Paul Maddox

[{"question": "Ballotpedia survey responses", "answer_html": "<p>See also: <a href=\"/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\">Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection</a></p>\n<div class=\"row\"><div class=\"col-xs-10 col-md-6 col-xs-offset-1 col-md-offset-3\"><p><a href=\"https://ballotpedia.org/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\"><img align=\"middle\" alt=\"Candidate Connection\" src=\"https://cdn.ballotpedia.org/images/8/88/Candidate_Connection_Logo.png\" width=\"90%\"/></a></p></div></div>\n<p>Paul Maddox completed <a href=\"/Ballotpedia%27s_Candidate_Connection\">Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection</a> survey in 2026. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Maddox's responses.</p>\n<p><span class=\"expand-all\">Expand all</span> | <span class=\"collapse-all\">Collapse all</span></p>\n<div aria-multiselectable=\"true\" class=\"panel-group\" id=\"accordion\" role=\"tablist\"><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-bio-388371-2026-02-12\" id=\"heading-bio-388371-2026-02-12\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse-bio-388371-2026-02-12\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-bio-388371-2026-02-12\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWho are you? Tell us about yourself.\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading-bio-388371-2026-02-12\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse-bio-388371-2026-02-12\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tI am a cancer researcher, educator, and native of Yancey County. I have spent the past 30 years of my life researching cell division, the root cause of all cancers. Last year, my research funding was cut by DOGE. This, as well as Hurricane Helene and the lack of response and support from Chuck Edwards and the federal government, propelled me to run for office. I never expected to run for office and am not here for personal gain. I see the problems facing Americans right now and know they deserve much better. As a scientist, I try to tackle some of the most complex medical and scientific questions around. I am used to hitting roadblocks, but I am also not a person who gives up when something seems impossible. I have invented new scientific research tools to help me and other scientists around the world understand diseases like cancer better. Our leaders in Congress are not asking questions and when they do and are told no, they just accept it. In Congress, I know that treating healthcare as a human right, lowering costs, protecting public lands and out environment, and bringing relief money to areas affected by Helene are not easy feats, but I am up for the challenge. I will reinvent the wheel through collaborative work with other legislators, scientific analysis, and new approaches so that Western North Carolinians can feel some relief.\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-key-message-388371-2026-02-12\" id=\"heading-key-message-388371-2026-02-12\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse-key-message-388371-2026-02-12\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse-key-message-388371-2026-02-12\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tPlease list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading-key-message-388371-2026-02-12\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse-key-message-388371-2026-02-12\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\"><ul><li>I am half hillbilly, half scientist. That means I know how to solve problems and get things done. There is not problem too big when it comes to the lives of Western North Carolinians and I am the candidate that can ask the questions to solve the biggest problems.</li><li>Healthcare is a human right and it is shameful we are not treating it as one.</li><li>I believe government, like a good scientist, should stand on three legs — integrity, accountability, and service. It’s time to restore the structural integrity of Congress and put people, not politics, first.</li></ul></span></div></div></div></div><div class=\"panel panel-default\"><div class=\"panel-heading\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse1-388371-2026-02-12\" id=\"heading1-388371-2026-02-12\" role=\"tab\"><p class=\"panel-title\" style=\"font-size: 14px;font-weight: 600;\"><a aria-controls=\"collapse1-388371-2026-02-12\" aria-expanded=\"false\" class=\"collapsed\" data-parent=\"#accordion\" data-toggle=\"collapse\" href=\"#collapse1-388371-2026-02-12\" role=\"button\"><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-right pull-right\"></i><i class=\"fa fa-chevron-down pull-right\"></i>\t\t\t\tWhat areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?\t\t\t</a></p></div><div aria-labelledby=\"heading1-388371-2026-02-12\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse\" id=\"collapse1-388371-2026-02-12\" role=\"tabpanel\"><div class=\"panel-body\" style=\"max-height: 500px; overflow-y: scroll;\"><div class=\"answers-container\"><span style=\"font-size: 14px;\">\t\t\t\tHealth care, medical and scientific research, environmental protections (in regard to climate change, wildlife, and protecting public lands), AI regulations\t\t\t</span></div></div></div></div></div>\n<div class=\"small\" data-nosnippet=\"\"><p><i><b>Note:</b> Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.</i></p></div>\n<div><div style=\"margin-bottom:1.5rem\"><h4>Media interview</h4><p>Maddox stated the following in an interview with <i>Charlotte Observer</i>:</p><div style=\"max-height:400px;overflow-y:auto;border:1px solid #ccc;padding:10px;margin:20px\"><blockquote style=\"margin:0px\"><p><strong style=\"background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\">What would be your top priority if elected?</strong><span style=\"background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"> </span></p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\">Our nation is in desperate need of affordable, effortless and accessible health care. Under the One Big Beautiful Bill, two rural hospitals in District 11 are at higher risk of closing and health care premiums are skyrocketing. Western North Carolinians should not have to drive hours away for medical care, go into debt from a medical emergency or be forced to go without health care due to its cost. Health care should not be treated as a luxury, but as a right. </span></p><p><strong style=\"background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\">Republican and Democratic candidates often explain the state of the economy differently. How do you see it and what, if anything, would you do that you believe would improve it?</strong><span style=\"background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"> Our leaders need to start working for the average American again, not their billionaire buddies. While Americans have been struggling to put food on the table due to inflation, corporations have been making record-breaking profits. Congress needs to be fighting to build our middle class up and that begins with removing tax breaks for billionaires and giving relief to the other 99%. </span></p><p><strong style=\"background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\">In 2025, Congress caused the longest government shutdown in U.S. history. What should members of Congress do to prevent this in the future and how important is it for Congress to pass a budget?</strong><span style=\"background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\"> The American people should not continue to be collateral in partisan politics, and members must learn how to negotiate in good faith. The current federal budgeting process could be reformed to mimic local and state government budgets. These budgets are separated between long and short term expenditures and when a project is proposed, legislators choose how to separate expenditures between the two pockets, allowing for forward-thinking budgeting and forecasting. </span></p><p><strong style=\"background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\">Lawmakers have been at odds on Capitol Hill over health care coverage for Americans. Where do you stand on Medicaid coverage and Affordable Care Act subsidies? </strong></p><p><span style=\"background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\">We need to find a more sustainable solution to health care that makes it more affordable, accessible and straightforward. Having to vote to extend subsidies every three years wastes time and holds hardworking Americans who rely on Medicaid and the ACA hostage to partisan games. </span></p><p><strong style=\"background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\">Should the president go before Congress before taking military action in foreign countries? </strong><span style=\"background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\">There is a reason that the War Powers Resolution was passed in 1973. Our leaders in Congress are elected to vote in the best interest of their constituency and that includes those serving in the military. It is abhorrent that this resolution has not been abided by, allowing Presidents and their unelected advisors to act as the sole authority in sending our service members to risk their lives in war.</span></p><p><strong style=\"background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\">Do you support the tactics that the Trump administration has used in immigration enforcement? Do you believe the immigration crackdown has had collateral effects for residents with legal status? </strong><span style=\"background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\">I strongly oppose the Trump administration’s tactics and Republican leaders’ unwavering support of them. All affected by ICE crackdowns, including those with legal status, have been stripped of their constitutionally guaranteed due process and human rights. In addition to the indefensible violence, local economies are impacted by ICE presence, as their employees, legal or not, fear going into public at risk of being stopped or detained.</span></p><p><strong style=\"background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\">Do you believe oversight of public education should be left up to individual states? </strong><span style=\"background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\">There needs to be more federal oversight to ensure students nationwide receive a sound, basic education to address disparities in education quality state-to-state. North Carolina students are victims of partisan state politics, leaving our education system ranked 51st in education funding. North Carolina is home to some of the nation’s top universities and businesses, but as our state legislature continues to devalue public education, the strength of our economy is at risk. </span><strong style=\"background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\">Is there an issue on which you disagree with your party? What is your position on that issue? </strong><span style=\"background-color: transparent; color: rgb(0, 0, 0);\">While I do not disagree with the Democratic Party on health care, more must be done to ensure all Americans have access to affordable and straightforward health care. The current system of voting on subsidy extensions and hoping enough Republicans sign on every few years is not sustainable nor fair to those receiving coverage through the ACA. I cannot say what that exact solution is, but we cannot keep putting recipients in limbo every few years for political games.</span></p></blockquote><div style=\"text-align: right; font-size: 0.9em; color: #555; margin-top: 0.5em;\"><p style=\"font-size:0.9em;color:#555\">— Paul Maddox in <a href=\"https://www.charlotteobserver.com/news/politics-government/election/voter-guide/article314529369.html\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\"><i>Charlotte Observer</i></a> interview (February 9, 2026)</p></div></div></div><div style=\"text-align: center; font-size: 0.9em; margin-top: 0.5em;\"><i>Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.</i></div></div>", "answer_text": "See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection\n\nPaul Maddox completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2026. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Maddox's responses.\nExpand all | Collapse all\nWho are you? Tell us about yourself. I am a cancer researcher, educator, and native of Yancey County. I have spent the past 30 years of my life researching cell division, the root cause of all cancers. Last year, my research funding was cut by DOGE. This, as well as Hurricane Helene and the lack of response and support from Chuck Edwards and the federal government, propelled me to run for office. I never expected to run for office and am not here for personal gain. I see the problems facing Americans right now and know they deserve much better. As a scientist, I try to tackle some of the most complex medical and scientific questions around. I am used to hitting roadblocks, but I am also not a person who gives up when something seems impossible. I have invented new scientific research tools to help me and other scientists around the world understand diseases like cancer better. Our leaders in Congress are not asking questions and when they do and are told no, they just accept it. In Congress, I know that treating healthcare as a human right, lowering costs, protecting public lands and out environment, and bringing relief money to areas affected by Helene are not easy feats, but I am up for the challenge. I will reinvent the wheel through collaborative work with other legislators, scientific analysis, and new approaches so that Western North Carolinians can feel some relief. Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office? I am half hillbilly, half scientist. That means I know how to solve problems and get things done. There is not problem too big when it comes to the lives of Western North Carolinians and I am the candidate that can ask the questions to solve the biggest problems. Healthcare is a human right and it is shameful we are not treating it as one. I believe government, like a good scientist, should stand on three legs — integrity, accountability, and service. It’s time to restore the structural integrity of Congress and put people, not politics, first. What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about? Health care, medical and scientific research, environmental protections (in regard to climate change, wildlife, and protecting public lands), AI regulations\nNote: Ballotpedia reserves the right to edit Candidate Connection survey responses. Any edits made by Ballotpedia will be clearly marked with [brackets] for the public. If the candidate disagrees with an edit, he or she may request the full removal of the survey response from Ballotpedia.org. Ballotpedia does not edit or correct typographical errors unless the candidate's campaign requests it.\nMedia interview Maddox stated the following in an interview with Charlotte Observer : What would be your top priority if elected? Our nation is in desperate need of affordable, effortless and accessible health care. Under the One Big Beautiful Bill, two rural hospitals in District 11 are at higher risk of closing and health care premiums are skyrocketing. Western North Carolinians should not have to drive hours away for medical care, go into debt from a medical emergency or be forced to go without health care due to its cost. Health care should not be treated as a luxury, but as a right. Republican and Democratic candidates often explain the state of the economy differently. How do you see it and what, if anything, would you do that you believe would improve it? Our leaders need to start working for the average American again, not their billionaire buddies. While Americans have been struggling to put food on the table due to inflation, corporations have been making record-breaking profits. Congress needs to be fighting to build our middle class up and that begins with removing tax breaks for billionaires and giving relief to the other 99%. In 2025, Congress caused the longest government shutdown in U.S. history. What should members of Congress do to prevent this in the future and how important is it for Congress to pass a budget? The American people should not continue to be collateral in partisan politics, and members must learn how to negotiate in good faith. The current federal budgeting process could be reformed to mimic local and state government budgets. These budgets are separated between long and short term expenditures and when a project is proposed, legislators choose how to separate expenditures between the two pockets, allowing for forward-thinking budgeting and forecasting. Lawmakers have been at odds on Capitol Hill over health care coverage for Americans. Where do you stand on Medicaid coverage and Affordable Care Act subsidies? We need to find a more sustainable solution to health care that makes it more affordable, accessible and straightforward. Having to vote to extend subsidies every three years wastes time and holds hardworking Americans who rely on Medicaid and the ACA hostage to partisan games. Should the president go before Congress before taking military action in foreign countries? There is a reason that the War Powers Resolution was passed in 1973. Our leaders in Congress are elected to vote in the best interest of their constituency and that includes those serving in the military. It is abhorrent that this resolution has not been abided by, allowing Presidents and their unelected advisors to act as the sole authority in sending our service members to risk their lives in war. Do you support the tactics that the Trump administration has used in immigration enforcement? Do you believe the immigration crackdown has had collateral effects for residents with legal status? I strongly oppose the Trump administration’s tactics and Republican leaders’ unwavering support of them. All affected by ICE crackdowns, including those with legal status, have been stripped of their constitutionally guaranteed due process and human rights. In addition to the indefensible violence, local economies are impacted by ICE presence, as their employees, legal or not, fear going into public at risk of being stopped or detained. Do you believe oversight of public education should be left up to individual states? There needs to be more federal oversight to ensure students nationwide receive a sound, basic education to address disparities in education quality state-to-state. North Carolina students are victims of partisan state politics, leaving our education system ranked 51st in education funding. North Carolina is home to some of the nation’s top universities and businesses, but as our state legislature continues to devalue public education, the strength of our economy is at risk. Is there an issue on which you disagree with your party? What is your position on that issue? While I do not disagree with the Democratic Party on health care, more must be done to ensure all Americans have access to affordable and straightforward health care. The current system of voting on subsidy extensions and hoping enough Republicans sign on every few years is not sustainable nor fair to those receiving coverage through the ACA. I cannot say what that exact solution is, but we cannot keep putting recipients in limbo every few years for political games. — Paul Maddox in Charlotte Observer interview (February 9, 2026) Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source."}]