Addison McDowell’s journey from a constituent liaison and lobbyist to a U.S. Representative is influenced by personal experiences and a commitment to addressing pressing issues within his district. His legislative priorities reflect a blend of personal conviction and responsiveness to the needs of his constituents in North Carolina’s 6th Congressional District.
Addison McDowell’s Career Prior to Congress
Addison Parker McDowell was born on January 21, 1994, in Whiteville, North Carolina, and grew up in Davidson County. He graduated from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte in 2016 with a degree in political science and government. After graduating, McDowell served as a constituent liaison for Congressman Ted Budd, where he gained valuable experience addressing the needs and concerns of constituents. He later transitioned to the private sector, working as a lobbyist for Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina until his resignation in 2023.
Demographics of the Addison McDowell’s Congressional District
North Carolina’s 6th Congressional District is located in the north-central part of the state, encompassing all of Guilford and Rockingham counties, most of Caswell County, and a portion of Forsyth County. The district includes major cities such as Greensboro, Winston-Salem, and High Point. As of 2023, the district has a population of approximately 765,747 residents. The racial composition is as follows: 51.3% White, 30.3% Black, 9.7% Hispanic, 4.1% Asian, 3.7% identifying as more than one race, and 0.9% identifying as another race. The median household income stands at $64,946.
Addison McDowell’s 2024 Campaign Platform
Motivated by the tragic loss of his younger brother, Luke, to a fentanyl overdose in 2016, McDowell has centered his 2024 campaign on combating the opioid crisis. He emphasizes the need for stronger border security to prevent the influx of illegal drugs and advocates for increased funding for addiction treatment and prevention programs. McDowell also highlights the importance of supporting law enforcement agencies in their efforts to tackle drug trafficking.
Addison McDowell’s Stances on Social Issues
As a Republican, McDowell aligns with conservative positions on various social issues. He is a strong supporter of Second Amendment rights, advocating for the protection of individual gun ownership. McDowell also champions traditional family values and has expressed opposition to policies that he believes undermine religious freedoms. Additionally, he emphasizes the importance of local control over education, advocating for parental involvement and choice in schooling.
Addison McDowell’s Stances on Economic Issues
McDowell supports pro-growth economic policies aimed at stimulating job creation and fostering a favorable business environment. He advocates for reducing regulatory burdens on small businesses and implementing tax policies that incentivize investment and entrepreneurship. Recognizing the district’s diverse economic landscape— which includes manufacturing, agriculture, and service industries—McDowell stresses the need for workforce development programs to equip residents with relevant skills for the evolving job market.
Addison McDowell’s Stance on Military and National Defense
Committed to a strong national defense, McDowell supports maintaining a well-funded and modernized military to address global threats. He advocates for policies that ensure the United States remains a dominant force on the world stage, including investments in advanced defense technologies and strong support for military personnel and veterans. McDowell also underscores the necessity of securing national borders to protect against external threats and prevent illegal activities, such as drug trafficking, that compromise national security.