Josh McConkey

Josh McConkey (Republican Party) is running for election for Lieutenant Governor of North Carolina. He declared candidacy for the 2028 election.^[source]

McConkey completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. Click here to read the survey answers.

Biography

Josh McConkey has served in the U.S. Army National Guard and U.S. Air Force Reserve. He earned a bachelor's degree from Chadron State College in 2000 and an M.D. from the University of Nebraska - College of Medicine in 2003. His career experience includes working as a medical doctor and professor. McConkey also founded the Weight Behind the Spear Foundation.^[1]

Elections

2028

Note: At this time, Ballotpedia is combining all declared candidates for this election into one list under a general election heading. As primary election dates are published, this information will be updated to separate general election candidates from primary candidates as appropriate.

General election

The general election will occur on November 7, 2028.

General election for Lieutenant Governor of North Carolina

Josh McConkey is running in the general election for Lieutenant Governor of North Carolina on November 7, 2028.

		Candidate
		Josh McConkey (R)

	There are no incumbents in this race.
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Endorsements

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2024

North Carolina's 13th Congressional District election, 2024 (March 5 Republican primary)

North Carolina's 13th Congressional District election, 2024 (March 5 Democratic primary)

General election

General election for U.S. House North Carolina District 13

Brad Knott defeated Frank Pierce in the general election for U.S. House North Carolina District 13 on November 5, 2024.

	Candidate	%	Votes
✔	Brad Knott (R)	58.6	243,655
	Frank Pierce (D)	41.4	171,835

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 415,490
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Josh Anderson (Independent)

Republican primary runoff election

Republican primary runoff for U.S. House North Carolina District 13

Brad Knott defeated Kelly Daughtry (Unofficially withdrew) in the Republican primary runoff for U.S. House North Carolina District 13 on May 14, 2024.

	Candidate	%	Votes
✔	Brad Knott	90.8	19,632
	Kelly Daughtry (Unofficially withdrew)	9.2	1,998

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 21,630
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Democratic primary election

The Democratic primary election was canceled. Frank Pierce advanced from the Democratic primary for U.S. House North Carolina District 13.

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Wiley Nickel (D)

Republican primary election

Republican primary for U.S. House North Carolina District 13

The following candidates ran in the Republican primary for U.S. House North Carolina District 13 on March 5, 2024.

		Candidate	%	Votes
✔		Kelly Daughtry	27.4	22,978
✔		Brad Knott	18.7	15,664
		Fred Von Canon	17.1	14,344
		DeVan Barbour IV	15.4	12,892
		Josh McConkey	7.1	5,926
		Kenny Xu	4.3	3,604
		David Dixon	2.6	2,146
		Matt Shoemaker	2.4	2,003
		Chris Baker	1.3	1,089
		Eric Stevenson	1.0	844
		Marcus Dellinger	1.0	798
		Sid Sharma	0.7	614
	Submit photo	James Phillips	0.7	565
		Steve Von Loor	0.5	427

	There were no incumbents in this race. The results have been certified. Source	Total votes: 83,894
= candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey.
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Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Erin Paré (R)

Endorsements

Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for McConkey in this election.

Campaign themes

2028

Ballotpedia survey responses

Josh McConkey completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2025. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by McConkey's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Dr. Josh McConkey is a physician, military reserve commander, former Duke University professor, husband, and father dedicated to service and leadership. He is the author of 'Be the Weight Behind the Spear', an award-winning leadership book nominated for a Pulitzer Prize, and a 2025 Telly Award winner. Dr. McConkey’s career reflects a lifelong commitment to building resilient communities, inspiring future leaders, and serving both his country and his neighbors with integrity and purpose.

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?

Education: As Lt. Governor, I will serve as a member of the Board of Education – a responsibility I take seriously and personally. Education isn't just policy for me; it's personal. My mother is a teacher, my wife is a teacher, and I have served as an educator and Duke Professor myself. I understand the challenges facing our classrooms from every angle.
Supporting Our Heroes- Police, First Responders, and Military: As both an Air Force Colonel and Emergency Medicine physician, I have dedicated my life to serving alongside our nation's heroes. From the battlefield to the emergency room, I have witnessed firsthand the courage, sacrifice, and unwavering commitment of those who put their lives on the line for others. I will always back the blue and support our first responders. As an Emergency Physician and EMS Medical Director, I have worked my entire career supporting Fire/EMS systems, first responders, law enforcement, and our military. I understand the challenges they face and the resources they need to keep North Carolina safe.
Healthcare: As an emergency room physician, I understand firsthand the critical importance of quality healthcare for all North Carolinians. Our rural communities deserve the same world-class medical care available in our cities, and I will fight to ensure they receive it. When I am Lt. Governor, I will not support lowering standards for foreign physicians practicing in our state. North Carolina families - whether in Charlotte or our smallest rural towns - deserve doctors who meet the highest qualifications and training standards. We will not accept second-class healthcare for any North Carolinian.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am deeply passionate about public policies that strengthen families, empower communities, and build resilience in the next generation. This includes improving access to quality education, expanding mental health resources, supporting veterans and first responders, and fostering civic engagement through service and leadership development. I believe government works best when it helps citizens help one another—by creating opportunities, not dependencies—and when it promotes accountability, innovation, and compassion at every level of society.

What qualities does this office possess that makes it a unique and important part of the state government and legal system?

This office is unique and vital because it serves as the bridge between education and leadership in state government. As both a member of the Board of Education and the President of the State Senate, the office shapes the direction of educational policy while also influencing the broader legislative agenda that impacts every citizen. It provides a platform to champion excellence in our schools, advocate for teachers and students, and ensure that education remains a top priority in shaping the state’s future. By combining legislative authority with educational oversight, this office plays a crucial role in preparing the next generation of leaders and maintaining the long-term strength and competitiveness of our state.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

The most important characteristics for an elected official are integrity, leadership, and accountability. Integrity ensures that decisions are guided by honesty and moral conviction, not political convenience. Strong leadership provides the vision and courage to unite people around common goals, especially in challenging times. Accountability builds trust—holding oneself to the same standards expected of others and taking responsibility for both success and failure. Together, these principles form the foundation of effective, ethical, and service-driven governance.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

The core responsibilities for someone elected to this office include providing strong, principled leadership both on the Board of Education and as President of the State Senate. This means ensuring that every child in our state has access to a quality education that prepares them for the future, while fostering policies that support teachers, parents, and local communities. It also involves guiding the legislative process with fairness, transparency, and a commitment to serve the people. Effective leadership in both roles requires collaboration, accountability, and a steadfast dedication to improving the lives of North Carolinians through sound policy and purposeful action.

What responsibilities of this office do you personally consider the most important?

The most important responsibility of this office is ensuring that every child in our state has access to a high-quality education that prepares them for life, not just for tests. That means advocating for strong academic standards, supporting teachers, and promoting innovation in classrooms. It also means addressing the mental health and resiliency needs of our students so they can thrive both academically and personally. Education is the foundation of opportunity and the key to our state’s future—investing in it is not just a duty, but a moral responsibility.

Are there any little-known powers or responsibilities held by this office that you believe more people should be aware of?

One of the lesser-known responsibilities of this office is its ability to directly influence the long-term vision and priorities of the state’s education system through its role on the Board of Education. Beyond setting academic standards, this position helps guide policies on teacher recruitment and retention, school safety, curriculum development, and student well-being. It also serves as a vital link between communities, educators, and lawmakers—ensuring that the voices of parents and local schools are heard at the highest levels of state decision-making. This unique blend of leadership and oversight gives the office a powerful role in shaping the character, culture, and future of education across the state.

Do you believe that it's beneficial for holders of this office to have previous experience in government or politics?

I believe it’s far more important for holders of this office to have strong leadership and education experience than to be career politicians. This role requires vision, integrity, and a deep understanding of how to inspire and support both students and educators—not political maneuvering. Leaders with real-world experience in education, service, and community engagement bring fresh perspectives and practical solutions to the table. Our state needs problem-solvers who put people before politics and are focused on preparing the next generation, not advancing a political career.

What kind of skills or expertise do you believe would be the most helpful for the holders of this office to possess?

The most helpful skills for someone holding this office are real-world, combat-tested leadership and the ability to inspire others through action and accountability. This position demands resilience, decisiveness, and a commitment to service—qualities that come from experience, not theory. My award-winning leadership book, 'Be the Weight Behind the Spear', serves as a blueprint for exactly this kind of leadership: motivating teams, building trust, and driving purpose in pursuit of a greater mission. Those who lead with courage, integrity, and empathy can bring people together to solve real problems and make a lasting impact on education and our state’s future.

What is an accomplishment that you are proud of?

The accomplishment I’m most proud of is my family—my wife and our three children. No matter what I’ve achieved professionally or in service, nothing compares to building a strong, loving family grounded in faith, resilience, and support for one another.

Note: 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.

2024

Josh McConkey completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2023. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by McConkey's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Dr. Josh McConkey is a board-certified emergency physician and a reserve commander (Colonel) in the US Air Force. He is an Army Combat veteran of the Iraq War and is author of the book, "Be the Weight Behind the Spear", set for release in the Summer of 2023. He is a father, husband, physician, and a business owner who is concerned about the future of our country and he is setting aside his professional and military career to get America back on track. He is not a career politician. His leadership ethos, "Be the Weight Behind the Spear", is a call to action for all Americans to focus on developing our future heroes and leaders to ensure the freedoms, liberty, and success for generations of Americans to come!

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?

The government overreach during our COVID epidemic violated all tenets of patient autonomy in healthcare. No government has a right to dictate what chemical gets injected into your body.
As an emergency physician, I see the horrible death and destruction caused by the opioid epidemic and fentanyl crisis. We must do more to stop this surge! It is the leading cause of death in young Americans. We must stem the tide and secure our borders!
With 20 years of military service to our nation and as a military commander, I am concerned about Congress's lack of attention to the security threats against our nation. Congress's inability to approve budgets on time and to properly fund our military is unacceptable and it theatens the safety of our country.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

The public policies that I am most passionate about are:

1. Healthcare- as an emergency physician with over 20 years of experience caring for Americans in the trenches of the ER, I have served as the safety net for America's crumbling healthcare system. Government intervention/socialized medicine does not work and it will further deteriorate our ability to care for patients.

2. Education- as a prior assistant Professor at Duke University, I understand the importance of education for all North Carolinians. My wife and mother are teachers and they have the most difficult job of educating our future leaders. We must increase the pay for teachers in North Carolina!

3. National Defense/National Security- the refusal to secure our national borders is cripling our society and killing our young people. Securing our borders is paramount to providing National Security. The opioid crisis is just one example of how failure to secure our border has lead to our leading cause of death in Americans aged 18-45!

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

My parents taught me the importance of honesty, hard work, and maintaining your integrity. I try to emulate Richard Winters, a decorated WWII officer that led Easy Company of the 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, the "Band of Brothers" from the HBO miniseries. He led from the front and was an exceptional American leader and true American hero!

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

Integrity and accountability are central to my identity. I turned down a $3.4 million dollar bribe from a corrupt CEO to withdraw complaints of his unethical and what I believed to be illegal business practices, costing me millions of dollars. It was worth every penny. I will not compromise my integrity for one penny. I lead from the front, and I solve problems. I take ownership of problems and I treat people with dignity and respect. We are all on the same team- TEAM AMERICA!

What legacy would you like to leave?

Simply, I will leave America in a better position to be successful than it is currently.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

I vividly remember the 1986 Challenger explosion. President Reagan's speech is the first speech I remember. I was 9 years old.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

As a child of working blue-collar parents, my first jobs were in the fast-food industry. After that I worked as a maintenance man in a rural hospital to help put myself through college. I was the first McConkey in my father's entire family to attend college.

What is your favorite book? Why?

My favorite book read recently is Jim Mattis', "Call Sign Chaos". It is a tremendous book on leadership and the importance of being a well-read disciple of studying history.

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

I struggle every day to learn how to be a better person, leader, father, and Christian.

What do you perceive to be the United States’ greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade?

Our greatest challenge will the National Security threats posed by China, as they continue to aggressively gain influence on the world economy. The very foundations of our democracy are being threatened and it is critical that we come together as a nation to fight this threat.

"A house divided against itself cannot stand."

-Abraham Lincoln

What are your thoughts on term limits?

Term limits are critical to draining the swamp that permeates our federal government. There is too much power ceded to special interest groups and lobbyists.

Note: 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.

Campaign website

McConkey’s campaign website stated the following:

“

Economy
As a family of five my wife and I know what it means to live within our means, and we should expect our government to do the same. With the price of groceries and gas on the rise families in North Carolina are struggling to make ends meet. As your Congressman, I will support fiscal discipline, sound monetary policies, and tax reform.

These policies will help to stimulate the economy, which will lead to economic growth and job creation. In addition to stimulating the economy, we also need to restore America’s energy independence. We should encourage the production and competition of domestic energy sources to help bring down the cost of gas and heating our homes.

National Security
As a US Air Force Reserve Colonel, one of my top priorities is national security. It is critical we have a well-funded military with the most advanced technologies in the world, and pray we never have to deploy them, but stand ready if we do.

The Constitution is clear about the role of the federal government over national defense and our military. Over the years I have watched as warfare has changed. In congress, I will vote to continue to fund our military advancements including cybersecurity and foreign information gathering. I will also support the continued construction of our southern border and advanced technologies to keep the border secure.

Opioid Crisis
The opioid crisis has become a devastating public health issue in the United States, and as an emergency room physician, I have seen its devastating effects first hand. Opioids and other drugs are pouring over our southern border, which is one of many reasons why we need to prioritize securing the border.

When I am in Congress, I will support policies that educate and prevent the use of addictive drugs and recovery programs for those individuals who are already struggling with an addiction. We also need to increase funding and research for alternative medicine and help families who have been negatively impacted by this endemic.^[2]

”

—Josh McConkey’s campaign website (2024)^[3]

Campaign finance summary

Note: The finance data shown here comes from the disclosures required of candidates and parties. Depending on the election or state, this may represent only a portion of all the funds spent on their behalf. Satellite spending groups may or may not have expended funds related to the candidate or politician on whose page you are reading this disclaimer. Campaign finance data from elections may be incomplete. For elections to federal offices, complete data can be found at the FEC website. Click here for more on federal campaign finance law and here for more on state campaign finance law.

Josh McConkey campaign contribution history
Year	Office	Status	Contributions	Expenditures
2024*	U.S. House North Carolina District 13	Lost primary	$601,739	$587,719
Grand total			$601,739	$587,719
Sources: OpenSecrets, Federal Elections Commission *This product uses the openFEC API but is not endorsed or certified by the Federal Election Commission (FEC).
* Data from this year may not be complete

External links

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Candidate

Lieutenant Governor of North Carolina

Personal

Footnotes

↑ Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on April 2, 2023
↑ Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.
↑ McConkey, U.S. Congress, “Priorities,” accessed January 23, 2024

[bio-1] Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on April 2, 2023

[quotedisclaimer-2] Note: This text is quoted verbatim from the original source. Any inconsistencies are attributable to the original source.

[3] McConkey, U.S. Congress, “Priorities,” accessed January 23, 2024

[1]

[2]

[3]

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Josh McConkey

Contents

Biography

Elections

2028

General election

General election for Lieutenant Governor of North Carolina

Endorsements

2024

General election

General election for U.S. House North Carolina District 13

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Republican primary runoff election

Republican primary runoff for U.S. House North Carolina District 13

Democratic primary election

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Republican primary election

Republican primary for U.S. House North Carolina District 13

Withdrawn or disqualified candidates

Endorsements

Campaign themes

2028

Ballotpedia survey responses

2024

Campaign website

Campaign finance summary

See also

External links

Footnotes

Information about voting

2025 Elections

2026 Elections

Election analysis

Trending

Public Policy

Information for candidates

Get Engaged

Services

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