NC’s 10th Congressional District candidates speak out on Trump immigration tactics
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 10, , which stretches from Lincoln and Catawba counties to Winston-Salem. The election features Democrats West Caudle, Ashley Bell, Mir Yarfitz, Ralph Scott. Jr., Marcus Pearson and Harry Morley. It also features Republicans Matthew Sin and Pat Harrigan — neither of whom responded to requests to complete a questionnaire.
The Charlotte Observer and Raleigh News & Observer asked all candidates in this race to complete a questionnaire to inform voters about their opinions on big issues facing voters.
West Caudle
Political party: Democrat
Age as of March 3, 2026: 39 Campaign website: www.westcaudleforcongress.com
Current occupation: Management professional in the business sector and a small business owner
Professional experience: Prior professional experience in law enforcement, public school teacher and campaign consulting
Education: Bachelor’s Degree: Arizona State University; Associate’s Degree: Surry Community College; High School: Elkin High School (NC)
Please list any notable government or civic involvement. Campaign Manager 2018 and 2020 in NC House District 90; serves on board and volunteers with separate local non-profits focusing on disaster relief, harm/risk reduction in communities battling addiction, and minority scholarship.
What would be your top priority if elected?
Before any meaningful progress can be made on issues that matter to all people, ending Citizens United and reducing the influence of billionaires and dark money on our elections and government must be addressed.
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? Less than 40% of the United States population have over $250,000 in assets. I see the economy through the lens of a working, middle-class American because that is what I am. And, prices for everything are out of control. Congress has to stop acting like corporations have the same rights as individuals. Laws have to be passed that protect the rights of workers over the profits and stock performance of corporations. Trade policy doesn’t need to be a bargaining chip that costs jobs.
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? The first job of our U.S. Congress is to pass a budget. Congress should pass legislation that states all members of Congress, other elected federal officials and the President are the first federal employees to lose their pay in the event of a government shutdown. A law or standing Congressional Rule should also be enacted that requires Congress to stay in session until a budget is passed and not go on unlimited break while the American people suffer under a government 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?
Is the Affordable Care Act the perfect answer? No. But, health care also should not be an economic system, and medical debt should not be the leading cause of bankruptcy in the United States either. I support the extension of ACA subsidies and the relentless effort by Congress to create a plan to transition from the multi-billion dollar health insurance industry scam on the American people and toward a Medicare for All system, much like systems that are very effective in developed countries.
Should the president go before Congress before taking military action in foreign countries? The Constitution has been perverted in ways by administrations on both sides of the aisle to facilitate military action. The Constitution lays out the powers of each branch of government and specifically outlines the war powers that Congress has, not the executive. Congress must grow a spine and stand for the Constitution and take back its power to send our military into 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? Succinctly, No. Without a doubt, the MAGA approach to immigration has resulted in detrimental effects to how the Constitution works in our system of justice. It has cost lives; it has negatively impacted multiple aspects of our economy and violated the rights of American citizens on a daily basis. Many citizens that work in local law enforcement in areas of increased ICE enforcement and who happen to be something other than white have reported being profiled and harassed by agents.
Do you believe oversight of public education should be left up to individual states? I see education as a key aspect of modern interstate commerce and, as such, there should be a national/state/local framework that ensures all children and families are served to the fullest extent. I believe there needs to be a national framework for curriculum that allows families who move from state-to-state for any number of reasons to know that their students can stay on pace with their studies as they transition between schools. Public Education built the strongest middle-class in history.
Is there an issue on which you disagree with your party? What is your position on that issue? The two worst words used in political discourse are “defund” and “end/abolish.” Not that there are not things that our government should stop funding or end/abolish, but when we discuss necessary government entities like law enforcement and immigration and customs enforcement, we place ourselves on an unnecessary losing trajectory. I have served alongside dedicated professionals in law enforcement. Reforms are necessary, but the overarching functions of these entities are necessary and important.
Ashley Bell
Political party: Democrat
Age as of March 3, 2026: 43
Campaign website: www.ashleybellforcongress.com
Current occupation: Physician associate and educator
Professional experience: Physician associate in emergency medicine, primary care and PA education
Education: Doctor of Medical Science from University of Lynchburg; Master of Medical Science from Wake Forest School of Medicine
Please list any notable government or civic involvement. Board of Directors for Physician Assistant Education Association and Student Academy of the American Association of Physician Associates; co-creator of the Future Educator Fellowship, a nationally competitive fellowship for PA students interested in teaching; national advocate for accessible healthcare and healthcare providers
What would be your top priority if elected?
First is restoring democracy; then addressing affordability concerns, including health care, housing, groceries, utilities. The ultimate goal is to attain Medicare for All and reform the health care system to perform better for both patients and health care providers.
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? In contrast to the Republican focus on transferring wealth to billionaires and corporations, Democrats evaluate the economy based on how everyday people are doing. It’s clear that working families are struggling. Governmental decisions are powerful and if our leaders focused on making them improve everyday people’s lives, the economy would improve in turn. Some of these initiatives would include cutting taxes on wages under $100,000, free child care, Medicare for All and reversing tariffs.
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? I agree with the saying that “a budget is a moral document.” We have reached the point in our country that most of the major decisions are simple questions of right and wrong. The focus needs to return to the people, and politicians need to remember that they are representatives of the people, not of billionaires or corporations.
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?
Medicaid must be fully funded and barriers to eligibility should be rolled back. There is no evidence that work requirements and extra paperwork improve the system at all. ACA subsidies should be funded, but only as a stopgap until Medicare for All can be accomplished. Health care is a human right, and nobody in the USA should have to struggle to access health care or be unable to afford it.
Should the president go before Congress before taking military action in foreign countries? Yes. Presidents should never have the unchecked power to initiate military action, whether in our country or another one.
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? Absolutely not. Their actions are not only illegal and immoral, but have demonstrated harm to communities and damaged trust and respect of local law enforcement. Furthermore, it has highlighted that our own government is waging war on both immigrants and American citizens, which is a clear sign of a fascist, authoritarian regime. ICE has tainted its own legacy and will never be trusted again. ICE must be abolished and replaced with legal, humane immigration reform.
Do you believe oversight of public education should be left up to individual states? As a country, we should have national guarantees for educational standards, equality and civil rights. However, state and local districts should control the day-to-day administration of public education.
Is there an issue on which you disagree with your party? What is your position on that issue? I have been disappointed with the inadequacy of our leaders. I believe that we need courageous and principled leadership. Democrats have too often traded the well-being of their constituents for peace-keeping within Congress. We should never apologize or take a weak stance on issues of basic human rights. The cowardice of establishment Democratic leaders - at ALL levels, including locally - has enabled the terrible circumstances we find ourselves in today.
Mir Yarfitz
Political party: Democrat
Age as of March 3, 2026: 46 Campaign website: www.mirforcongress.com
Current occupation: History professor
Professional experience: I’m a tenured professor of Latin American, Jewish and gender and sexuality history at Wake Forest University. I’ve been organizing since I was 17: with unions, farmworkers, tenants, LGBTQ movements, here and abroad. I’ve lived in Winston-Salem since 2013.
Education: PhD, UCLA, 2013; BA, Reed College, 2000.
Please list any notable government or civic involvement. I have been the president of the Wake Forest University chapter of the American Association of University Professors (AAUP) and member of the AAUP NC state ExCom; organized tenants since 2020 with Housing Justice Now!; helped operationalize anti-discrimination protections as a member of the City of Winston-Salem Human Relations Commission Non-Discrimination Study Ad Hoc Subcommittee; and volunteered in every election cycle as a poll watcher and Spanish-English translator.
What would be your top priority if elected?
On day one, stop the destruction of our constitutional rights by the current federal government: halt all funding to ICE and CBP, release all unlawful detainees and bring home all who were unlawfully detained and rebuild the immigration system immediately.
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? There should be no billionaires: trickle-down is a poisonous myth, and we need to stop subsidizing and bailing out corporations. Taxes should be progressive, simple and fair, keeping money in the hands of those who create wealth, not those who hoard it. Because costs of housing and daily life are so out of control, we need to raise wages. I propose $20/hour, to automatically adjust annually with further inflation.
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 has not been working effectively for a long time. Because of Citizens United and the excessive role of corporate money in politics, there is little incentive to actually govern. Members of Congress need to start listening to their constituents: fix our housing and affordability crises, give us the same health care system that 33 of the other developed countries have and stop playing politics with our lives.
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?
The American people are beyond tired of the suffering, needless death and debt caused by our broken system. Everyone deserves access to quality health care. Social safety programs should be available to all, regardless of employment. Close the NC “donut hole,” and make sure everyone can get care when they are sick without ruining their lives with debt.
Should the president go before Congress before taking military action in foreign countries? Absolutely. Furthermore, I believe in the dignity and self-determination of people around the world, from Venezuela to Greenland. Our foreign policy should leverage our tremendous global influence to promote peace, human rights and representative democracy. Stop endless wars. As a Jew who believes that Palestinians are not my enemy, I will also insist that Congress listen to the support that the majority of Americans feel for the Palestinian people and block the Mar-a-Lagification of Gaza.
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 foundational inspiration for my campaign was the November-December 2025 incursion into NC’s immigrant communities: this is state terrorism, which hurts all of us. I will push to stop funding ICE, CBP and other out-of-control enforcers; stop racial profiling; stop detaining non-criminals; stop separating families; and stop illegal detentions and deportations. Respect due process, habeas corpus and basic human rights. If you live here, we support your right to live.
Do you believe oversight of public education should be left up to individual states? The Department of Education had important roles, which should be restored. The federal government should backstop and, in some cases, override state decisions which are bad for children, families and teachers. NC needs federal education funding to counter-balance the anti-student, anti-teacher policies of the gerrymandered General Assembly. We must restore the freedom to teach and learn without ideological interference.
Is there an issue on which you disagree with your party? What is your position on that issue? I am a proud member of the Democratic Socialists of America, endorsed by my local chapter. I disagree with the many Party decisions which have prioritized corporate lobbyists over constituents. We need to get money out of politics and move beyond the rigidity of this two-party system. I will work across the aisle to create broadly-popular solutions to the crises in affordability, housing, medical care and immigration enforcement. $20/hour; Medicare for All; reconstruct DHS.
Ralph Scott, Jr.
Political party: Democrat
Age as of March 3, 2026: 65 Campaign website: N/A
Current occupation: Retired
Professional experience: USAF, Automotive, USPS
Education: Some college
Please list any notable government or civic involvement. Democratic Nominee for Congress in 2024
What would be your top priority if elected?
To fix the fractured mess the Republicans have made. Example: defund ICE and fix it.
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? What I see is decades of poor fiscal responsibility. The Republicans don’t want to pay taxes, and the poor and middle class can’t pay the entire bill.
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? The best way to stop a government shutdown is don’t introduce bills that harm people.
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 think Universal health is the best way to fix health care.
Should the president go before Congress before taking military action in foreign countries? Article 1, Section 8, Clause 11 of the Constitution requires congressional approval of war.
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? Blowing doors off of hinges with explosives is a bit excessive. And yes
Do you believe oversight of public education should be left up to individual states? No, there should be a standard. But, the states should have wiggle room.
Is there an issue on which you disagree with your party? What is your position on that issue? The Democratic Party holds onto the past too much. It just seems like even when it looks like it’s best to explore a new way, they flinch.
Marcus Pearson
Political party: Democrat
Age as of March 3, 2026: 51 Campaign website: pearsonforcongress.com
Current occupation: Civics teacher at Page High School
Professional experience: My professional experience includes five years teaching civics, a decade of coaching football at Winston-Salem State University, five years coaching arena football and hands-on professional sports experience as an intern with the Indianapolis Colts.
Education: I am a proud graduate of Winston-Salem State University, where I earned my Bachelor of Science in 2018, and I am currently completing my Master’s in Teaching in History at North Carolina A&T State University, with graduation expected in 2026.
Please list any notable government or civic involvement. In 2024, I proudly ran as the Democratic candidate for House Seat 72 in the General Assembly and earned 23 percent of the vote, showing meaningful grassroots support and momentum moving forward.
What would be your top priority if elected?
Education, Economy, Border security
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 need to bring tariffs down to around 10 percent, where they should be. Lowering tariffs would encourage manufacturing growth, strengthen domestic supply chains and reduce the cost of everyday goods. As prices come down, affordability improves for working families, and increased production helps drive higher wages. This approach supports American workers while making the economy more competitive and affordable for everyone.
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? First, Congress needs to stay in session longer so Republicans and Democrats can work together for the American people—not partisan politics. Second, we must end reckless spending, especially funding wars that don’t involve us. Third, lowering tariffs will bring down inflation and make everyday life more affordable for families across America. And finally, to balance our budget, our representatives must remember: they work for the people, not the President.
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?
As a first‑year congressman, I will make expanding health care access a top priority. I believe health care is a right, not a privilege, and that Medicaid coverage must be protected. Congress should focus on strengthening the Affordable Care Act—not dismantling it—and work to fix the ACA so it works for every American and every family.
Should the president go before Congress before taking military action in foreign countries? Yes, the President should always inform Congress—or at least the Gang of Eight—about actions they are planning. Our Constitution is built on checks and balances, and when the President ignores that, we risk becoming a nation without accountability. The only exception I believe is in cases of a direct attack, where immediate action is necessary. We must uphold the Constitution and continue to honor it as a living document that guides our nation.
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, ICE should not be used as a personal enforcement tool against American citizens. While we do have an immigration system that needs reform, targeting people based on how they look or who they are is fundamentally wrong and goes against American values. If this trend continues, it risks more protests, family separations and unnecessary harm to innocent people. Immigration enforcement must be fair, just and uphold the principles of equality and human dignity.
Do you believe oversight of public education should be left up to individual states? Education should be led by the states, with local leaders making the decisions that best serve their communities. The federal government’s role is to fund schools, support programs and help ensure every student has access to a quality education.
Is there an issue on which you disagree with your party? What is your position on that issue? The only concern I have with my party is that we must stay focused on serving the people, rather than getting bogged down by partisan politics. We need strong leadership, and if that comes from former Vice President Kamala Harris, we should rally behind her. As a party, we need a unified voice to guide us through these challenging times.
Harry Morley
Political party: Democrat
Age as of March 3, 2026: 61 Campaign website: harryforthehouse.com Current occupation: Exceptional Children’s specialist at Speas Global Elementary School
Professional experience: I bring 38 years of experience working with students, families and educators to ensure children receive the services and protections guaranteed under the law. As an Exceptional Children’s specialist and inclusion leader, I’ve applied federal and state education policy in real classrooms, advocating for high-need students and families. In Congress, I’ll bring those same skills—problem-solving, accountability and advocacy—to ensure laws work for our communities.
Education: Master of Education, May 2003 - Salem College; Bachelor of Arts, Anthropology and Political Science, May 1986 - University of North Carolina at Greensboro; National Board Certification, Exceptional Children Licensure and Endorsements: Master’s Level Reading (K–12), Cross-Categorical Exceptional Children (K–12), Exceptional Children: Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies
Please list any notable government or civic involvement. I have been a member of the North Carolina Association of Educators (NCAE) since 1989. I have served in leadership as a union delegate since 2005 and currently serve as the Union Representative at Speas Global Elementary School. In this role, I advocate at both the local school board level and in Raleigh for fair working conditions, adequate staffing and the services students and families need to succeed. Civic Service: Eagle Scout (With Gold Palm)
What would be your top priority if elected?
Lowering the cost of living is my top priority. I’ll work to reduce drug prices, stop price gouging, extend ACA tax credits, ensure fair energy billing, protect veterans’ benefits and invest in broadband, transportation, and health care—especially in rural areas. Addressing climate change is essential for long-term stability. I’ll seek committee roles to deliver real relief and protect education and the environment for North Carolina’s 10th District.
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? Many families in North Carolina’s 10th District struggle with rising health care, housing and utility costs—even my family has delayed medical care due to cost. To strengthen the economy, Congress should invest in broadband and education to support rural job growth, remove tariffs that act as hidden taxes on working families, and support small businesses, the backbone of local economies.
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? Preventing government shutdowns requires Congress to do its most basic job: govern. Members must work across differences to pass a budget on time so essential services continue and our economy remains stable. Shutdowns harm families, veterans, small businesses and federal workers. Passing a budget is a core responsibility. Congress should follow regular order, negotiate in good faith and be held accountable—if the government shuts down, members should not be paid until the job is done.
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 Medicaid, Medicare and restoring ACA premium subsidies, which help seniors, veterans, people with disabilities and working families. Nearly one million North Carolinians, including many in the 10th District, rely on these subsidies. Health care costs shouldn’t burden working families while tax breaks benefit the wealthy. Affordable care strengthens families, supports hospitals and promotes a healthier, more stable economy.
Should the president go before Congress before taking military action in foreign countries? Except for immediate self-defense, the president must get Congress’s approval before military action abroad, ensuring accountability and shared responsibility. Military force should never be used unilaterally. The President should also not deploy federal troops domestically without clear legal authority and congressional oversight. Upholding constitutional checks, civilian control and the rule of law is vital to maintaining public trust and democratic stability.
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 immigration enforcement that violates constitutional protections or due process. The Constitution protects all people within the U.S., not just citizens. Aggressive tactics have caused fear among legal residents and mixed-status families, discouraging community participation. We can enforce immigration laws while respecting civil liberties and human dignity. Like past immigrant waves, everyone deserves due process and the chance to contribute.
Do you believe oversight of public education should be left up to individual states? No. While states play an important role in administering public education, federal oversight is essential to protect students’ civil rights, particularly students with disabilities. As an Exceptional Children’s educator, I have worked under Public Law 94-142, the Education for All Handicapped Children Act of 1975 (now IDEA), which guarantees that students with disabilities have a right to a free and appropriate public education. Is there an issue on which you disagree with your party? What is your position on that issue? The Democratic Party must remain committed to equal rights for all, especially women and marginalized communities. At the same time, we must better engage working-class people across races and industries who build and sustain our economy. Progress should include everyone by expanding the table, not pushing anyone aside, ensuring dignity, opportunity and equal rights for all.
