As election day comes upon us, it’s crunch time for voters to decide who they want to represent them. Voters need to know who aligns more with their standards and look past the soundbites they hear from news outlets, social media and attack ads. Candidate profiles are vital to voters when making crucial decisions in local, state and federal elections. In this election, candidates from both parties are running for this seat for the first time.
Kevin Corbin
A photo of Kevin Corbin taken from his website
Bio
Kevin Corbin was born and raised in Macon County. He was sworn into his first term in the House of Representatives in January 2017, where he served two terms. Corbin served as a member of committees for Education, Environment, Finance, Transportation and Chairman of the Insurance, and State and Local Government committees.
Corbin’s website boasts that he only passed one regulation during his tenure as commissioner, stating that is a “testament to [his] commitment for less government involvement, and more power to the people.” During his time in the House of Representatives, he sponsored the NC H118 Bill (COVID-19 Liab. Safe Harbor Bill) and the NC H1053 Bill (PED/Military OL & Audiology Interstate Compact Bill).
He is a graduate of Appalachian State University, and he served on the school’s Board of Trustees for four years.
Positions
- According to his website, Corbin believes in “free enterprise economics with little government regulation and taxation.”
- Believes that while efforts to slow the spread of COVID-19 were “necessary,” it is time to “get the people of North Carolina back to work.”
- Supports the replacement of Common Core in schools.
- Believes teacher pay should be adjusted to competitive levels, and that NC teachers deserve more benefits
- Says that North Carolina needs to lower the Corporate and Individual income tax.
- Believes that the government must “respect and protect all human life from conception to natural death.”
- Says that all regulations should be passed “with caution.”
Endorsements
Rep. Roger West from the NC House of Representatives endorsed Corbin, saying of him, “I can’t think of anyone in this district that is more qualified than Kevin Corbin to represent us in Raleigh. He will hit the ground running and do great things for far Western North Carolina.”
Corbin has also received an endorsement from 43rd District Attorney Ashley Welch, who stated that she was happy that Corbin is running, and that he has the “he knowledge, and the experience to get the job done. We are fortunate that he is willing to run and serve.”
Corbin has also received an endorsement from the NC State Troopers Association.
Events
Corbin held a Meet and Greet with fellow Republican Candidate Dan Forest. The event had food trucks and live music provided by Mountain Faith. He has held similar Meet and Greets across the Jackson and Haywood Counties. If you’re interested in attending any upcoming events, check his Facebook page for more information.
Fundraising
According to Ballotpedia, Corbin has raised $72,851 for his campaign. He is his own largest donor, but his second biggest donor is the Blue Cross & Blue Shield of NC Employee PAC.
Victoria Fox
A photo of Victoria Fox taken from her website.
Bio
Victoria Fox describes herself on her website as a “dedicated wife and mother” who is “dedicated to serving your family, as she has her own.” She’s an 11-year resident of Western North Carolina and a mother of three school-aged children. Fox claims she isn’t an “average politician” because she is someone “everyone can relate to.” She believes she is a “new type of candidate” who will “really work for the people in this area.”
Positions
- Supports Medicaid expansion.
- Believes in raising the minimum wage because “No one who works 40 hours a week should struggle to pay rent, buy groceries, and pay for childcare.”
- Supports increasing investment in public education and raising teacher’s pay.
- Believes North Carolina needs to make a “continued investments in renewable energy.” Fox also believes that the “The evidence of climate change is all around us and we can no longer ignore it.”
- Supports both the 2nd amendment right to bear arms, as well as common sense gun legislation (universal background checks, registration, and red flag laws).
- Supports a woman’s right to choose and believes that birth control should be “easily accessible and affordable.”
- Supports the legalization of medical and recreational marijuana.
Endorsements
Fox has received endorsements from Planned Parenthood South Atlantic, the Freethought Equality Fund, and the Haywood Chapter of Down Home NC. While she has not received any formal endorsements from sitting government officials, Fox stated in an interview over email that she has the “full support of every Democrat on the ballot this November.”
Events
Fox has not had any large-scale events, though she has held a few virtual meet-and-greet’s. She is planning to have more virtual events in the near future, details on which can be found on her campaign Facebook page.
Fundraising
According to Fox, she has raised $2,500 and that all of her donors are regular blue collar, working class individuals. She states that her two largest donors are “a retired welder and a church pianist.”
Debate
According to Fox, she has already accepted an invitation to debate Korbin in October at Southwestern Community College.
WCJ will continue to cover this race.
The story is written for the Election 2020 Coverage class.
