(The Center Square) – In North Carolina’s 7th Congressional District, the candidates are proposing two very different visions for America.
In 2014, Republican David Rouzer flipped the district after it had long been held by Democrats. This election, Democrat underdog Marlando Pridgen is challenging the incumbent.
Rouzer touts himself as anti-abortion, pro-marriage, and pro-Second Amendment, while Pridgen calls for “policies for a progressive future.”
In the last few elections, Rouzer has regularly won by upward of 20%. He’s heavily favored in this election season.
Pridgen said the district needs change and a representative they can trust.
“Constituents across the district have long complained about Congressman Rouzer’s inaccessibility and failure to address their concerns,” Pridgen told The Center Square. “Whether it’s issues related to health care, education, or infrastructure, many feel that their voices have been ignored.”
Rouzer said he has been focused on supporting small businesses during his time in office.
“My entire career has been focused on championing the needs of small businesses, entrepreneurs and our farm families,” his campaign website said. “Our small businesses, entrepreneurs, and farmers are the economic engine of this state and nation. Right now they are dying a death by a thousand cuts.
“We must create a business climate that is friendly to capital investment and job creation.”
Pridgen has labeled himself “a fresh face in grassroots advocacy and community leadership.” He told The Center Square that Rouzer is “out of touch.”
“As Election Day approaches, the people of the 7th Congressional District deserve better,” he said. “They deserve representatives who are willing to engage with them, to listen to their concerns, and to be accountable for their actions.”
Pridgen’s campaign priorities include boosting the minimum wage, improving health care access, and strengthening “anti-discrimination protections.”
Rouzer has said that he is “a firm believer that less government is best” and that America “must maintain a cutting edge military.”
He has also joined Republicans in citing illegal immigration as a critical issue going into this election.
“ICE’s own data shows 13,099 convicted murderers were able to come freely across our Southern Border and are now living in our communities,” Rouzer said on social media. “This reckless chaos perpetuated by the Biden-Harris Administration must stop. The President can put an end to this, he just won’t.”
Rouzer voted in favor of the U.S. House Resolution condemning the Biden administration for its handling of the Afghanistan withdrawal. He has also supported the SAVE Act, to stop noncitizens voting, and sponsored numerous clean water bills.
