Stephen Valentine, candidate for US House of Representatives District 4 in North Carolina

Name: Stephen J. Valentine

Political party: Democrat

Age as of Nov. 8, 2022: 52

Campaign website: stephenjvalentineforcongress.com

Occupation: Director of the Veterans Law Clinic, N.C. Central University School of Law

Education: Morehouse College, B.A.; University of Pennsylvania, MSW; North Carolina Central University School of Law, J.D.

Have you run for elected office before? No

Please list highlights of your civic involvement: Democratic Party Precinct Chair, Truancy Judge for DPS, National Association of Social Workers, Veterans of Foreign Wars

What is your plan for limiting the effects of inflation?

We can make prescription drugs, energy and child care more affordable in an effort to limit the effects of inflation. These provisions are already part of the Build Back Better legislation currently stalled on Capitol Hill.

What is the federal government’s role in controlling or ending the COVID-19 pandemic?

The federal government role in ending this pandemic is to work with the global community on a cure and supporting countries that need resources to control the spread of this disease.

What is the federal government’s role in combating the effects of climate change?

I believe government’s role is to provide incentives to states to reduce carbon, coal, oil and gas pollution. This is also an incentive to move toward more sustainable energy sources.

What is your plan for reducing violent crime?

A good first step is to ban assault rifles.

What should happen if Roe v. Wade is overturned?

If Roe v. Wade is overturned the Congress should legislate to protect women’s reproductive rights.

Is there an area where you disagree with your party? Why?

I am for universal health care.

What are your top issues? Pick up to three.

▪ Education

▪ Economy and jobs

▪ Taxes

This story was originally published April 24, 2022 at 6:00 AM with the headline "Stephen Valentine, candidate for US House of Representatives District 4 in North Carolina."

Dawn Baumgartner Vaughan

The News & Observer

919-829-4877

Dawn Baumgartner Vaughan is the Capitol Bureau Chief for The News & Observer, leading coverage of the legislative and executive branches in North Carolina with a focus on the governor, General Assembly leadership and state budget. She has received the McClatchy President’s Award, N.C. Open Government Coalition Sunshine Award and several North Carolina Press Association awards, including for politics and investigative reporting.