Wiley Nickel, candidate for US House of Representatives District 13 in NC

Name: Wiley Nickel

Political party: Democrat

Age as of Nov. 8, 2022: 46

Campaign website: wileynickelforcongress.com

Occupation: North Carolina State Senator and Former Obama White House staffer

Education: Pepperdine University School of Law (JD) Tulane University (BA)

Have you run for elected office before? (Please list previous offices sought): I’m serving my second term in the North Carolina State Senate representing District 16 (Cary and Raleigh)

Please list highlights of your civic involvement: I’m a husband, father, state Senator, small business owner and attorney from Cary. Before opening my law practice, I served two White Houses. I traveled with President Obama during some of his toughest fights to achieve affordable health care and to invest in quality education for our country.

What is your plan for limiting the effects of inflation?

Inflation is a problem for my constituents. We must bolster our supply chain with investments in Manufacturing USA and transportation. We must prevent anti-competitive behaviors by big corporations jacking up prices. I support temporarily suspending the gas tax while our energy supply chain adjusts.

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

The federal government must support front-line workers and pandemic response efforts by reducing our dependence on foreign PPE manufacturing, and coordinating local distribution of supplies. Americans also deserve clear, unbiased and accessible information on the effectiveness of masks and vaccines.

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

As a former White House staffer for Al Gore I know we must act now to tackle the climate crisis. We need to build a modern and sustainable infrastructure, deliver an equitable clean energy future, transition toward 100% renewable energy and fully fund programs that protect our natural resources.

What is your plan for reducing violent crime?

As a gun owner, I believe in the Second Amendment. We must also stand up to the NRA and pass universal background checks and red flag laws to get guns out of the hands of dangerous people. I support evidence-based crime reduction programs that improve opportunity and education for young adults at risk.

What should happen if Roe v. Wade is overturned?

Family planning decisions should be between a woman and her doctor, not the government. In Congress, I’m committed to protecting a woman’s right to choose and I support passing a law that would codify Roe v Wade. I will base my policy views on all issues on science rather than politics.

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

Those in my party who want to defund the police go too far. Police departments should have the funding needed to build strong relationships with communities and more funding for co-response programs to divert nonviolent calls away from police and toward specialized social service responders.

What are your top issues? Pick up to three.

▪ Education

▪ Economy and jobs

▪ Voting and elections

This story was originally published April 24, 2022 at 8:38 AM.

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.