Matthew Wood (North Carolina)
Matthew Wood (Democratic Party) ran for election to the North Carolina House of Representatives to represent District 26. He lost in the general election on November 5, 2024.
Wood completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. Click here to read the survey answers.
Biography
Matthew Wood was born in Belleville, New Jersey. Wood's professional degree includes working as an insurance broker and stage actor. He earned an associate degree from Illinois Central College in 1993 and a bachelor's degree from Coastal Carolina University in 2000. Wood has been affiliated with the Johnston County NAACP.[1]
Elections
2024
See also: North Carolina House of Representatives elections, 2024
General election
General election for North Carolina House of Representatives District 26
Incumbent Donna McDowell White defeated Matthew Wood and Kevin Terrett in the general election for North Carolina House of Representatives District 26 on November 5, 2024.
Candidate | % | Votes | ||
| ✔ |  | Donna McDowell White (R) | 55.1 | 29,943 |
 | Matthew Wood (D)  | 41.7 | 22,671 | |
| Kevin Terrett (L) | 3.2 | 1,732 | ||
| Total votes: 54,346 | |||
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Democratic primary election
The Democratic primary election was canceled. Matthew Wood advanced from the Democratic primary for North Carolina House of Representatives District 26.
Republican primary election
The Republican primary election was canceled. Incumbent Donna McDowell White advanced from the Republican primary for North Carolina House of Representatives District 26.
Libertarian primary election
The Libertarian primary election was canceled. Kevin Terrett advanced from the Libertarian primary for North Carolina House of Representatives District 26.
Campaign finance
Endorsements
Ballotpedia did not identify endorsements for Wood in this election.
Campaign themes
2024
Ballotpedia survey responses
See also: Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection
Matthew Wood completed Ballotpedia's Candidate Connection survey in 2024. The survey questions appear in bold and are followed by Wood's responses. Candidates are asked three required questions for this survey, but they may answer additional optional questions as well.
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Now I work as an insurance broker, committed to guiding people towards the best quality of life. All the while, I've been married for 25 years to my wife Mary, and I'm the proud father of Mattie Elizabeth, 11, and George William 6, both born here in Johnston County, NC.
My mission is simple: to put the needs of the people of the 26th District first, and prepare it for the future. I believe in equal opportunity, justice for all, and will work tirelessly to represent the true interests of this growing community. As long as the current House remains unchallenged, these interests will remain unheard.
I'm not running to make a career out of politics, unlike my opponent, nor have I lived here all my life. My parents were originally from Clayton, NC, and I came home many years ago to stick by family and take care of them. I've lived a lot of places and seen a lot of things (all around the world), but I came back to Clayton and it felt like home. I choose to be here for our future, and I hope you'll choose me as your next State Representative.- Preserving democracy is at the core of my campaign. In North Carolina, an unchecked supermajority threatens the very essence of balanced governance. I am committed to ensuring that no single party dominates the Legislature, as it's essential to prevent overreach and uphold the values of our diverse population. By promoting bipartisanship, I aim to create a legislative body where ideas are debated, compromises are sought, and decisions reflect the collective will of the people. Together, let's restore the equilibrium, fostering a government that truly represents all North Carolinians.
- Our healthcare system is in crisis, ranking among the bottom 5 in the nation. The GOP-led legislature's inaction exacerbates the issue, evident in our high infant mortality rate and restrictive abortion policies. As an experienced insurance broker, I understand the complexities and pitfalls of the healthcare landscape. I will advocate for comprehensive reforms that prioritize accessibility, affordability, and quality care. I will champion initiatives addressing these reforms, and fight for policies that bridge gaps in coverage, reduce infant mortality, relieve financial burden, and ensure women's reproductive rights. It's time for leadership that prioritizes the well-being of North Carolinians over political ideology.
- Equal and public education at all levels is increasingly important and under attack. I staunchly oppose school choice and voucher programs. Education is the bedrock of our society, and it should be inclusive, equitable, and secular. I advocate for strengthening public schools, ensuring they receive adequate funding and resources to provide a quality education for all students, regardless of their background, beliefs, or economic condition. Diverting public funds to private, often religious, institutions exacerbates educational inequalities, leaving some students behind. Let's invest in our public schools and bolster an inclusive environment where all students are prepared for a diverse and interconnected world.
Diligence is the muscle of effective governance, entailing unwavering commitment to the tasks at hand and tireless dedication to constituents' needs. It is the engine that propels progress and ensures that promises made are promises kept.
Competency is the linchpin that transforms ideas into tangible results. Elected officials must be well-versed in the intricacies of the issues they champion, possessing the skills necessary to navigate the complexities of policy-making. Competency instills confidence, reassuring constituents that their representative is not merely a figurehead but a capable advocate for their interests.
Benevolence towards fellow citizens is the compass that guides decision-making. It involves prioritizing the well-being of the community over personal gain and actively seeking solutions that uplift all members. This virtue fosters inclusivity, ensuring that policies are crafted with empathy and fairness, leaving no one behind.
Amidst these qualities and independent experiences, my personality and unwavering drive stand out. These characteristics, coupled with a wealth of knowledge garnered through years of active participation in public discourse, uniquely position me as the ideal representative for my district. I am not just a passive observer; I am a committed advocate, armed with the intellectual acumen and the tenacity required to address the multifaceted challenges facing our community.
Responsiveness is the bedrock of a thriving democracy. It involves actively listening to the concerns and aspirations of constituents, understanding the intricacies of their lives, and translating those insights into meaningful action. An elected official must be a conduit for the voices that shape their community.
Representativeness is a solemn duty that extends beyond mere presence in the state house. It demands diligent effort to authentically represent the diverse needs of constituents, ensuring their concerns are not only heard but actively legislated. It involves being a tireless advocate for the issues that matter most to the people one serves.
Mindfulness is the overarching perspective that guides responsible governance. It requires an acute awareness of the broader implications of decisions made, considering not only the immediate impact on constituents but also the enduring legacy left for future generations. Elected officials must be stewards of the public trust, approaching their duties with a sense of duty to the greater good.
The rights that my generation has enjoyed are under siege, facing unprecedented challenges. I refuse to stand idly by as these rights are stripped away from the next generation. I am determined to be remembered as a staunch defender, fighting tooth and nail to preserve the hard-fought rights that define our democracy. My mission extends beyond personal aspirations; it's a commitment to leaving a legacy of resilience and advocacy that my children, and generations to come, can draw inspiration from.
The influx of residents demands a strategic vision for our educational systems, ensuring they evolve to meet the evolving needs of a burgeoning community. Simultaneously, the strain on health services, transportation infrastructure, and governmental facilities requires thoughtful planning to prevent a lag in essential services.
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Furthermore, it is imperative that we confront the pervasive issue of predatory loans and hidden fees that exploit vulnerable individuals. I'd like to draft a bill that enacts stringent measures to protect people from falling victim to such practices, fostering a financial landscape where transparency prevails, and consumers are shielded from exploitative lending practices.
Insurance Committee: With my background as an insurance broker, I have a nuanced understanding of the insurance landscape. Serving on the Insurance Committee provides me with an opportunity to leverage my expertise, ensuring fair practices and promoting policies that benefit both insurers and the insured.
Education K-12 Committee: Education is a cornerstone of my campaign. Serving on the Education K-12 Committee allows me to actively contribute to the reform and enhancement of the education system. I'm committed to advocating for equitable access, increased funding, and innovative solutions for K-12 students.
Transportation Committee: Infrastructure is pivotal for economic development, and my interest in the Transportation Committee is driven by a commitment to improving local infrastructure. I aim to enhance public transit and ensure effective transportation systems that support the growth of North Carolina.
Energy and Public Utilities Committee: Recognizing the importance of sustainable energy practices, my interest in this committee reflects a commitment to environmental stewardship. I aim to advocate for responsible energy policies that align with the state's long-term sustainability goals.
Government accountability is equally paramount. Elected officials must be held to the highest standards of integrity and be answerable to the people they serve. I am dedicated to creating mechanisms that enable rigorous oversight, where decisions are made with the utmost consideration for the public's best interests.
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
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Candidate North Carolina House of Representatives District 26 |
Personal |
Footnotes
- ↑ Information submitted to Ballotpedia through the Candidate Connection survey on February 6, 2024
