Ashton Clemmons, candidate for NC House District 57

Name: Ashton Clemmons

Political party: Democrat

Age as of Nov. 8, 2022: 39

Campaign website: www.clemmonsfornc.org

Occupation: Educator

Education: BA, UNC; MA, Harvard; Ed.D., UNCG

Have you run for elected office before? Yes — currently proudly serve as the NCHD57 Representative!

Please list highlights of your civic involvement: I am incredibly proud of my four years as a state representative for the people of our community! Additionally, I serve on the UNC Board of Visitors, FPG Child Development Institute Board, NC Education Corps Advisory Board and as an adviser at Stanford’s Hoover Success Initiative. I am a member of Women to Women and my favorite civic engagement is as a Guilford County Schools volunteer two days a week!

What are the three issues that you see as most important to your district and what will you do to address them?

First — economic security. I will continue to advocate for an increased minimum wage and improved tax supports for working Guilford families. Second — investment in the future of our state with a strong education system. I was proud to increase access to early childcare and will continue to advocate for this, and policies and budgets that value educators in our K-12 and higher education systems. Third — safety for families. We must pass legislation that keeps our children safe from violence.

At a time when costs are rising, state government has a surplus. How should it be used?

Our budget surplus should be used to build a strong economic future by investing in the people of our state! Our education system should be strengthened with safer buildings for learning and valued educators who can focus on students. Our health care system should be more effective with comprehensive mental health care. Our transportation system should connect the future with improved roads throughout our state. Our environment should be protected for safe air and drinking water.

Will you vote for Medicaid expansion in North Carolina?

Yes.

What has the legislature gotten right, and what has it gotten wrong, about public education in North Carolina?

Historically, our legislature has built the strongest public education system in the country. Unfortunately, in the past several years the legislature has abandoned the belief that a strong education system for each and every child in North Carolina is part of our responsibility and a fundamental part of building the economy of our future by disinvesting in our traditional public schools and creating an environment of winners and losers in our system.

Should North Carolina change its abortion laws? How?

There should be fewer restrictions on abortion after 20 weeks.

Please add anything else voters should know about your position on the legality or availability of abortion in North Carolina.

After watching women I love have to make heartbreaking decisions, I know women — with their families, doctors and faith leaders — should make health decisions free from political influence.

Should medical marijuana be legalized in North Carolina?

Undecided.

What, if anything, should the legislature to do shape curriculum dealing with topics of race, sexuality and gender?

Curriculum decisions are — and should be — made at the local level as communities decide how the state standards are taught to their students.

Do you accept the results of the 2020 presidential election?

Yes.