The 2026 N.C. Primary Election is March 3, 2026 • Early voting: February 12-28
Brent Caldwell
Party:
Democrat
Incumbent:
No
Age:
Approximately 37
Previous experience in elected office:
None
Occupation:
Finance and real estate attorney
Description:
Caldwell says he is running "to fight from what we want to protect and presever in America," specifically "an argument against aristocracy." He wants to ban big money in politics, end partisan gerrymandering, fight monopolization of industries and increase worker wages and free time. He said he would fight to protect housing from being "subject to the ravages of the free market," and that the government should prevent big corporations from buying up housing. Regarding artificial intelligence, he believes we must provide "a strong social safety net" to ensure "we all gain from these momentous changes." He also supports taxing the wealthiest people and corporations in order to lessen the national deficit. He also advocated for "centering humans" in the AI policy process, to try to avoid the dangers of AI (job loss, environmental issues).
Other personal:
Caldwell was a former campaign aide and union organizer. He said he worked at a homeless shelter before law school and that informed his position on supporting affordable housing. He describes himself as " a Christian, husband, and father of three." He was born at the Clark Air Force Base in the Philippines; both parents served in the military. His grandfather and great-grandfather are interred at Arlington National Cemetery. Caldwell has a bachelor's from Ole Miss, a master's from The London School of Economics and a JD from Duke University.
Questionnaire from the Gaston Business Association
Please provide a short introduction (50 words or less) highlighting your background and achievements.
I’m a Duke Law and London School of Economics graduate with experience at some of the world's largest law firms advising businesses on real estate finance matters. I’ve worked on complex transactions and bring a strong pro-worker perspective. Prior to law I worked for various Members of Congress.
What motivated you to seek this office, and what specific skills, experiences, or perspectives uniquely prepare you to serve effectively in this role?
These are grave times for our nation. Certain political forces now directly threaten the Republic and the Constitutional order. All true patriots must stand against this. I’m running because I believe our democracy is at a tipping point—and we need representatives who understand both the stakes and the institutions involved.
I bring a unique blend of experience: I’ve held roles of significant responsibility in corporate law and worked as an activist, campaign staffer, and labor organizer. I’ve studied political movements academically and worked inside the political system practically. I serve on the North Carolina Democratic Party’s State Executive Committee and run a progressive blog advocating for economic and democratic reform in the South. I know how power works—and how to fight for people who don’t have enough of it. That’s why I’m running.
From your perspective, what are the top issues impacting Gaston County’s business climate and economic competitiveness? If elected, what specific actions would you support or pursue to strengthen our local economy?
Gaston County is being reshaped by the gravitational pull of Charlotte’s economic engine. Local businesses stand to benefit, but only if infrastructure keeps up and the gains are shared county-wide. We can’t allow a boom that lifts only Mt. Holly, Belmont, and parts of Gastonia while places like Dallas, Bessemer City, and Cherryville are left behind, or one where working-class residents see costs rise but no new opportunities.
If elected, I will support expanded federal investment in roads, transit, broadband, and water infrastructure to help keep pace with growth. And I will fight for workforce development programs tied to actual job placement to ensure Gaston residents have a clear path to good jobs close to home. Moreover, I will promote remote work so that people do not need to commute Uptown every day and so our brightest minds do not have to move to big cities but can stay close to their family while bringing in the kind of paychecks that formerly were only available in a select few major American cities.
Given the office you are seeking (U.S. House, N.C. House, Sheriff, Commissioner, or School Board), what do you believe is the most pressing issue within the scope of that role, and how would you address it?
In the short term, we must bring adown prices—too many families are working harder just to stay afloat. But in the long term, the greatest threat to America is the corruption of our political system and the erosion of honor in public life. As a member of Congress, I would work to end the dominance of money in politics, outlaw partisan gerrymandering, and restore trust in our democracy by exhibiting transparency, civility, and substantive debate instead of theatrics and partisan propaganda.
Effective leadership requires collaboration across sectors. How would you work with local businesses, municipal leaders, and community organizations to advance shared goals?
In Democracy in America, Alexis de Tocqueville observed that Americans in the early Republic were always forming committees and associations—this spirit of civil society is the hallmark of a thriving democracy. One of my most important policy proposals is to restore and strengthen civil society, because real democracy depends on the ability of everyday people to shape the world they live in rather than be subject to the whims of large corporations and powerful political interests. Organizations like the Gaston Business Association represent exactly what makes America strong. As a member of Congress, I will work closely with local businesses, municipal leaders, and community groups to advance shared goals and ensure government is a partner in progress, not an obstacle.