E.C. Sykes, candidate for NC Senate District 18
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Candidates for NC Senate District 18
Dimitry Slabyak and E. C. Sykes are running in the Republican primary for North Carolina Senate in District 18. The winner will face Democrat Mary Wills Bode and Libertarian Ryan Brown. Get to know the candidates with the 2022 Voter Guide.
Name: E.C. Sykes
Political party: Republican
Age on election night: 61
Website: ECforNC.com
Occupation: General Partner
Education: Masters
Have you run for elected office before? 2020 Republican nominee for Secretary of State
Civic involvement: Advisory Board for NCSU Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering Board Member, NC Values board member, National Federation of Independent Businesses NC Leadership Board, foster parents, various church leadership roles.
School test scores dropped during the COVID-19 pandemic. What should North Carolina do to improve student performance?
The GA introduced bills that failed to pass on transparency, CRT, and reopening schools. Children are being cheated out of an unbiased education. I support legislation taking politics out of the classroom, attracts and retains quality teachers, and insists on addressing learning loss.
What do you want to happen in North Carolina if Roe v. Wade is overturned?
The voice of those who cannot speak for themselves must be heard and we need to work with community leaders to provide sustainable solutions for parents who might be struggling. North Carolina can be a model for providing compassionate solutions that honors the life of the preborn and the lives of the parents.
What should North Carolina do to reduce violent crime?
We are a country of laws and they need to be consistently and fairly administered. That includes rioters being prosecuted and sheriffs cooperating with ICE. We should foster a culture that respects and supports our first responders. It’s a commonsense measure.
Should medical marijuana be legalized in North Carolina?
No.
What should the state’s minimum wage be? What policies would you support to help struggling North Carolinians?
Being able to earn a living wage is crucial and motivating. We should assist, through educational programs, career development to empower people to improve their incomes. Minimum wage is an entry level floor, and it should not be the wage of experienced employees that bring higher value.
Should North Carolina expand Medicaid, and how?
I am in favor of creating a lower-cost, higher-quality health care system. A one-payer system is a monopoly and monopolies have proven not to provide the best quality or price. In this case, the monopoly is run by the government, which does not have a reputation of delivering excellent service.
Is there an area where you disagree with your party? Why?
I would be surprised if anyone agrees with everything their party supports. I am a man of faith, husband, and father before I am a political leader. The party’s main themes align with my faith and values but if the party were to stray, I would stand on biblical principles.
What are your top issues? Pick up to three.
Abortion rights and restrictions; economy; limited government.
This story was originally published April 24, 2022 at 10:23 PM.