Crystal Cavalier, candidate for US House of Representatives District 4 in North Carolina

Name: Crystal Cavalier

Political party: Democrat

Age as of Nov. 8, 2022: 44

Campaign website: https://crystalcavaliercongress.com

Occupation: Climate Activist and Co-Director 7 Directions of Service.

Education: BA in Political Science (UNCG); MPA (UNC-Pembroke); ABD, EdD (2022) in Organizational Leadership and Development

Have you run for elected office before? No

Please list highlights of your civic involvement: Started 7 Directions of Service; led bipartisan, multiracial coalition against the Mountain Valley Pipeline; started the Murdered, Missing Indigenous Women Chapter in NC; founder of the N.C. Democratic Party’s Native American Caucus.

What is your plan for limiting the effects of inflation?

Inflation is a complicated series of effects. There is no one solution. We need to recognize how rising costs hurt the most vulnerable and disincentivize price gouging and manipulation under the guise of rising costs. As we use all the tools available, we cannot leave the most vulnerable behind.

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

We must prioritize the most vulnerable and depoliticize efforts to mitigate pandemics. My cultural heritage is about caring for neighbors as we care for ourselves. The federal government needs to lead the conversation about science and community health. We need single-payer health insurance.

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

We need to listen to voices that have been silenced as we work to mitigate and reverse the effects of climate change. Divest from fossil fuels, fund innovative energy production. We need more than hypotheticals, but real investment in just climate action.

What is your plan for reducing violent crime?

Crime is a symptom of a society that is inequitable. We need more solutions than more police. We need living wages and equitable communities. We need divestment from a privatized prison system that incentivizes criminalizing minor offenses.

What should happen if Roe v. Wade is overturned?

The reproductive rights of women need to be protected as federal law. We have relied too long on the opinions of a Supreme Court whose demographics can sway based the political party in power. We must legislate to protect the rights of all people and provide equitable resources for every citizen.

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

Often the conversation of race excludes indigenous voices. Well-meaning progressives erase the indigenous perspective as they seek to borrow the collective knowledge and experience. I hope to stand up and bring all of my cultural heritage and background to table to speak up for the invisible people.

What are your top issues? Pick up to three.

Health care; education; and clean water and air.

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

Danielle Battaglia

McClatchy DC

Danielle Battaglia is the D.C. correspondent for The News & Observer and The Charlotte Observer, leading coverage of North Carolina’s congressional delegation and elections. She also covers the White House. Her career has spanned three North Carolina newsrooms where she has covered crime, courts and local, state and national politics. She has won two McClatchy President’s awards and numerous national and state awards for her work.