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U.S. House · NC-09 · Democratic candidate · 2026

Richard Ojeda

Democratic candidate for North Carolina's 9th Congressional District

A retired Army major, former JROTC teacher, and former West Virginia state senator advocating for veterans, unions, and North Carolina’s rural communities.

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DistrictNC-09
OfficeCongress
ElectionNov. 3, 2026

Policy priorities

Where Richard stands.

Campaign position

Improving Veterans’ Care and Benefits

  • Supports expanding VA facilities and staffing, protecting military pensions and disability benefits, and broader mental health services

Campaign position

Strengthening Local Public Education

  • Supports a $60,000 national teacher pay floor, federal resources for rural schools, and stronger financial aid and loan forgiveness

Campaign position

Making Healthcare Affordable and Accessible

  • Supports Medicaid, funding for rural hospitals, caps on prescription prices, and legal protection for reproductive healthcare decisions

Campaign position

Protecting Wages and Union Rights

  • Supports raising the minimum wage, repealing laws that weaken unions, and investment in family farms, skilled trades, and infrastructure

Campaign position

Protecting Social Security Benefits

  • Opposes privatization and a higher retirement age, and wants wealthy Americans to contribute more to sustain Social Security

Campaign position

Investing in North Carolina Communities

  • Supports fair local investment and protecting the public services that North Carolina’s veterans, students, and families use

Record and background

Record & experience.

  1. 2017

    Accomplishment

    Helped pass medical cannabis legislation

    Led sponsorship of Senate Bill 386, which became the West Virginia Medical Cannabis Act.

  • Experience

    U.S. Army service

    Served in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Haiti; spent fifteen years stationed at Fort Bragg and retired as a major.

  • Experience

    JROTC teacher

    Taught military leadership to high school students in West Virginia after leaving active military service.

  • Experience

    West Virginia state senator

    Served in the state senate and supported teachers during their statewide strike.

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