NC House District 55 candidates in Anson, Union call growth most important issue
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 the North Carolina House District 55 Republican primary, which features Clancy Baucom, John Powell and Richard Miller. The district stretches from Monroe west into Anson County.
The Charlotte Observer asked all candidates in this race to complete a questionnaire to inform voters about their opinions on big issues facing voters. Richard Miller did not respond to the questionnaire.
Clancy Baucom
Political party: Republican District number: 55 Age as of March 3, 2026: 61 Campaign website: www.electclancybaucom.com Current occupation: Owner of Horticulture Business
Professional experience:
Owner of Horticulture Business, Union County Commissioner, Former Member of the Land Use Board
Education: Associates degree from NCSU Agricultural Institute
Please list any notable government or civic involvement. Union County Commissioner, Former Member of the Land Use Board
What is the most important issue in your district and what do you want to do about it? Overgrowth is an issue facing my community because of the encroachment of development in rural areas. I would oppose legislation promoting high density in rural areas.
The legislature sets teacher base pay. What do you think the salary range should be for teachers, from starting to 30+ experience? I agree with the NC House that starting pay should be $50,000 and I would like to have discussions with education officials about how to best retain and compensate our teachers.
As of January, North Carolina was the last state not to have passed a new, comprehensive budget. What would you do to help make sure a budget passes? Offer my assistance to leadership in negotiations and solutions.
North Carolina’s income tax rate for individual taxpayers is 3.99%. Should that be reduced further?
I support the graduated decrease in income taxes until it reaches zero. Do you think the state is using taxpayer money efficiently? Why or why not? The State Auditor is already finding waste and fraud across the state. The government can always do a better job of finding ways to spend taxpayer money more responsibly and efficiently.
Do you support legalizing medical marijuana use? Why or why not? I believe more research has to be done before legalizing it for medicinal purposes. We also need to study the results from other states and the societal impacts of legalization.
What do you see as the biggest barrier to health care access in your district, and what actions would you take to address it? Support rural medical training programs with incentives that encourage doctors to build their practices in the communities that trained them.
John Powell
Political party: Republican District number: 55
Age as of March 3, 2026: 66
Campaign website: https://Vote-John-Powell.org
Current occupation: Real Estate Consultant - BIC, Retired State-Certified General Real Estate Appraiser
Professional experience Decades of experience in the real estate industry, working on real estate tax appeal cases during revaluation, negotiating contracts with the state of North Carolina and improvement grants with the City of Charlotte. In preparing for this responsibility to serve in the NC House, over the past few years I have traveled to Raleigh and attended general sessions of the House, House Committee Meetings, and built relationships with both House and Senate members.
Education BSBA Appalachian State University, Fellowship - NC Institute of Political Leadership, Fellowship - NC Institute For the Public Trust
Please list any notable government or civic involvement. Served two terms Mecklenburg County Board of Adjustment, Ordained Presbyterian Deacon, Member Central Church Charlotte and attend Lee Park Baptist Church Monroe. Immediate Past Vice-Chair, Union County Republican Party Immediate Past 8th Congressional District Executive Committee Member, Union County Former 9th Congressional District Executive Committee Member, Mecklenburg County Former Vice-President, Founding Director, Hornet’s Nest Republican Men’s Club
What is the most important issue in your district and what do you want to do about it? The most important issue in District 55 is creating sustainable, high-paying jobs while protecting our communities from irresponsible growth. Union and Anson County need economic development that strengthens families and expands opportunity without overburdening taxpayers. Investing in education and workforce readiness attracts the right industries, grows the tax base responsibly, and avoids relying solely on residential growth to fund the government.
The legislature sets teacher base pay. What do you think the salary range should be for teachers, from starting to 30+ experience? Teacher pay must be competitive. We should aim for starting pay near $60,000, with pay increasing as experience, tenure, and merit are shown. Our standards are already producing strong educators and helping prepare the next generation for success. Higher pay should be paired with rigorous preparation and merit-based raises that reward performance and commitment. The goal would be to keep well-performing teachers active in the classroom up until retirement, which would cut attrition.
As of January, North Carolina was the last state not to have passed a new, comprehensive budget. What would you do to help make sure a budget passes? The House has already passed a budget, but it remains stalled in the Senate. As a legislator, I would work with leadership and conference committee members to move negotiations forward and break the logjam. North Carolina has remained stable under a continuation budget, but families and communities deserve certainty. Passing a responsible budget requires cooperation, accountability, and a focus on taxpayers.
North Carolina’s income tax rate for individual taxpayers is 3.99%. Should that be reduced further? Lower taxes are always welcomed; be we must continue to reduce wasteful and unnecessary spending. I would present legislation that would help our seniors receive tax relief based upon qualifiers.
Do you think the state is using taxpayer money efficiently? Why or why not? Tax relief must go hand in hand with reducing wasteful and unnecessary spending. I support responsible tax cuts that do not jeopardize essential services. I also support targeted relief for seniors and families on fixed incomes by advancing legislation that eases their tax burden while keeping the state on solid fiscal footing. I applaud Speaker Hall and his work in looking to reduce the property tax burden. I look forward to helping advance this initiative and many like it when elected.
Do you support legalizing medical marijuana use? Why or why not? I approach the issue of medical marijuana with caution. Any consideration must prioritize strict regulation, clear medical necessity, and strong safeguards against misuse. I remain concerned about diversion, dependency risks, and impacts on adolescents and those with substance abuse histories. Public safety, accountability, and careful oversight must guide any policy discussion.
What do you see as the biggest barrier to health care access in your district, and what actions would you take to address it? Affordability is the biggest barrier to health care access in District 55. Too many families are forced to choose between medical care, prescriptions, and basic necessities. I support efforts to lower prescription drug costs and believe we must aggressively address waste, fraud, and abuse in Medicare and Medicaid so resources are focused on patient care, not bureaucracy.
