2026 Catholic Voter Guide

North Carolina

Where the candidates stand on the issues Pope Leo XIV has raised, in their own words and votes. Every position links to its source.

Election Day · Tuesday, Nov. 3
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In-person early voting runs Oct. 15 through 3 p.m. Oct. 31, 2026; unregistered voters may register and vote the same day at an early voting site in their county. The deadline to request an absentee ballot is two weeks before Election Day. Official source ↗

How to use this guide. For each race, open an issue to see what Pope Leo XIV has taught and what each candidate has said or done, side by side. Where a candidate has served in office, we add their recorded votes on the same key bills for everyone in that chamber, linked to the official roll call. We summarize; we do not score or endorse. Candidates are listed alphabetically. Where we could not find a public position, we say so. Click any bracketed source to read it yourself. New to Catholic voting principles? Start with our national guide to Faithful Citizenship.
North Carolina · 2026

U.S. Senate

Open seat (Thom Tillis retiring).

Download printable PDF ↓
Roy Cooper
Democrat · Open seat
Former two-term North Carolina governor (2017–2025) and state attorney general.
Campaign website ↗
Michael Whatley
Republican · Open seat
Former chair of the Republican National Committee and the North Carolina Republican Party.
Campaign website ↗
War & PeaceIran, Gaza, Ukraine, war powers›
Pope Leo XIVLeo invited citizens of every country involved in the war with Iran to contact their leaders and members of Congress “to work for peace and to reject war and violence.”Remarks at Castel Gandolfo, Apr. 7, 2026 (Vatican News via The Good Newsroom)
Roy Cooper
As governor, said in 2023 that “North Carolina stands with the people of Ukraine.” Listed as supporting pressing Israel toward a two-state solution.
[1] OnTheIssues: Roy Cooper
Michael Whatley
No public position found.
AI & the Dignity of WorkAI rules, unions, workers displaced by automation›
Pope Leo XIV“No one can be reduced to productivity, to cognitive performance, or to mere data.”Magnifica Humanitas presentation, May 25, 2026
Roy Cooper
Says data centers should pay the full cost of their electricity and local communities should be “fully involved” in siting decisions. Has called a $15 minimum wage an “admirable goal.”
[1] Cooper campaign: Energy[2] OnTheIssues: Roy Cooper
Michael Whatley
No public position found.
The Poor & the Safety NetMedicaid, SNAP, health care, wages›
Pope Leo XIVThe preferential choice for the poor is “a source of extraordinary renewal both for the Church and for society.”Dilexi Te, Oct. 4, 2025
Roy Cooper
Pledges to “reinstate the ACA tax credits and reverse Medicaid cuts,” and to cap annual out-of-pocket prescription drug costs.
[1] Cooper campaign: Health care
Record in office
Michael Whatley
Praises the 2025 reconciliation law, which Republicans call the “Working Families Tax Cuts,” and its Rural Health Transformation Program for rural hospitals.
[1] Whatley campaign: midterm convention remarks[2] Whatley campaign: tax law anniversary
Life of the UnbornAbortion, IVF, assisted suicide›
Pope Leo XIVAbortion “cuts short a growing life and refuses to welcome the gift of life.”Address to the Diplomatic Corps, Jan. 9, 2026
Roy Cooper
As governor, vetoed the 2023 bill banning most abortions after 12 weeks; has said politicians should not be in the exam room “telling doctor what to say.”
[1] OnTheIssues: Roy Cooper
Record in office
Michael Whatley
Lists “protecting life” among the conservative values he will fight for; has not detailed specific abortion policy.
[1] Whatley campaign: Issues
The Death PenaltyCapital punishment›
Pope Leo XIVSomeone who opposes abortion but favors the death penalty “is not really pro-life.”AP via PBS NewsHour, Sept. 30, 2025
Roy Cooper
On his last day as governor in December 2024, commuted the death sentences of 15 people to life without parole.
[1] NC Governor: capital clemency actions
Michael Whatley
No public position found.
Immigrants & RefugeesDeportations, enforcement, asylum, citizenship›
Pope Leo XIV“Defending human life also includes welcoming, protecting and assisting immigrants.”Letter on the 250th Anniversary of the United States, June 25, 2026
Roy Cooper
As governor, vetoed bills requiring sheriffs to cooperate with ICE detainer requests, including 2024’s HB 10. Has opposed deporting DREAMers.
[1] Carolina Journal: Cooper vetoes HB 10[2] OnTheIssues: Roy Cooper
Record in office
Michael Whatley
Says, “I am 100% supportive of President Trump securing the border and deporting the millions of criminal illegal aliens” that he says entered under Joe Biden and Roy Cooper.
[1] Whatley campaign: Issues[2] Whatley campaign: Fayetteville event
Religious Liberty & EducationConscience, school choice, Catholic schools and charities›
Pope Leo XIVReligious freedom is “the right of every person to worship according to conscience.”Letter on the 250th Anniversary of the United States, June 25, 2026
Roy Cooper
Opposed expanding Opportunity Scholarship vouchers, saying they “come with no accountability” and drain public school funds, while saying he does not oppose private schools; vetoed 2024’s HB 10, which funded the expansion.
[1] Carolina Journal: Cooper vetoes HB 10
Record in office
Michael Whatley
No public position found.
Care for CreationClimate, energy, environment›
Pope Leo XIV“We cannot love God, whom we cannot see, while despising his creatures.”AP, Oct. 1, 2025
Roy Cooper
As governor, set goals of cutting greenhouse gas emissions 70% by 2030. His campaign pledges to modernize the grid to lower bills and ban utility shutoffs during extreme weather.
[1] OnTheIssues: Roy Cooper[2] Cooper campaign: Energy
Record in office
Michael Whatley
Says “America’s economic strength depends on reliable, affordable energy.” His campaign blames Cooper’s “Green New Deal policies” for higher electric rates.
[1] Whatley campaign: Issues[2] Whatley campaign: EV deal release
North Carolina · 2026

U.S. House, District 1

Incumbent Don Davis (D) running in a district redrawn by Republicans in 2025; a 2024 rematch with Laurie Buckhout.

Download printable PDF ↓
Laurie Buckhout
Republican · Challenger
Retired Army colonel, Iraq War veteran and founder of a defense consulting business.
Campaign website ↗
Don Davis
Democrat · Incumbent
U.S. Representative since 2023; Air Force veteran, former state senator and Snow Hill mayor.
Campaign website ↗
War & PeaceIran, Gaza, Ukraine, war powers›
Pope Leo XIVLeo invited citizens of every country involved in the war with Iran to contact their leaders and members of Congress “to work for peace and to reject war and violence.”Remarks at Castel Gandolfo, Apr. 7, 2026 (Vatican News via The Good Newsroom)
Laurie Buckhout
Says the U.S. “must have the strength by all means necessary” to protect against China, Iran and Russia, and should defend allies such as Israel.
[1] Buckhout campaign: Issues
Don Davis
Voted for the 2024 Ukraine aid package. Co-wrote an op-ed opposing conditions on U.S. aid to Israel.
[1] House Roll Call 151 (2024), Ukraine aid[2] Washington Examiner: Davis op-ed on Israel aid
Voting record
AI & the Dignity of WorkAI rules, unions, workers displaced by automation›
Pope Leo XIV“No one can be reduced to productivity, to cognitive performance, or to mere data.”Magnifica Humanitas presentation, May 25, 2026
Laurie Buckhout
Calls for slashing regulations on innovation, saying, “Under my watch, America will dominate AI, not China.” Supports pro-growth rules for digital assets.
[1] Buckhout campaign: Issues
Don Davis
Co-leads a bill to “rein in tax giveaways for data center development” and the Lifelong Learning Act to fund worker retraining and upskilling.
[1] Davis House office: Jobs and economy
Voting record
The Poor & the Safety NetMedicaid, SNAP, health care, wages›
Pope Leo XIVThe preferential choice for the poor is “a source of extraordinary renewal both for the Church and for society.”Dilexi Te, Oct. 4, 2025
Laurie Buckhout
Calls for tax cuts and “lower healthcare costs.” Her ads criticize Davis for voting against the 2025 reconciliation law’s rural health care funding.
[1] Buckhout campaign: Issues[2] WUNC: Can Don Davis beat a gerrymander?
Don Davis
Voted against the 2025 reconciliation law, opposing its health care changes. Voted to extend enhanced ACA tax credits and backs federal coverage for people in states that have not expanded Medicaid.
[1] House Roll Call 190 (2025), H.R. 1[2] WUNC: Can Don Davis beat a gerrymander?[3] Davis House office: Health care
Voting record
Life of the UnbornAbortion, IVF, assisted suicide›
Pope Leo XIVAbortion “cuts short a growing life and refuses to welcome the gift of life.”Address to the Diplomatic Corps, Jan. 9, 2026
Laurie Buckhout
Her 2024 campaign listed “Protect the right to life” among its priorities; her 2026 issues page does not address abortion.
[1] Ballotpedia: Laurie Buckhout
Don Davis
No campaign statement found. See voting record below.
Voting record
The Death PenaltyCapital punishment›
Pope Leo XIVSomeone who opposes abortion but favors the death penalty “is not really pro-life.”AP via PBS NewsHour, Sept. 30, 2025
Laurie Buckhout
No public position found.
Don Davis
No public position found.
Immigrants & RefugeesDeportations, enforcement, asylum, citizenship›
Pope Leo XIV“Defending human life also includes welcoming, protecting and assisting immigrants.”Letter on the 250th Anniversary of the United States, June 25, 2026
Laurie Buckhout
Says “Border security is national security” and will focus on giving Border Patrol agents the resources they need; previously backed building the wall and reinstating Remain in Mexico.
[1] Buckhout campaign: Issues[2] Ballotpedia: Laurie Buckhout
Don Davis
Voted for the 2025 Laken Riley Act. Voted with Republicans against a Democratic effort to block Homeland Security funding over immigration enforcement incidents, citing the bill’s FEMA funding.
[1] House Roll Call 6 (2025), Laken Riley Act[2] WUNC: Can Don Davis beat a gerrymander?
Voting record
Religious Liberty & EducationConscience, school choice, Catholic schools and charities›
Pope Leo XIVReligious freedom is “the right of every person to worship according to conscience.”Letter on the 250th Anniversary of the United States, June 25, 2026
Laurie Buckhout
No public position found.
Don Davis
No campaign statement found. See voting record below.
Voting record
Care for CreationClimate, energy, environment›
Pope Leo XIV“We cannot love God, whom we cannot see, while despising his creatures.”AP, Oct. 1, 2025
Laurie Buckhout
Calls for unleashing “American energy to power our tech sector”; no climate position stated.
[1] Buckhout campaign: Issues
Don Davis
As a state senator, opposed weakening environmental and health regulations (2020). Co-leads the DEF Act to protect farmers and truckers from faulty emissions-system shutdowns.
[1] OnTheIssues: Don Davis[2] Davis House office: Jobs and economy
Voting record
North Carolina · 2026

U.S. House, District 11

Open seat (Rep. Chuck Edwards withdrew in August 2026 after the House Ethics Committee recommended censure; Republicans chose state Rep. Jennifer Balkcom).

Download printable PDF ↓
Jamie Ager
Democrat · Open seat
Fairview farmer and co-founder of Hickory Nut Gap farm business.
Campaign website ↗
Jennifer Balkcom
Republican · Open seat
North Carolina state representative from Henderson County and mortgage loan officer.
Campaign website ↗
War & PeaceIran, Gaza, Ukraine, war powers›
Pope Leo XIVLeo invited citizens of every country involved in the war with Iran to contact their leaders and members of Congress “to work for peace and to reject war and violence.”Remarks at Castel Gandolfo, Apr. 7, 2026 (Vatican News via The Good Newsroom)
Jamie Ager
No public position found.
Jennifer Balkcom
No public position found.
AI & the Dignity of WorkAI rules, unions, workers displaced by automation›
Pope Leo XIV“No one can be reduced to productivity, to cognitive performance, or to mere data.”Magnifica Humanitas presentation, May 25, 2026
Jamie Ager
Says social media algorithms and generative AI “are being designed to put us into silos” and pledges to work on solutions. Says wages are not keeping up with the cost of living.
[1] Ager campaign: Platform
Jennifer Balkcom
No public position found.
The Poor & the Safety NetMedicaid, SNAP, health care, wages›
Pope Leo XIVThe preferential choice for the poor is “a source of extraordinary renewal both for the Church and for society.”Dilexi Te, Oct. 4, 2025
Jamie Ager
Criticizes “the recent cuts to Medicare and Medicaid by Congress”; supports a public option, expanding the child tax credit and preserving insulin caps.
[1] Ager campaign: Platform[2] Ballotpedia: Jamie Ager
Jennifer Balkcom
Voted against the 2023 law expanding Medicaid in North Carolina (HB 76).
[1] NC House Roll Call 113 (2023), HB 76
Life of the UnbornAbortion, IVF, assisted suicide›
Pope Leo XIVAbortion “cuts short a growing life and refuses to welcome the gift of life.”Address to the Diplomatic Corps, Jan. 9, 2026
Jamie Ager
No public position found.
Jennifer Balkcom
Voted in 2023 to override the governor’s veto of SB 20, which banned most abortions after 12 weeks. Endorsed by North Carolina Right to Life.
[1] NC House Roll Call 380 (2023), SB 20[2] Ballotpedia: Jennifer Balkcom
The Death PenaltyCapital punishment›
Pope Leo XIVSomeone who opposes abortion but favors the death penalty “is not really pro-life.”AP via PBS NewsHour, Sept. 30, 2025
Jamie Ager
No public position found.
Jennifer Balkcom
Voted for 2025’s “Iryna’s Law,” which lets the state choose another execution method if lethal injection becomes unavailable and sets deadlines for capital appeals.
[1] NC House Roll Call 605 (2025), HB 307[2] UNC School of Government: HB 307 summary
Record in office
Immigrants & RefugeesDeportations, enforcement, asylum, citizenship›
Pope Leo XIV“Defending human life also includes welcoming, protecting and assisting immigrants.”Letter on the 250th Anniversary of the United States, June 25, 2026
Jamie Ager
Supports reforms that “treat people with dignity” and give businesses the workforce they need, saying the “immigration system needs to be clear, fair, and realistic.”
[1] Ager campaign: Platform
Jennifer Balkcom
Voted to override vetoes of bills requiring sheriffs to cooperate with ICE: HB 10 (2024) and HB 318, the Criminal Illegal Alien Enforcement Act (2025).
[1] NC House Roll Call 802 (2024), HB 10[2] NC House Roll Call 578 (2025), HB 318
Record in office
Religious Liberty & EducationConscience, school choice, Catholic schools and charities›
Pope Leo XIVReligious freedom is “the right of every person to worship according to conscience.”Letter on the 250th Anniversary of the United States, June 25, 2026
Jamie Ager
No public position found.
Jennifer Balkcom
Voted on second reading for 2023’s HB 823, “Choose Your School, Choose Your Future,” which sought to expand Opportunity Scholarships for private schools, and to override the veto of HB 10 (2024), which funded the expansion.
[1] NC House Roll Call 388 (2023), HB 823[2] NC House Roll Call 802 (2024), HB 10
Care for CreationClimate, energy, environment›
Pope Leo XIV“We cannot love God, whom we cannot see, while despising his creatures.”AP, Oct. 1, 2025
Jamie Ager
Supports tax credits to help families “save energy and pay less for heat and electricity” and says he will “never allow” public lands to be sold off.
[1] Ager campaign: Platform
Jennifer Balkcom
Voted to override the veto of 2025’s Power Bill Reduction Act, which removed the state’s 2030 target of cutting utility carbon emissions 70%, keeping a 2050 carbon-neutrality goal.
[1] NC House Roll Call 586 (2025), SB 266[2] UNC School of Government: SB 266 summary
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