In Charlotte congressional race, 2 Democrats differ on federal role in education
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 election for U.S. House District 12, which is confined to Mecklenburg County. The race features incumbent Democrat Alma Shealey Adams, Republican Addul Ali, Republican Jack Codiga and Democrat Monaca Maye Williamson. 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.
Candidates will need to make it through the primary before advancing to the November general election.
Alma Adams
Email: alma@almaadamsforcongress.com
Political party: Democrat
Age as of March 3, 2026: 79
Campaign website: almaadamsforcongress.com
Current occupation: U.S. Representative
Professional experience: I am a professional artist, educator and retired Bennett College art professor. I am currently serving my 6th term as the representative in Congress for the 12th district of North Carolina. Prior to that, I served in the North Carolina House of Representatives for 20 years. Before that, I served on the Greensboro City Council, after beginning my public service as a member of the local Greensboro school board.
Education: BA and MA, NC A&T State University; PhD, The Ohio State University
Please list any notable government or civic involvement.
I am currently serving my 6th term representing the 12th District of North Carolina in the U.S. House of Representatives. I began my civic career in the 1980s by becoming the first African American woman ever elected to the Greensboro City School Board. I then served 9 years on the Greensboro City Council, followed by 10 terms in the N.C. General Assembly. After winning a special election in 2014, I was sworn in as the 100th woman elected to the 113th Congress.
What would be your top priority if elected?
My 4 H’s - housing, healthcare, hunger and higher education - are my priorities. Health care is a human right, so I will continue to work to restore the tax credits that make it affordable. SNAP and WIC have been under attack, and I’m prioritizing their continued funding. I’m also focusing on the Momnibus Act to address the Black maternal health crisis in this country, and the IGNITE HBCU Excellence Act to secure critical HBCU funding. My commitment to raising the minimum wage remains unchanged.
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?
We must strengthen the middle class to build a stronger American economy. This includes investing in public education and job training programs so businesses can hire a skilled workforce. We need to give small businesses tax cuts and easier access to capital so they can expand and create jobs. I support giving more tax cuts to the middle class and raising the minimum wage – indexing it to the rate of inflation and childcare tax credits to make opportunities for working parents more affordable.
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?
Keeping the government open is Washington’s most basic responsibility. Congress should work with the administration to ensure that, if they can’t agree on funding bills, the government would automatically fund at the previous year’s levels, adjusting for inflation. That way, Congress can continue working on policy issues while the government stays open, and our citizens would not have to suffer.
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 am a staunch and ardent supporter of the Affordable Care Act, which has brought lifesaving insurance coverage to millions, including hundreds of thousands in North Carolina’s 12th District. We must see the ACA tax credit restoration signed into law so we can lower premium costs and finally make life more affordable for everyday Americans. I fought against the deep cuts to Medicaid that were included in the administration’s “One Big, Ugly Bill,” and fought for closing the Medicaid coverage gap.
Should the president go before Congress before taking military action in foreign countries?
Absolutely yes. The War Powers Resolution only allows for unilateral presidential action in response to an imminent threat facing American citizens or servicemembers. With Trump’s action in Venezuela, he failed to offer any proof of that threat and failed to brief and seek Constitutionally required approval from Congress.
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 do not support the tactics that the Trump administration has used. These tactics have systemically violated the U.S. Constitution and the rights of Americans, causing collateral economic harm here in Charlotte. Because of the paralyzing fear caused by their operation, small businesses whose customer bases and workforces include immigrant community members temporarily closed due to the sharp drop in customers and fear that their businesses would be subject to CBP raids.
Do you believe oversight of public education should be left up to individual states?
I am a staunch defender of public education, HBCUs and federal education funding. Over 70% of CMS students benefit directly from programs administered through the federal Department of Education. I’m proud to defend the Department of Education because defending the department is defending opportunity. There should be overall national policies that govern education that help shape public education that is fair and equitable for all children regardless of where they reside.
Is there an issue on which you disagree with your party? What is your position on that issue?
The Democratic Party is a big tent, being inclusive and collaborative, with enough room for everybody. It wholly embraces the four H’s that I deem essential to live a quality life: affordable and accessible healthcare, access to healthy and nutritious food, affordable and safe housing, and access to a quality higher education. I don’t vote for policies because my party supports them, I’m a member of the Democratic Party because of the policies the party supports that align with my values.
Addul Ali
Email: alifornc@gmail.com
Political party: Republican
Age as of March 3, 2026: 47
Campaign website: aliforcongress.com
Current occupation: C.O.O. of TUC Media
Professional experience: I have owned and operated several small businesses. I’m currently the co-founder and Chief Operations Officer of TUC media. We are a multimedia consulting and production company.
Education: Central Islip High School
Please list any notable government or civic involvement.
I am the past Chairman of the City of Kannapolis Community Development Commission. I served on the board of directors for Prosperity Unlimited Incorporated. I am the past chairman of the Cabarrus County Republican Party and past chairman of the 12th Congressional District Republican Party. I served as operations director for the Frederick Douglas Foundation of North Carolina.
What would be your top priority if elected?
If elected to Congress, my top priority will be the safety and affordability of North Carolina’s 12th District. I will work to make our neighborhoods safer and our cost of living more affordable for working families. That’s why I will create the first-ever 12th District Congressional Task Force on Crime — bringing together community members, law enforcement and local leaders to deliver real solutions and restore peace of mind.
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 is moving in the right direction thanks to pro-growth policies that support small businesses, encourage investment and rebuild American manufacturing. Responsible spending, fewer regulations and domestic energy production are helping stabilize prices. Next, we must make homeownership more affordable and create good-paying jobs so families can get ahead.
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?
Congress should never let partisan gridlock shut down the government. Members must do their jobs on time, pass appropriations bills, negotiate in good faith and end last-minute spending packages. Returning to regular order and fiscal discipline will prevent shutdowns. Passing a budget is essential — it provides stability, supports the military and law enforcement and ensures accountability to taxpayers while keeping government running.
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 want every American to have access to high-quality health care at the best possible price. Competition and free markets — not Washington mandates — are the best way to lower costs and improve care. Medicaid and ACA subsidies should be focused on those who truly need them, while reforms expand choice, increase competition and give patients more control over their health care decisions.
Should the president go before Congress before taking military action in foreign countries?
The Constitution gives Congress the power to declare war, and the president has not declared war. While limited defensive actions may be necessary, any major or sustained military action should require congressional approval. We must uphold the Constitution, ensure accountability and avoid endless foreign conflicts.
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 strong, lawful immigration enforcement that keeps law enforcement safe, protects citizens’ rights and targets dangerous illegal alien criminals. Enforcement must focus on those who pose real threats while respecting due process. Law-abiding residents with legal status should not be unfairly targeted, and safeguards must be in place to prevent collateral harm.
Do you believe oversight of public education should be left up to individual states?
Yes. Federal overreach has failed our children, with literacy rates falling and a bloated federal budget wasting taxpayer dollars. Education works best when decisions are made as close to families and communities as possible. States and local districts know their students’ needs and should have the authority to shape curriculum, standards and resources.
Is there an issue on which you disagree with your party? What is your position on that issue?
I disagree with my party’s support for continuous funding of foreign wars. Endless overseas conflicts put American lives at risk, drain our resources and divert attention from domestic priorities. Our focus should be on defending the homeland, supporting our troops and ensuring that every dollar spent strengthens America first.
Jack Codiga
Email: team@codigaforcongress.com
Political party: Republican
Age as of March 3, 2026: 28
Current Occupation: Commercial Real Estate Finance
Professional experience: 6 years
Education: Santa Clara University
Please list any notable government or civic involvement.
I have not previously held public office. I have been civically engaged through my local Christian church and through active involvement in politics as a citizen. Since moving to Charlotte five years ago, I’ve participated in political discussions and groups, including Young Republican meetings. In the last presidential election, I volunteered on President Trump’s campaign by door-knocking.
What would be your top priority if elected?
Election integrity. I support nationwide voter ID requirements, amongst other safeguards. Voting is foundational to our republic; there is no good reason for 14 states not to require an ID to vote.
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 believe the economy is fundamentally rigged against working Americans, largely because an unbacked currency has enabled wealth to be extracted from the middle class and concentrated at the top. Rather than expanding subsidies or the welfare state, I support free-market reforms, beginning with restoring money backed by real assets. This is the only way we solve our affordability crisis.
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?
Deficit spending is more destructive than a government shutdown. I hope this reality encourages voters to elect representatives who support a smaller, fiscally responsible federal government. Members of Congress are unlikely to solve this problem on their own without sustained pressure from the public.
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 oppose both. Government intervention has stripped healthcare of market forces, driving up costs and reducing quality. Expanding subsidies and welfare programs treats symptoms rather than causes. We should restore competition, price transparency and consumer choice in healthcare.
Should the president go before Congress before taking military action in foreign countries?
Generally, yes. Congress should play its constitutional role before the United States takes military action.
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?
Generally, yes. ICE is needed to remove violent criminals and those abusing the system. Reducing welfare incentives and reforming the system will lower illegal residency over time, but the immediate crisis must be addressed first while we can streamline legal immigration. While enforcement can concern legal residents, many fears are amplified by groups that have promoted un-American policies like sanctuary cities that undermine the rule of law and our country’s social fabric.
Do you believe oversight of public education should be left up to individual states?
No. Education should not be managed by the federal government or even the states. Decisions about education belong primarily to parents and local communities, who are better positioned to meet children’s needs than the system.
Is there an issue on which you disagree with your party? What is your position on that issue?
Yes. I disagree with treating abortion as a states’ rights issue. Abortion is murder of an innocent human life regardless of state lines.
Monaca Maye Williamson
Email: monacamayewilliamson@gmail.com
Political party: Democrat
Age as of March 3, 2026: 49
Campaign website: www.monacamayewilliamson.com
Current occupation: Public school teacher, 20-year entrepreneur
Professional experience: Public school teacher, 20-year entrepreneur and advocate for the disadvantaged
Education: Graduate of High Point University
Please list any notable government or civic involvement.
Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. / 1st President, Basileus/ and a founding member on High Point University’s campus
What would be your top priority if elected?
I will fight for the John Lewis Voter Rights Act to restore the 1965 Civil Rights Act. The people in NC District 12 need lower energy prices, we need lower taxes.
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 will write and co-sponsor bills that are not just “Introduced,” but I will get them “Passed”! I will get the job done! The people in NC District 12 need lower energy prices, we need lower taxes and gas prices.
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?
To prevent future shutdowns after the 2025 event, Congress should prioritize bipartisan compromise, pass timely budgets or continuing resolutions (CRs) and consider reforms like the Prevent Government Shutdowns Act to mandate funding, as passing budgets is crucial for stable federal operations, public services, economic certainty and honoring commitments, with Democratic examples focusing on essential services and social safety nets like healthcare.
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?
All people have the right to receive quality and affordable healthcare. I support strengthening Medicaid as a vital safety net and expanding ACA subsidies to lower premium costs, viewing them as essential for broad access to affordable care.
Should the president go before Congress before taking military action in foreign countries?
Yes, the War Powers Resolution of 1973, which requires the President to consult Congress within 48 hours and limits deployments to 60-90 days without authorization, though presidents have often bypassed or stretched these limits, citing emergencies or “hostilities” that don’t rise to the level of war. The president should go before Congress before taking military action in foreign countries.
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 do not support how the Trump administration has implemented a strict immigration enforcement agenda focused on mass deportations, expanded detention and increased use of federal agents. I believe that we should implement better citizenship practices and create pathways that make the process of becoming a citizen faster and practical. I do not believe in inhumane treatment. I believe that all people should be treated with the utmost dignity and respect.
Do you believe oversight of public education should be left up to individual states?
Oversight of public education in the U.S. is primarily a state responsibility under the Tenth Amendment, but the federal role, guided by the Fourteenth Amendment’s Equal Protection Clause.
Is there an issue on which you disagree with your party? What is your position on that issue?
I love the Democratic Party! Democrats may disagree internally on issues like the pace of progressive change. I will ensure that bills are not just “Introduced“ but they are “Passed”! I will work with my fellow Democratic Party, and I believe that together we win! Working together is the ultimate way to success for the people!
This story was originally published February 11, 2026 at 5:00 AM.
