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Will you use your prosecutorial discretion to support the elimination of cash bail and unnecessary pretrial detention, allowing exceptions only for violent crimes, flight risks, or serious mental health concerns? Why or why not?

I support serious, evidence-based reform of our pretrial system so that detention decisions are based on risk and public safety — not wealth.

As a practicing defense attorney in Wake County, I saw firsthand how the current system often forces people without money to plead guilty simply to get out of jail with credit for time served. Individuals charged with low-level, nonviolent offenses often sit in custody for days or weeks just because they can’t afford bail. Faced with the loss of a job, housing, or custody of their children, many plead guilty regardless of the merits of their case. That plea follows them for life, trapping them in a cycle of poverty and incarceration that does nothing to improve public safety.

That experience in the courtroom also shaped my approach as a legislator. As a North Carolina State Senator, I co-sponsored SB 662, pilot legislation to establish “no-money” bail options, alongside Senators Mujtaba Mohammed and Terry Van Duyn. The goal was not to eliminate accountability, but to test alternatives that allow courts to make smarter pretrial decisions while maintaining public safety and court appearance rates.

As District Attorney, I’ll use prosecutorial discretion within the confines of current state law to support targeted bail reform, including non-monetary conditions for low-risk, nonviolent cases, and to oppose unnecessary pretrial detention where it serves no public-safety purpose. At the same time, I believe detention or secured bonds are appropriate where there is credible evidence of violence, flight risk, or legitimate public-safety concerns.

Public safety and fairness are not competing values. A system that jails people because they’re poor undermines trust in the justice system and makes our communities less safe. Reforming cash bail — carefully, responsibly, and grounded in data — is essential to making sure justice works the same for everyone.

How would you prioritize early release or alternative resolutions for individuals with remaining sentences for minor offenses to reduce jail overcrowding and promote equitable outcomes?

Reducing jail overcrowding and promoting equitable outcomes requires addressing the root causes of repeat involvement in the criminal justice system: substance use and mental health disorders.

North Carolina is facing a growing mental health crisis. More than 450,000 adults and young adults in our state live with a serious mental illness, and rates of depression, anxiety, and anxiety-related disorders continue to rise. Too often, people struggling with these conditions cycle through our jails without receiving treatment, making communities less safe and overwhelming an already strained health care system.

As District Attorney, I’ll prioritize treatment-focused alternatives for individuals convicted of minor, nonviolent offenses whose criminal behavior is driven by substance abuse or mental health challenges. Jail should not be the default response when treatment can more effectively reduce reoffending and improve public safety.

A central part of this approach will be the creation of a full-time Mental Health Court in Wake County. Mental Health Courts bring together judges, prosecutors, defense counsel, treatment providers, and law enforcement to ensure eligible individuals receive structured treatment, supervision, and support. By addressing underlying conditions rather than repeatedly incarcerating the same individuals, Mental Health Courts reduce recidivism, ease jail overcrowding, and improve long-term outcomes for both individuals and the community. Other North Carolina counties have had success with mental health courts – Wake County should join the list.

I’ll also look to proven diversion programs, sentence modifications, and alternative resolutions that emphasize accountability through treatment, when public safety allows. For appropriate cases, these approaches hold people responsible while giving them the tools to stabilize their lives and avoid future contact with the criminal justice system.

Public safety is strengthened when we reduce repeat offenses at their source. By focusing on substance abuse treatment and mental health care — rather than relying solely on incarceration — Wake County can reduce jail overcrowding, promote fairness, and build a justice system that is both smart and effective.

How will your office prioritize non-prosecution and ensure the expungement of prior marijuana convictions, including supporting vacating these convictions if state law changes?

My approach to marijuana enforcement and expungement is grounded in both personal experience and professional experience — and in a clear understanding of how lifelong criminal records harm people long after their sentence ends.

The current District Attorney continues to prosecute low-level marijuana possession cases. I‘ll adopt a different approach. Medical marijuana is legal in 40 states, and as a North Carolina State Senator, I authored legislation to legalize medical marijuana. That work was shaped by personal experience: my father died of cancer and relied on marijuana illegally during his final days to manage pain. No family should be forced to make those difficult decisions during a loved one’s final days.

As District Attorney, I’ll implement a clear policy that does not prioritize prosecution of low-level marijuana possession, and that ensures legitimate medical marijuana users are not unnecessarily drawn into the criminal justice system. Prosecutorial resources should be focused on violent crime and serious offenses, not conduct that the vast majority of the country no longer treats as criminal.

Just as important is addressing the lasting damage caused by past convictions. Expungements are often the difference between getting a job or being turned away, securing housing or remaining stuck, moving forward or staying trapped by a mistake from years ago.

As a defense attorney in Wake County, I personally helped secure thousands of expungements for my clients. I saw firsthand how clearing a record opens doors to employment, education, and stability — and how those outcomes directly reduce recidivism and improve public safety.

As District Attorney, my office will actively support and facilitate expungements for individuals who qualify under the law. I’ll host free expungement clinics throughout Wake County, partner with legal aid and community organizations, and use the authority of the DA’s Office to remove unnecessary barriers in the process.

If state law changes to allow broader relief my office will not stand in the way of second chances.

Justice should not punish people for conduct we increasingly recognize as outdated or unjust. Clearing records isn’t being soft — it’s being smart, fair, and focused on the future.

How will you use charging and diversion policies to reduce mass incarceration and dismantle the school-to-prison pipeline?

Reducing mass incarceration and dismantling the school-to-prison pipeline starts with how prosecutors exercise discretion, especially when young people are involved. Every child deserves a quality education and to feel safe at school — and the justice system should support that goal, not undermine it.

As District Attorney, I’ll use charging and diversion policies to keep students in school whenever possible and reserve prosecution for conduct that truly threatens public safety. Too often, minor school-based incidents are handled through the criminal justice system when they should be addressed through school discipline, counseling, or restorative practices. Criminalizing normal adolescent behavior derails education, increases dropout rates, and feeds lifelong involvement with the justice system.

For nonviolent, low-level offenses involving students, my office will look to diversion, deferred prosecution, and community-based interventions over formal charges where appropriate. These alternatives hold young people accountable without saddling them with permanent records that limit educational and economic opportunity. Early intervention — not early incarceration — is how we reduce recidivism and keep our communities safe.

At the same time, school safety must be taken seriously. In Congress I was a member of the Bipartisan School Safety and Security Caucus, and I strongly support investments in teachers, nutrition, and student stability — including the American Teacher Act and legislation to expand access to school meals. Safe, supported schools are far less likely to push students into the justice system. I’ll continue to use my position to push the legislature to make meaningful and long overdue investments in North Carolina public education.

I’m also a father of two. I understand both the fear parents feel about school safety and the responsibility to ensure children are not needlessly criminalized. Gun violence is the leading cause of death among children in this country, and as District Attorney I’ll come down hard on those who use firearms to commit violent crime.

Public safety and educational opportunities go hand in hand. Smart charging, strong diversion, and real investment in schools are how we achieve both.

What specific policies would you implement to address racial disparities in charging, sentencing, and incarceration?

Addressing racial disparities in charging, sentencing, and incarceration requires intentional policies, transparency, and accountability—while remaining firmly committed to public safety. Safer Wake County communities depend on both fairness and trust in the justice system.

As District Attorney, I’ll use a data-driven review of charging decisions, plea offers, and sentencing outcomes to identify and address disparities. Prosecutorial discretion is powerful and must be exercised consistently, based on conduct and risk—not race, zip code, or economic status. My office will regularly review outcomes to ensure similarly situated defendants are treated the same way.

I’ll prioritize violent crime, gun violence, drug trafficking, and serious property offenses, holding offenders accountable where public safety is at stake. At the same time, I’ll expand the use of proven diversion programs for nonviolent offenses, particularly when substance use or mental health challenges are the underlying causes. These programs reduce recidivism, lower incarceration rates, and prevent disparities from compounding over time.

Early intervention is essential. I will strengthen partnerships with law enforcement, schools, and community organizations to expand youth diversion, restorative justice options, and alternatives to prosecution that maintain accountability while keeping young people out of the system whenever appropriate.

Within the District Attorney’s Office, I will implement clear, office-wide policies and training to promote consistency and transparency in charging and plea decisions. Strong supervision and evidence-based guidance help ensure fair outcomes and reduce disparities.

Building safer communities also requires trust. I’ll expand community engagement so residents understand how decisions are made and have confidence that the justice system is focused on fairness as well as safety. I’ll modernize communication through a dedicated website, regular public updates, and consistent outreach across all municipalities in Wake County. I’ll establish a Community Engagement Office to build relationships with residents, neighborhood groups, law enforcement, and local leaders.

Holding violent offenders accountable and reducing racial disparities are not competing goals. By focusing resources on serious crime, expanding smart diversion, and applying the law consistently, we can reduce incarceration, lower recidivism, and build a safer, fairer Wake County where families can thrive.

How will your office ensure police and sheriff deputies are held criminally accountable for misconduct, including failure to intervene in lethal incidents or violations of internal policies (e.g., body camera use)?

I believe that the vast majority of police officers are good people doing difficult and dangerous jobs. However, we need to make improvements to police training and tactics to prevent unjustified violence while still enabling law enforcement officers to do their jobs and keep us safe.

Every American, regardless of race, gender, or sexual orientation, deserves to be treated equally, with dignity and respect. The vast majority of law enforcement officers are dedicated professionals, but accountability is essential to maintain public trust and ensure justice.

First, my office will investigate all credible allegations of police misconduct thoroughly, using all available evidence, including body-worn cameras, witness testimony, and other documentation. Officers must know that misconduct — whether through action or inaction — will be taken seriously and pursued in accordance with the law.

Second, I’ll prioritize transparency. The community must understand how investigations are conducted, how charging decisions are made, and what standards apply. Clear policies and public reporting will reinforce accountability while respecting ongoing investigations and privacy where required by law.

Third, I’ll work to strengthen collaboration with law enforcement leaders, civilian oversight, and independent experts to ensure investigations are comprehensive and impartial. Prosecutors must be willing to bring charges when evidence shows a violation of criminal law, regardless of rank or position.

Finally, I’ll continue to invest in tools and training that support accountability. As a Congressman, I secured over $1.3 million in federal funding for local departments to purchase body-worn cameras and other technology. These tools not only protect officers but also provide critical evidence to ensure fairness and accountability.

Accountability does not undermine law enforcement; it strengthens it. By enforcing the law consistently, investigating misconduct, and using technology and transparency to support justice, my office will uphold the public trust, protect the rights of all residents, and ensure that officers who violate the law are held responsible. Public safety and police integrity go hand in hand — both are essential to a just and safe Wake County.

How will your office handle cases involving civil disobedience to protect assembly rights while ensuring both civilian and police violations are addressed under the law?

Protecting the constitutional right to peaceful assembly is fundamental to a healthy democracy, and as District Attorney, my office will ensure that individuals can exercise that right without fear of retaliation or unfair prosecution. At the same time, public safety must be preserved, and both civilian and law enforcement violations must be addressed under the law.

My approach will begin with clear policies and guidance for prosecutors on cases involving civil disobedience. Nonviolent demonstrations should be treated with restraint, and minor infractions that do not threaten public safety should be resolved through diversion or alternative resolutions whenever possible. Criminal charges should be reserved for conduct that poses a genuine risk to others, including property damage, assaults, or repeated interference with critical services.

Equally important is holding law enforcement accountable when officers violate the law or overstep their authority during protests. My office will investigate credible allegations of misconduct thoroughly and independently, using body-worn camera footage, eyewitness accounts, and other evidence. Accountability for police actions is essential to maintaining public trust and ensuring that the law applies equally to everyone.

I also support proactive measures to prevent conflicts before they escalate. This includes working with law enforcement, community leaders, and organizers to ensure clear communication, appropriate staffing, and training in de-escalation, mental health, and crowd management. By investing in these programs, officers can protect the public while respecting the rights of demonstrators.

Finally, as someone who has cosponsored legislation like the Equality Act and the Latonya Reeves Freedom Act, I’m committed to ensuring that all residents — including those from marginalized communities — are treated fairly and equally under the law, whether they are participating in a protest or responding to one.

Balancing constitutional rights with public safety requires judgment, fairness, and transparency. My office will pursue this balance by protecting peaceful assembly, holding individuals accountable when laws are broken, and supporting policies that foster trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve.

How will you use prosecutorial discretion to protect undocumented victims and reduce immigration consequences stemming from minor offenses?

North Carolina is a hub of innovation and diversity. People with roots from all over the world have come together to build a prosperous and growing community here in Wake County.

People who wish to come to our country seeking a better life and play by the rules deserve a legal pathway to visas or citizenship that doesn’t take decades to complete. As a Congressman I worked to advance comprehensive immigration reform to fix a broken system.

Public safety depends on trust between law enforcement and the community. People are far more likely to report crime, cooperate with investigations, and help keep neighborhoods safe when they feel secure interacting with police — and that trust is broken when minor offenses carry disproportionate immigration consequences.

As District Attorney, I’ll use prosecutorial discretion where appropriate to help build trust between undocumented residents and law enforcement. Nonviolent, minor offenses will be handled with alternatives to prosecution, including diversion programs, deferred charges, or dismissal when appropriate. This allows law enforcement to focus on violent, repeat, and high-risk offenders while keeping the community engaged and safe.

Victims and witnesses must be able to come forward without fear. My office will coordinate with community organizations and legal service providers to ensure that undocumented residents have guidance and support throughout the justice process. Prosecutors and staff will be trained to understand the immigration consequences of charging decisions and to apply discretion consistently, fairly, and strategically.

Where state law allows, I’ll consider record clearing, deferred prosecution, or other non-criminal resolutions for minor offenses that could negatively impact immigration status. I’ll focus on enforcing the law fairly, and in ways that build public confidence and trust with law enforcement.

By prioritizing trust and fairness while holding serious offenders accountable, my office will create a justice system that is safer, more equitable, and more effective. When people know they can report crimes without fear, law enforcement becomes stronger, communities are safer, and justice works for everyone in Wake County.

How would you pursue accountability for corporations whose actions knowingly harmed the environment or public health, including local or state-level legal remedies? Additionally, have you accepted contributions from large corporations or their executives? If yes, from which entities and why did you accept those contributions? Please explain your position and reasoning.

Our next District Attorney needs real experience and real independence. I’ve spent years working in public service, holding the powerful accountable, and defending people who needed someone in their corner. That work has shaped my belief that justice must be fair, consistent, and rooted in facts—not fear or based on your background or zip code. As District Attorney, I’ll make sure our communities are safe, our rights are protected, and our justice system treats everyone with dignity and respect. Wake County deserves nothing less.

I support criminal accountability for those who knowingly harm the environment or public health. As a State Senator, I co-sponsored Polluter Pays legislation to ensure that companies causing environmental damage are financially responsible for the costs of cleanup and remediation. I have consistently advocated for policies that protect communities, safeguard public health, and incentivize sustainable business practices.

At the local level as District Attorney, my office will pursue charges against those who violate the law, by coordinating with state agencies, local regulators, and community stakeholders to ensure accountability.

I’m also a long-time advocate for sustainable energy and environmental protection. In Congress I was a member of the Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition (SEEC), advancing clean energy, renewable development, and domestic manufacturing. I co-sponsored the Plastic Pellet Free Waters Act to reduce plastic pollution in our waterways, and I’m part of Vice President Gore’s Climate Reality
Leadership Corps, which has shaped my understanding of climate science, environmental policy, and corporate responsibility.

Our campaign for Wake County District Attorney does not accept contributions from corporate PACs. Protecting public health, holding polluters responsible, and enforcing environmental laws are critical to the safety and well-being of our communities. As District Attorney, I’ll pursue these goals, leveraging my experience and commitment to justice to ensure that no one is above the law in Wake County.