Kyle Whisnant

CANDIDATE QUESTIONNAIRE

What experience, knowledge and personal qualities prepare you for this office? Cite specific evidence from your public, professional or community record.

I am a small business owner in downtown Morganton. I have had my store for nearly seven years. I am a precinct chair for the Burke County Democratic Party, a member of the State Executive Committee for the North Carolina Democratic Party representing Burke County, and President of the Morganton Coin Club. This year I brought back a coin show to the area for the first time in 14 years that was a success. This shows that I can run a successful business and organize successful events and that I am involved in my community.

Where do you believe you would bring a different approach from the other candidates?

I want to bring a common sense, pragmatic approach to the office of State Senate. I would like to be able to focus on bringing positive change to the area and working on legislation that enhances the lives of the people of this district instead of focusing on agenda items that do not matter to the majority of our people, unlike my opponent has in his lengthy time in the State Senate.

What are the two most important challenges this office will face during the next term, and what specific actions within the office's actual authority would you take to address them?

The first challenge that this office will face is that there will be a new President pro tempore of the State Senate and that person will be in charge of setting the legislative agenda. Most likely, that person will be a Republican, and in order to get anything accomplished, I will have to work with them. Bipartisanship is very important to get good legislation passed and that is what I want to do. The second challenge will be working on healthcare reform for the state. I want to work on legislation that will fix the current issue that many people struggle with in their healthcare. If it was easy, it would have already been fixed. I want to work with other State Senators to bring positive change to the entire state. It takes more than one person to solve this problem and I want to be a part of that reform process.

What measurable standards or benchmarks should voters use to judge your performance, and how will you keep the public informed about your decisions and progress?

As a business owner, I am among the public every day and I am transparent in my business as I will be in the State Senate. I will post online anything that I can share to the public and can be judged accordingly. If I am part of a successful piece of legislation or fail in accomplishing an item, the district will know. My door is always open and I welcome thoughts, opinions, and expertise from all constituents. I will hold regular town halls to connect and discuss priorities important to them.

What state law or budget decision most needs attention for Burke and Caldwell counties, and what specific change would you seek?

I would be representing Burke, McDowell, and part of Buncombe county. A budget decision that I want to see addressed is relief for Hurricane Helene. There are still many areas in the district still reeling two plus years on from the devastation of Helene and I want to drill down to make sure the money that is allotted for those efforts gets to the people that need the help.

Name one area of state spending you would increase and one you would reduce or hold flat. What effect would your choices have on state taxes and local governments?

I would increase spending on healthcare reform because the current system isn’t working for the people of North Carolina. I would reduce spending on what I feel are excessive waste items in the budget that I would have to see when I am elected. I am not for raising taxes on the people of North Carolina so in order to balance the budget, there will have to be cuts in some areas that will be determined when elected.

Challenger who advanced past the uncontested primary to secure the Democratic nomination

Kyle Whisnant believes leadership starts at home.
From fair representation to affordable healthcare to real recovery after Hurricane Helene, Kyle is running to make sure government works for the people who live here — not special interests or political insiders. He’s not interested in slogans without solutions. He’s fighting to protect our communities, strengthen our families, and make sure Western North Carolina isn’t left behind.