Republican faces primary challenge in coastal NC House district
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- Spruill backs competitive teacher pay, audits and outcome-based budgeting to retain staff.
- Spruill favors limited medical marijuana, tighter oversight, expanded local health access.
- NC House District 1 is on the coast and includes part of the Outer Banks.
To help voters learn which candidates are on their ballot and where they stand on important policy issues, The News & Observer is publishing candidate questionnaires in all state and federal races in North Carolina on the March 3, 2026, ballot.
Below are the candidates running for NC House District 1 who responded to our questionnaire in order by the date their responses were received. Some candidates did not provide a photo.
The only primary for the District 1 seat is between Republicans. The district is on the coast and includes parts of the Outer Banks and counties of Chowan, Currituck, Dare, Perquimans, Tyrrell and Washington. The seat is held by incumbent Rep. Edward Goodwin, who is being challenged by John Spruill. Goodwin did not respond to the questionnaire.
John Spruill
Age as of March 3, 2026: 53
Political party: Republican
Campaign website: www.spruillfornchouse.com
Current occupation: Chief Estimator
Professional experience: I serve as chairman of the Washington County Board of Commissioners, focusing on economic development, infrastructure and public safety. I am also fire chief of the Roper Volunteer Fire Department, leading emergency response and training. Professionally, I work as chief estimator for B.E. Singleton & Sons, managing project costs, compliance and site planning. My background blends public service, construction management and community leadership.
Education: Bachelor of Science in criminal justice and Bachelor of Science in construction management from East Carolina University
Please list any notable government or civic involvement.: Chairman, Washington County Board of Commissioners; Fire Chief, Roper Volunteer Fire Department; member of multiple county advisory boards including the Albemarle Commission RPO (alternate), Facilities Advisory Committee, Airport Advisory Committee, and Economic Development Council; serves on the NC Coastal Resources Advisory Council and NC Coastal Counties Fishing Coalition; active in regional public safety initiatives and long-time community volunteer.
What is the most important issue in your district and what do you want to do about it? The most important issue in our district is economic opportunity tied to infrastructure. Too many communities lack reliable roads, broadband, and utilities to attract jobs. I will work to secure state investment in rural infrastructure, support small businesses, and expand workforce training so families can live, work, and succeed right here at home.
The legislature sets teacher base pay. What do you think the salary range should be for teachers, from starting to 30+ experience? North Carolina should ensure teacher pay is at or above surrounding states so we remain competitive in recruiting and retaining educators. If we lead the Southeast in business and economic growth, we should also lead in education. Investing in our teachers is investing in our future workforce and communities.
As of January, North Carolina was the last state not to have passed a new, comprehensive budget. What would you do to help make sure a budget passes? I would push for early negotiations and consistent work sessions to resolve differences before deadlines. When budgets stall, real people suffer: teachers, state employees, and communities waiting on funding for critical projects. I will stay focused on families, local governments and the essential services they rely on.
North Carolina’s income tax rate for individual taxpayers is 3.99%. Should that be reduced further? I support responsible tax relief, but any reductions should be balanced with maintaining essential services. We must ensure schools, public safety and infrastructure are properly funded. If revenues allow, I’m open to lowering rates while keeping North Carolina financially strong and competitive.
Do you think the state is using taxpayer money efficiently? Why or why not? Government should always be accountable with taxpayer dollars. While North Carolina has made progress in budgeting and economic growth, there is room to improve transparency and performance. I support regular audits, outcome-based budgeting, and eliminating waste so funding goes where it truly benefits citizens: education, public safety and infrastructure.
Do you support legalizing medical marijuana use? Why or why not? I would be open to considering a very limited, tightly controlled medical marijuana program for severe, physician-verified conditions. It must exclude recreational use, prohibit smoking forms and include strict oversight, secure dispensing and strong penalties for abuse or diversion. Public safety and accountability must come first.
What do you see as the biggest barrier to health care access in your district, and what actions would you take to address it? The biggest barrier in our district is access — too many people struggle to get timely, affordable care. I will work to strengthen local health services, support innovative care models, and remove obstacles that prevent families from getting the care they need. Health care should be accessible for every community.
