RALEIGH, NC – Today, Americans for Prosperity-North Carolina (AFP-NC) announced its endorsement of Kevin Crutchfield (SD-34), Dane Scalise (HD-20), Ryan Moffitt (HD-63), Jonathan Almond (HD-73), Brian Echevarria (HD-82), Tricia Cotham (HD-105) and Anthony Penland (HD-115).
AFP-NC State Director Tyler Voigt released the following statement:
“North Carolinians deserve leaders who will fight for lower taxes, less red tape and education freedom. AFP-NC is proud to endorse these candidates and looks forward to working with them to advance policies that allow North Carolinians to keep more of their hard-earned money.”
AFP-NC Managing Director of External Affairs Dalton Clark added:
“Each of these candidates has a track record that proves they will stand up for North Carolina families and business owners, and AFP-NC’s activists are ready to make sure voters take notice this election cycle.”
Background:
Kevin Crutchfield (SD-34)
Crutchfield, a former House member, supports school choice and sponsored the Choose Your School, Choose Your Future Act, a major AFP-NC backed reform. He also sponsored legislation to protect right-to-work, defend campus free speech, and increase campaign contribution thresholds.
Dane Scalise (HD-20)
Scalise has the potential to be a strong advocate for freedom in the state legislature. With experience as a county commissioner, he has demonstrated fiscal responsibility by advocating for reducing wasteful spending, balancing a budget, and keeping taxes consistently low. Scalise also supports certificate of need reforms and expanded scope of practice for APRNs.
Ryan Moffitt (HD-63)
As an attorney and chairman of the Alamance Chamber of Commerce, Moffitt understands the need for lowering regulations that hinder businesses. He also supports reducing taxes and believes cutting taxes can only happen with spending under control.
Jonathan Almond (HD-73)
Representative Jonathan Almond has proven to be a strong champion for limited government and freedom. During his first term in the legislature, he sponsored legislation like the NC REINS Act, Voluntary Portable Benefits Plan Act and legislation to rein in out-of-control property taxes.
Brian Echevarria (HD-82)
Brian Echevarria has become a strong policy partner for AFP-NC, sponsoring aligned property tax legislation, cosponsoring the Voluntary Portable Benefits Plan Act, and advocating for REINS and Truth in Taxation.
Tricia Cotham (HD-105)
Cotham has been a key advocate for AFP-NC’s education reform efforts. As chair of two important education committees, she has successfully rallied votes for several aligned bills, including the high-priority opportunity scholarship legislation this past session. Cotham’s experience as a small business owner has also shaped her support for lowering income taxes and backing policies like the Taxpayer’s Bill of Rights. Moreover, Cotham has consistently advocated for AFP-NC’s energy priorities, such as deregulating the permitting process and opposing ESG-based state decisions.
Anthony Penland (HD-115)
Anthony Penland is a well-known community leader, serving as fire chief in the Swannanoa Volunteer Fire Department since 2000. We look forward to working with him on reducing regulations, supporting school choice, expanding scope of practice, and reforming CON.
They join Senate Majority Leader Michael Lee (SD-07), Senator Benton Sawrey (SD-10), Senator Lisa Barnes (SD-11), Chris Stock (SD-18), Senator Steve Jarvis (SD-30) State Rep. Allen Chesser (HD-25), Frank Sossamon (HD-32), State Rep. Mike Schietzelt (HD-35), House Majority Caucus Co-Chair Jeff Zenger (HD-74), Representative Neal Jackson (HD-78) and House Deputy Majority Whip Jake Johnson (HD-113) in receiving AFP-NC’s endorsement this cycle.
