US House District 8 candidates speak out on president’s war power authorities
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 for U.S. House District 8, which stretches from Concord to Lumberton. The race features Kevin Clark, Jesse Oppenheim and Colby Watson. 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.
Oppenheim suspended his campaign after responding to the questionnaire but remains on the ballot. Clark did not respond. The winner will face incumbent Rep. Mark Harris, a Republican who is not facing a primary challenge.
Jesse Oppenheim
Email: jesse@jessefornc.com
Political party: Democrat
Age as of March 3, 2026: 40
Campaign website: jessefornc.com
Current occupation: Lawyer
Professional experience: Attorney with experience helping organizations operate responsibly, follow the law and make decisions that put people first. Began my career working in district attorneys’ offices, which shaped my focus on accountability and fairness. Currently serve as General Counsel for a healthcare technology company, advising leadership on compliance, ethics and complex decisions. Named a finalist for Outstanding Solo General Counsel in 2025.
Education: Kenyon College (B.A., Political Science); Brooklyn Law School (J.D.), with a concentration in Business Law and participation in the school’s mini-MBA program.
Please list any notable government or civic involvement.
Former President of the Young Democrats of Mecklenburg County. Former Resolutions Chair for the North Carolina Democratic Party Jewish Caucus. Board member of Temple Beth El and the Foundation for Shalom Park. Active in local Democratic organizing and civic engagement across the region.
What would be your top priority if elected?
My top priority is helping working families afford everyday life. That means lowering health care costs, investing in infrastructure that creates good local jobs and restoring accountability in Washington so decisions are made for people, not special interests or politicians’ stock portfolios.
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?
Both parties can point to numbers that support their case. But I look at the economy through everyday experience. If people are working full time and still worried about medical bills, housing or childcare, the economy is not working well enough. I would focus on policies that reward work, lower health care costs, support small businesses and expand tools like the GI Bill to help people.
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 one of Congress’s core responsibilities, but so is standing up for the right priorities. Members shouldn’t accept budgets that walk away from basic priorities or hurt families. Shutdowns are costly and avoidable. Here in North Carolina, we’ve seen a legislature with a near supermajority still fail to pass a budget, creating uncertainty and hurting communities. Congress should do the hard work early and govern responsibly.
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, Medicare and Affordable Care Act subsidies, and expanding coverage in a responsible, phased way. Expansions should be done carefully so systems can handle them and people do not lose access during transitions. The goal is affordable, reliable health care for working families, seniors and people with disabilities without disruptions or unintended consequences.
Should the president go before Congress before taking military action in foreign countries?
The president must be able to respond quickly to true emergencies to protect Americans, but that authority is limited. An emergency is not simply whatever a president declares it to be. Both the spirit and the letter of the law matter. Sustained or significant military action should require congressional authorization, with real oversight to prevent abuse and ensure accountability.
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?
While I support strong borders and enforcing the law, I do not support the tactics used by the Trump administration. Enforcement should be lawful, targeted and humane, not fear-based or abusive. The crackdown clearly had collateral effects on people with legal status, mixed-status families and entire communities. We can secure the border while respecting the rule of law, dignity and due process.
Do you believe oversight of public education should be left up to individual states?
States should play the primary role in overseeing public education, but there must be clear minimum standards and reliable funding. The federal government has a responsibility to protect civil rights, support students with disabilities and help states raise teacher pay so schools can attract and retain strong educators, with professional standards and accountability built in. Within those guardrails, states and local communities should control day-to-day decisions.
Is there an issue on which you disagree with your party? What is your position on that issue?
I sometimes disagree with my party when ideology gets in the way of helping the most people. I support responsible development, including developers and big box stores, because job creation and economic growth matter. I also believe in strong borders and supporting law enforcement to keep communities safe. We can enforce the law, encourage innovation and protect rights at the same time. Governing should be about what works, not rigid purity tests.
Colby Watson
Email: team@colbyforcongress.com
Political party: Democrat
Age as of March 3, 2026: 37
Campaign website: colbyforcongress.com
Current occupation: Construction business owner
Professional experience: I’ve spent most of my adult life owning and operating construction businesses. I’ve managed multiple projects, overseen crews and handled payroll, budgeting and contracts. Much of my work has focused on federal contracting with government agencies, where I’ve navigated compliance standards and delivered projects responsibly, on time and on budget.
Education: High school graduate
Please list any notable government or civic involvement.
No prior elected or appointed government roles.
What would be your top priority if elected?
My top priority is restoring trust and accountability in government. People have lost trust in government not because they don’t care, but because they’ve been given too many reasons not to. Public office was never meant to be a path to wealth, but a position of responsibility and duty. It’s time we return to that standard. We need stronger oversight, real transparency and leaders who serve the people, not powerful interests.
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 biggest economic challenge we face is the growing concentration of wealth and power. As markets are dominated by a few corporations, working families lose leverage and opportunity shrinks. We should strengthen the middle class by reining in monopolistic practices, limiting consolidation in key industries and ensuring economic policy works for everyday people.
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?
A government shutdown is a failure of responsibility. Congress holds the constitutional power of the purse, and with that authority comes the duty to fund the government and prevent harm to families, federal workers and small businesses. Members should pass budgets on time, use automatic continuing resolutions and end the cycle of governing by crisis.
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 clear example of how consolidation and political influence distort outcomes. I support protecting and expanding Medicaid and maintaining Affordable Care Act subsidies so families don’t lose coverage. Long term, we should move toward universal, affordable coverage that guarantees access while ensuring fiscal responsibility and sustainability.
Should the president go before Congress before taking military action in foreign countries?
Yes. The Constitution gives Congress the authority to declare war, and that balance of power exists for a reason. Except in cases of immediate self-defense, the President should seek congressional authorization before engaging in sustained military action. Decisions that risk American lives and long-term conflict deserve debate, transparency and accountability.
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. Immigration enforcement should focus on human trafficking, cartel activity, smuggling and repeat violent offenders, not families who have built lives and roots in their communities. The manner in which enforcement has been carried out has had collateral effects on residents with legal status, undermining trust and creating unnecessary fear.
Do you believe oversight of public education should be left up to individual states?
Public education is primarily a state and local responsibility, and communities should have significant control over their schools. However, the federal government has an important role in protecting civil rights, supporting students with disabilities and ensuring equitable funding. Oversight should respect local control while upholding national standards of fairness and opportunity.
Is there an issue on which you disagree with your party? What is your position on that issue?
I believe accountability must apply to everyone, including members of my own party. When elected officials fall short of ethical standards, there should be real consequences regardless of affiliation. Restoring public trust requires consistency, not selective enforcement.
This story was originally published February 5, 2026 at 5:00 AM.
