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Marlando Pridgen
Marlando Pridgen (Democratic Party) ran for election to the U.S. House to represent North Carolina's 7th Congressional District. He lost in the general election on November 5, 2024.
Pridgen completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. Click here to read the survey answers.
Biography
Marlando Pridgen earned a high school diploma from West Columbus High School.[1]
Elections
2024
See also: North Carolina's 7th Congressional District election, 2024
North Carolina's 7th Congressional District election, 2024 (March 5 Republican primary)
North Carolina's 7th Congressional District election, 2024 (March 5 Democratic primary)
General election
General election for U.S. House North Carolina District 7
Incumbent David Rouzer defeated Marlando Pridgen in the general election for U.S. House North Carolina District 7 on November 5, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ |  | David Rouzer (R) | 58.6 | 254,022 |
 | Marlando Pridgen (D)  | 41.4 | 179,512 | |
| Total votes: 433,534 | |||
| = candidate completed the Ballotpedia Candidate Connection survey. | ||||
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Democratic primary election
The Democratic primary election was canceled. Marlando Pridgen advanced from the Democratic primary for U.S. House North Carolina District 7.
Republican primary election
The Republican primary election was canceled. Incumbent David Rouzer advanced from the Republican primary for U.S. House North Carolina District 7.
Endorsements
Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Pridgen in this election.
Campaign themes
2024
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Marlando Pridgen completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Pridgen's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
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Pridgen's approach to politics is grounded in listening to the needs of his constituents and advocating for policies that promote economic growth, healthcare accessibility, and environmental sustainability. His campaign emphasizes inclusivity, transparency, and accountability, aiming to bridge the gap between the government and the people.
As a congressional candidate, Marlando Pridgen is committed to being a voice for his community, striving to bring about legislative changes that will benefit NC Congressional District 7 and the nation as a whole. His vision is to create a more equitable and prosperous future for all citizens, guided by the principles of justice, fairness, and community collaboration.- Dedication to Economic Growth and Job Creation: Marlando Pridgen pledges to prioritize policies that stimulate economic development and job creation within District 7. By fostering a supportive environment for both small businesses and large enterprises, Pridgen aims to ensure that the district becomes a hub for innovation and employment opportunities. His focus on economic revitalization is designed to attract investments, encourage entrepreneurship, and create high-paying jobs for the residents.
- Commitment to Healthcare Accessibility: Understanding the critical importance of healthcare, Marlando Pridgen is committed to working towards more accessible and affordable healthcare solutions for all constituents. He believes in the need for a healthcare system that is both comprehensive and compassionate, ensuring that no resident of District 7 is left behind. Pridgen advocates for policies that will lower healthcare costs, expand coverage, and improve the quality of healthcare services, making sure that families can receive the care they need without financial strain.
- Champion for Education and Skills Training: Recognizing education as the cornerstone of personal and community development, Marlando Pridgen is dedicated to advancing educational opportunities and skills training programs. He aims to support public education from K-12 to higher education, ensuring that schools are well-funded and teachers are well-supported. Pridgen's vision includes accessible vocational training and continuous education programs that equip the workforce with the skills necessary to thrive in the evolving job market. By investing in education, Pridgen believes District 7 can lay the foundation for a prosperous future.
Pridgen's advocacy includes supporting reforms in healthcare legislation, pushing for the expansion of Medicaid, or introducing new initiatives to make healthcare more equitable.
As a candidate for North Carolina Congressional District 7, the example I aspire to emulate in my public service is that of Jesus Christ. His teachings and actions, centered on love, service, compassion, and justice, are principles that I believe are deeply relevant to the responsibilities and challenges of governance today.
Integrity is foundational. An elected official with integrity stands by their principles, keeps their promises, and remains transparent in their actions and decisions.
Accountability is paramount. Officials must own their decisions and actions, including mistakes. This involves openness to scrutiny, willingness to explain and justify actions, and a readiness to make amends when necessary.
Empathy and compassion allow officials to understand diverse constituent needs and challenges, enabling informed, considerate decisions, especially for the most vulnerable.
Inspiring and uniting people towards common goals, making tough calls, and navigating complex political landscapes require effective leadership. This also demands humility and a willingness to listen and learn.
Clear, honest, and open communication builds trust and understanding between officials and constituents. It involves not just conveying information effectively but actively listening to concerns and feedback.
Having a clear vision for the future and adeptly addressing current issues with innovative solutions is crucial. Officials must be forward-thinking problem-solvers, working towards community and societal betterment.
Resilience and persistence are necessary to navigate political pressures, overcome obstacles, and strive for positive change despite adversity or opposition.
A commitment to promoting fairness, justice, and equity is vital. This means advocating for policies and actions that address inequalities, ensuring all individuals can thrive.
Legislation: Crafting, sponsoring, and voting on bills and legislation is a primary responsibility.
Representation: Elected officials are expected to advocate for district priorities, securing funding for local projects, and ensuring that the policies enacted at the federal level benefit their constituents.
Constituent Services: Ensuring that constituents' needs and concerns are addressed.
Oversight: Participating in hearings, investigations, and audits. Oversight is crucial for maintaining transparency, accountability, and effectiveness in government operations.
Policy and Advocacy: Elected officials must engage in policy analysis and advocacy, working on committees and with various stakeholders to shape public policy in areas such as healthcare, education, national security, the economy, and more.
Informing the Public: Keeping constituents informed about legislative developments, policy issues, and the official's stances through town hall meetings, newsletters, social media, and other forms of communication.
Collaboration and Negotiation: Building relationships with other lawmakers, stakeholders, and interest groups is vital for achieving legislative goals which includes collaborating across party lines, negotiating compromises, and working in committees to advance legislation.
House members' two-year terms, the shortest federal office, keep them closely tied to constituent interests and public opinion shifts. The House's exclusive right to initiate revenue bills aligns with being the chamber most directly connected to the people on financial matters affecting them.
The House's sole authority to impeach federal officials is a critical check on the executive and judicial branches. Its detailed committee system allows division of labor and specialized focus across subjects from agriculture to security. Committees draft, amend, and initially vote on bills before full House debate.
Complex House rules and procedures govern the legislative process. The Rules Committee determines terms for considering legislation. This structured approach manages the extensive workload and maintains order during debates.
House leadership like the Speaker significantly influences the legislative agenda and priorities. The Speaker decides which bills get votes.
The House has grown increasingly diverse over time, including representatives across backgrounds, professions, and demographics - contributing a multiplicity of perspectives to policymaking.
Representatives coming directly from private sector careers may have a closer connection to the day-to-day realities and challenges facing the people they aim to serve. This grounding in their constituents' lived experiences can help ensure the legislative process remains centered on addressing real needs rather than becoming divorced from the public's concerns.
Perhaps seeing individuals from diverse backgrounds successfully transition into political roles can inspire greater engagement from the public. When the halls of power reflect the full fabric of American society, more citizens from all walks of life feel represented and empowered to participate - whether through voting, activism, or potentially seeking office themselves one day.
Economic inequality continues to widen, threatening stability and social cohesion. Creating more equitable opportunities for wealth and education is imperative to address this growing disparity. The COVID-19 pandemic exposed vulnerabilities in the healthcare system, including accessibility, affordability, and preparedness challenges.
Climate change poses an imminent threat, with disasters becoming more frequent and severe.
Rapid technological advancements, such as artificial intelligence and automation, are transforming the job market. The nation must foster a workforce that is adaptable, skilled, and prepared for the future of work.
The movement for racial justice has highlighted systemic inequalities, demanding comprehensive reforms in policing, criminal justice, education, and other areas to ensure equity and fairness for all Americans.
National security and global leadership face evolving threats, including cybersecurity attacks, terrorism, and the rise of global competitors. Maintaining a balanced approach to foreign policy and defense while nurturing alliances and addressing root causes of conflict is crucial.
Ensuring a robust, equitable, and adaptable education system that prepares future generations is another significant challenge, encompassing K-12, higher education, and vocational training.
Immigration reform is essential, addressing humanitarian and economic aspects through a balanced approach that secures borders while providing a pathway for legal immigration and addressing the status of undocumented immigrants.
Beyond accountability to voters, two-year terms also allow the House to nimbly shift its focus and legislative agenda alongside changes in the political landscape and national priorities. As new issues and concerns emerge, the makeup and direction of the House can rapidly evolve to meet those developing needs through each election cycle.
However, these short terms create challenges as well. The perpetual need to fundraise and campaign can distract representatives from fully focusing on their governance duties and legislating. There is a risk that re-election efforts will take precedence over effective policymaking. Additionally, with their limited window before facing voters again, representatives may be incentivized to pursue short-term populist measures rather than long-term solutions requiring patience to bear fruit.
High turnover from frequent elections raises concerns about political instability as well. A lack of continuity in the House's makeup could undermine major long-term legislative projects and create inconsistencies in policymaking from one Congress to the next.
One perspective is that term limits can restrict the ability of voters to reelect representatives they believe are performing well. This can be seen as undemocratic, as it limits the choice available to the electorate.
On the other hand, term limits are seen as a way to curb the power of career politicians and encourage elected officials to focus on serving the public interest, rather than concentrating on reelection efforts.
Many policy matters are complex; compromise yields nuanced solutions better reflecting this complexity, versus simplistic approaches ignoring key aspects. When officials demonstrate willingness to work across party lines through compromise, it can enhance public trust that the focus is the public good, not partisan interests.
Foremost, the House's investigative authority should be utilized to hold public officials and agencies accountable for their actions. By probing allegations of misconduct, corruption, or dereliction of duty, the House can safeguard the integrity of government and ensure that those in power act in the nation's best interest.
Moreover, investigations can shed light on gaps in existing laws or areas where new regulations are needed. By thoroughly examining complex issues, the House can gather vital information to craft comprehensive and effective legislation that addresses the nation's evolving needs and challenges.
Protecting the public's well-being is another crucial application of the House's investigative powers. Inquiries into matters such as public health crises, environmental disasters, financial malpractices, and national security threats can pave the way for reforms and policies that safeguard the public from harm and promote the nation's welfare.
Transparency is a cornerstone of democracy, and investigations can play a pivotal role in bringing to light information of public interest that might otherwise remain hidden. Public hearings and published findings can foster transparency in government operations, thereby bolstering public trust and confidence in democratic institutions.
Transparency in financial matters and accountable governance practices are powerful deterrents to corruption. They ensure that government officials are less likely to misuse public funds or engage in unethical behavior when they know their actions are subject to public scrutiny.
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 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.
See also
2024 Elections
External links
Footnotes
- ↑ Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on April 1, 2024
