforcement professional training, leadership development, and continuing education related to public safety, ethics and administration.
Please list any notable government or civic involvement.
Former mayor. U.S. Air Force veteran, former law enforcement officer, community advocate and longtime volunteer supporting veterans, working families and individuals experiencing homelessness. Former presidential candidate committed to civic engagement and constitutional service.
What would be your top priority if elected?
Restoring trust in government by delivering results people can feel, starting with passage of my signature bill, the American Health Security Act of 2027. It replaces our fragmented system with universal, guaranteed coverage that is portable, affordable and centered on patients — not insurance companies — while protecting Social Security, defending constitutional rights and putting service over politics.
Republican and Democratic candidates often explain the state of the economy differently. How do you see it and what, if anything, would you do that you believe would improve it?
The economy should reward work, not punish it. I support tax relief for working families, fair competition, responsible budgeting and investments that lower health care costs. I also support replacing the minimum wage with a living wage based on what it actually costs to survive in America.
In 2025, Congress caused the longest government shutdown in U.S. history. What should members of Congress do to prevent this in the future and how important is it for Congress to pass a budget?
Government shutdowns are failures of leadership and should be banned. Congress must pass budgets on time, negotiate in good faith and use continuing resolutions only as a last resort. A functioning budget is essential to national security, economic stability and public trust.
Lawmakers have been at odds on Capitol Hill over health care coverage for Americans. Where do you stand on Medicaid coverage and Affordable Care Act subsidies?
I support strengthening Medicaid and preserving ACA subsidies while fixing gaps that leave people uninsured or underinsured. Health care should be effective, safe, people-centered, timely, equitable, integrated, efficient as well as affordable — not dependent on employment status or political swings.
Should the president go before Congress before taking military action in foreign countries?
Yes. The Constitution is clear: Congress must authorize military action except in immediate self-defense. Restoring this balance prevents unnecessary wars and ensures accountability to the American people.
Do you support the tactics that the Trump administration has used in immigration enforcement? Do you believe the immigration crackdown has had collateral effects for residents with legal status?
I support secure borders and lawful enforcement, but never at the expense of the Constitution or human dignity. When lawful residents are harmed by reckless enforcement, something has gone deeply wrong. Policies that punish families or deny due process are unjust. America must pursue firm, humane and lawful immigration reform.
Do you believe oversight of public education should be left up to individual states?
States play a vital role, but the federal government must ensure equal opportunity, civil rights protections and access to quality education regardless of ZIP code. Education should not depend on geography or politics.
Is there an issue on which you disagree with your party? What is your position on that issue?
I reject partisan gridlock and any loyalty to party that comes before the Constitution and the people it protects.
Cyril Jefferson
Email: candidate@cyrilforcongress.com
Political party: Democrat
Age as of March 3, 2026: 33
Campaign website: www.cyrilforcongress.com
Current occupation: Mayor of High Point & Industry Practice Director for Higher Education at Stratagon
Professional experience: Former Educator & Business Owner; Former High Point City Council
Education: Bachelor’s Degree, North Carolina A&T State University; post-bacc programs for Govern Innovation at Harvard University and education policy at Duke University’s Hunt Institute
Please list any notable government or civic involvement.
Mayor of High Point (2023-present); High Point City Council (2019-2023); past board member for several organizations including United Way, Business High Point-Chamber of Commerce, YMCA, High Point Regional Hospital Foundation, Open Door Ministries, High Point Market Authority, shift_ed, and many others
What would be your top priority if elected?
Government reforms that make congress more accountable to the people, such as banning stock trading while in office, setting term limits and working to fix campaign finance laws.
Republican and Democratic candidates often explain the state of the economy differently. How do you see it and what, if anything, would you do that you believe would improve it?
Following WWII, a person had more than a 90% chance of doing better than their parents economically; for someone like me born in the ‘80s or ‘90s, you have a 50% chance of doing better than your parents or ending up worse than them. We have to make investments in workforce and education to realize the coming changes in the AI technological revolution, and lower costs for housing and healthcare.
In 2025, Congress caused the longest government shutdown in U.S. history. What should members of Congress do to prevent this in the future and how important is it for Congress to pass a budget?
Enacting government reforms like congressional term limits, banning stock trading and overturning citizens united would make congress members more accountable to the people and less likely to play partisan games to appease special interest groups.
Lawmakers have been at odds on Capitol Hill over health care coverage for Americans. Where do you stand on Medicaid coverage and Affordable Care Act subsidies?
It’s hard to live the American Dream when you’re not healthy enough to work for it. Data tells us that the majority of Americans want government to subsidize healthcare costs, and we have to take steps to expand this coverage to ensure more people can have access to healthcare.
Should the president go before Congress before taking military action in foreign countries?
Yes.
Do you support the tactics that the Trump administration has used in immigration enforcement? Do you believe the immigration crackdown has had collateral effects for residents with legal status?
The Trump administration has terrorized communities with their immoral and unethical approach to carrying out mass deportations. I agree with securing the border, but we need immigration policy and practices that reflect our humanity and offer legal pathways for refugees and other good opportunity seekers to be here.
Do you believe oversight of public education should be left up to individual states?
No. It should be done in partnership with the federal government. History tells us that the states would have kept our schools segregated if left to their own authority. We have too much disparity in income levels to not think that our most vulnerable populations need the protection of their federal government.
Is there an issue on which you disagree with your party? What is your position on that issue?
We should have secured the border during the Biden administration. We also have to focus less on identity politics and more on running a government that works for all people.
Alysa Kassay
Email: Alysakassay@gmail.com
Political party: Democrat
Age as of March 3, 2026: 60
Campaign website: www.kassayforcongress.com
Current occupation: Retired
Professional experience: Federal Employee Supervisor
Education: College Graduate
Please list any notable government or civic involvement.
My whole life
What would be your top priority if elected?
My top priority is restoring accountability in Congress so government works for the people it serves. I will protect personal rights and data privacy, strengthen the middle class, reform the tax code and ensure transparency in decision-making. With decades of federal service experience, I understand how policies affect real lives and will work to make government responsible, fair and effective.
Republican and Democratic candidates often explain the state of the economy differently. How do you see it and what, if anything, would you do that you believe would improve it?
I see an economy that may look strong on paper but still feels tight for many families. Paychecks aren’t keeping up with rising costs like housing, healthcare and groceries. To improve it, I would focus on lowering everyday costs, strengthening the middle class, supporting small businesses and ensuring fair tax and trade policies. A strong economy should reward work, not just wealth.
In 2025, Congress caused the longest government shutdown in U.S. history. What should members of Congress do to prevent this in the future and how important is it for Congress to pass a budget?
Government shutdowns are avoidable and harmful to families, workers, the economy and federal workers shouldn’t be pawns. Congress must pass budgets on time, compromise responsibly and stop using shutdowns as a political weapon. Passing a budget is one of Congress’s most basic duties and should be held accountable. Accountability means doing the job, not creating crises. As a now DOGE’d federal employee, I was directly affected by this current administration including the shutdown.
Lawmakers have been at odds on Capitol Hill over health care coverage for Americans. Where do you stand on Medicaid coverage and Affordable Care Act subsidies?
I support protecting and strengthening Medicaid and Affordable Care Act subsidies. Medicaid is essential for seniors, children, people with disabilities and working families, and ACA subsidies help make coverage affordable for millions. I oppose cuts that shift costs to families or states, and I support responsible improvements that expand access, control costs and keep people insured and healthy. I believe the government should work for the people who need it.
Should the president go before Congress before taking military action in foreign countries?
Yes. I believe the Government should adhere to the rules it has. In cases of immediate self-defense, the president should seek authorization from Congress before taking military action abroad. The Constitution gives Congress the power to declare war, and involving Congress ensures accountability, transparency and serious debate before putting American lives at risk and places checks and balances on the president
Do you support the tactics that the Trump administration has used in immigration enforcement? Do you believe the immigration crackdown has had collateral effects for residents with legal status?
No. I do not support immigration enforcement tactics that rely on fear, mass raids or family separation. Those approaches undermine trust and due process. Yes, the crackdown has had serious collateral effects on people with legal status, including U.S. citizens, mixed-status families and workers afraid to access schools, healthcare or report crimes. Enforcement should be lawful, targeted, humane and legal
Do you believe oversight of public education should be left up to individual states?
States play an important role in education, but oversight should not rest solely with them. The federal government has a responsibility to ensure equal access, protect civil rights and support students with disabilities. A strong partnership between states and the federal government helps maintain high standards while allowing local flexibility to meet community needs.
Is there an issue on which you disagree with your party? What is your position on that issue?
Yes. I don’t believe every issue should be decided along party lines. I place a strong emphasis on accountability, fiscal responsibility and practical outcomes over ideology. I’m willing to work across the aisle when it benefits my district and to oppose my own party when policies don’t make government more effective, transparent or fair for the people I serve.
This story was originally published February 5, 2026 at 5:00 AM.
