Nida Allam, candidate for US House of Representatives District 4 in North Carolina

Name: Nida Allam

Political party: Democrat

Age as of Nov. 8, 2022: 28

Campaign website: nidaallam.com

Occupation: Durham County Commissioner

Education: N.C. State University

Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought): Yes. In 2020, I successfully ran for Durham County Commissioner and became the first-ever Muslim woman elected to office in North Carolina.

Please list highlights of your civic involvement: I served as political director for the Bernie Sanders campaign, then was elected Vice Chair of the North Carolina Democratic Party. I also advised former Durham Mayor Steve Schewel as a member of his Mayor’s Council for Women. I currently serve on the board of directors for Planned Parenthood Votes! South Atlantic.

What is your plan for limiting the effects of inflation?

A major reason for higher prices is price-gouging from large corporations that have little competition. To bring inflation down, we must pass an Essential Workers Bill of Rights and enforce our antitrust policies to limit ensure companies are charging fair prices to our constituents.

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

The federal government must ensure that we have the resources we need to be safe. We must ensure COVID-19 testing, vaccines and treatment are free, and pass Medicare for All to ensure that no one lacks access to basic care. We must also ensure all workers are paid fairly and have paid sick leave.

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

We have already caused irreversible damage to our planet, and we can’t trust corporations to act — it is the federal government’s role to ensure our children have clean air, water, and a livable environment. We must pass a Green New Deal to transition to renewable energy and create millions of jobs.

What is your plan for reducing violent crime?

To make our communities safer, we must address the root causes of violent crime and invest in mental health services, adequately funding our schools, and ensuring that everyone has affordable housing. When we reduce unemployment and ensure equal access to opportunity, everyone is safer.

What should happen if Roe v. Wade is overturned?

We need federal action to guarantee people’s right to make basic decisions about their bodies. Last year, my life was at risk from an ectopic pregnancy, and I had an abortion that saved my life. We must codify Roe at the federal level to ensure our basic rights.

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

I am a proud Democrat, but I do believe there are some issues on which some members of our party can better live our values. I do not accept corporate PAC money or donations from fossil fuel lobbyists because I want to only be accountable to my constituents, not big corporations.

What are your top issues? Pick up to three.

▪ Health care

▪ Economy and jobs

▪ Housing

This story was originally published April 24, 2022 at 6:00 AM with the headline "Nida Allam, 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.