Pat Harrigan

Republican | North Carolina

Candidate Profile*

Conservative

*Additional information appears below for educational purposes; however, only data received prior to the candidate deadline was considered during Panel Evaluation.

BIOGRAPHY

Name

Pat Harrigan


Party

Republican


Election Year

2024


Election

General


Race

U.S. Rep., Dist 10


Incumbent

No


Links

Pat Harrigan websites FacebookXInstagram

EDUCATION

United States Military Academy at West Point, West Point, Nuclear Engineering, 2009

WORK & MILITARY

U.S. Army, Captain, 2009-2016

Green Beret, Detachment Commander, 2015-2016

UnbrandedAR, Owner, 2015

ZRODelta, Owner, 2017

US Optics, Owner, 2017

AFFILIATIONS

Hickory Bible Church, Contributor, Special Forces Association

Contributor, West Point Society of Western North Carolina, Member

POLITICAL OFFICES HELD

None

POLITICAL OFFICES SOUGHT

U.S. Congress NC-14, 2022

ENDORSEMENTS*

*These endorsements were received after the deadline and were not considered in the Panel Evaluations and are for additional educational purposes only.
CONSERVATIVE (12)

National Rifle Association (NRA) PVF

*National Right To Life

Donald Trump

Tom Cotton

North Carolina Values Coalition

OTHER (5)

Americans for Prosperity Action - National

War Veterans Fund PAC

Ranger PAC

American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC PAC)

With Honor Fund II

REPORTED BY CANDIDATE (3)

Mark Robinson - NC Lt. Governor

Governor Mike Huckabee

Congressman Mike Waltz

SELECTED CONTRIBUTIONS

CONSERVATIVE
GIVEN BY CANDIDATE (8)

Brad Overcash (2024)

Local, County, and District Republican Organizations (2024)

Ted Alexander (2024)

WinRed (2024)

Chad Brown (2023)

RECEIVED BY CANDIDATE (54)

Americans for Prosperity (2024)

Buckeye Liberty PAC (2024)

Bulldog PAC (2024)

Charles F. Fuller (2024)

David Rouzer (2024)


OTHER INFORMATION

Patrick Harrigan's Issue Positions (Political Courage Test) on VoteSmart.

Article on Pat Harrigan's views on immigration, including whether to deport illegal aliens.

QUESTIONNAIRE

RIGHT TO LIFE

Abortion providers, including Planned Parenthood, should not receive taxpayer funds from federal, state, or local governments (including Title X grants).

Strongly Agree

Under no circumstances should ANY American tax dollars be used to fund abortions or Planned Parenthood.

Chemical abortion drugs should meet essential safety standards (such as in-person consultation with a medical doctor) and require reporting to gather evidence on reactions and outcomes.

Strongly Agree

Under what circumstances should an elective abortion be allowed?

I am a staunch supporter of pro-life initiatives and legislation. Abortion should only be allowed in the cases of rape, incest, and when the life of the mother is at stake.

Does the federal government have a role to play in limiting abortion, and if so what federal steps and/or federal legislation would you support?

While I advocate strongly for reducing federal overreach and empowering states to govern on most issues, the protection of life is a fundamental moral and constitutional matter where federal action can be justified. If elected, I would support federal legislation that advances the pro-life movement and protects the unborn. I would support any opportunity I would have in protecting the innocent lives of the unborn.


ECONOMY

What actions would you take that would allow Americans to retain more of their income and wealth?

I would advocate for the following steps and actions: broad-based tax cuts across the board especially for small businesses, cut wasteful government spending, reduce our national debt, cut government red tape, and foster a thriving economy.

Student loan forgiveness unfairly shifts the financial burden to those not responsible for student debt.

Strongly Agree

My view on this is simple. If you take out a loan, you have the responsibility of paying that loan back.

Should environmental and social issues, like ESG (environmental, social, and governance) ratings, be used as criteria in deciding where to invest public monies?

No


RELIGIOUS LIBERTY

What does "separation of church and state" mean to you?

I believe that society benefits when its leaders are guided by strong moral and ethical principles. This separation does not mean that elected officials, should leave their personal beliefs and moral values at the door. Our beliefs inevitably shape our character and decision-making. As a Christian, my faith informs my understanding of moral responsibility, compassion, and integrity. My own moral compass, guided by my religious beliefs, helps inform the policies and legislation I advocate for.

Individuals and businesses should be required to provide services even if it would violate their moral and/or religious beliefs.

Strongly Disagree


HEALTHCARE

Under what circumstances (if any) should a government, school, or employer be allowed to require vaccinations?

Under no circumstances should a vaccination or any other medical decision be mandated by our government, schools, or employer. We saw the consequences of mask, vaccine, and shutdown mandates during COVID. It should never happen again.

What most closely matches your view on healthcare: A) Healthcare for all should be guaranteed and funded by the government with no private healthcare option. (includes "universal healthcare," "medicare for all," etc.) B) Healthcare insurance funded by the government should be available for all who want it, along with private healthcare options. C) Medicaid and Medicare should remain available, but no other taxpayer-funded programs are necessary. D) Taxpayer funded health care should be abolished in all forms, and Medicaid and Medicare should be defunded.

Option C. While we must honor the commitment we have made to prior generations of hardworking Americans, we should not take steps to expand on any tax-payer funded programs. Our national debt has surpassed a record breaking $34 trillion in debt, that we are handing down to the next generation of Americans. Steps must be taken to reduce our national debt and that starts with not adding more debt to each taxpayer.


NATIONAL SECURITY

With regard to America's foreign policy, which view most closely resembles yours: A) The United States should intervene whenever freedom is threatened. B) The United States should selectively help countries trying to grow democracy and fight tyranny. C) The United States has become too involved in others' policies and should remain focused on issues regarding our own sovereignty unless in imminent danger. D) The United States should stay out of foreign conflicts completely.

My foreign policy view aligns most closely with Option B. The U.S. should selectively support nations striving for democracy and combating tyranny, but always with an 'America First' approach. Our involvement must strategically align with our national interests. Blank checks for overseas conflicts, like in Ukraine, are unsustainable, devalue our dollar, and undermine our economy. We must prioritize our resources and avoid putting taxpayers on the hook for any foreign conflict.

The Chinese Communist Party poses serious military, cyber security, intellectual property, and global economic threats to the United States.

Strongly Agree

I firmly believe that China poses significant military, cyber, and economic threats. First, China should not own ANY American land. This is also why we need strong leaders across the board. President Biden has made disastrous foreign policy decisions which has resulted in bloodshed and chaos. As a veteran, I understand the gravity of these challenges and the need for strong, experienced leadership in Congress to address them effectively and safeguard our national security.

Is the United States' relationship with Israel important, and if so why?

Yes, the United States' relationship with Israel is vital. As our steadfast ally in the Middle East, Israel plays a crucial role in regional stability and security. This partnership is grounded in shared democratic values and strategic interests. Supporting Israel helps deter threats in a volatile region and is integral to our own national security and foreign policy interests.

What are the causes of decline in U.S. military recruitment and retention?

The decline in U.S. military recruitment and retention is significantly impacted by the current administration's agenda. Recruits are deterred by the reality of weak leadership by President Biden, and the focus on a 'woke' agenda, including the vaccine mandate. Service members seek strong, decisive leadership that prioritizes national security and American values over political agendas. We need a commander-in-chief who puts America First, inspiring confidence and respect in our armed forces.


IMMIGRATION

The U.S. should do more to physically secure the southern border.

Strongly Agree

Securing our border is critical. Completing the border wall and bolstering support for our Border Patrol agents are essential steps to control illegal immigration, combat drug trafficking, and ensure national security. A strong, secure border is fundamental to maintaining our sovereignty and protecting American citizens. We must prioritize effective border policies immediately. President Biden has failed and betrayed the American people with his open-border policies.

Who should be allowed to immigrate to the U.S. and under what circumstances?

Only those who follow the law and follow the proper steps of applying for US citizenship.


EDUCATION

I support school choice, including voucher programs, tax credits, charter schools, private schools, and home schools.

Strongly Agree

As a father of two daughters, yes, I strongly support school choice. In an era where select educators impose personal, religious, and political beliefs in the classroom, it's crucial that parents retain full control over their child's education. School choice empowers families to select the best educational path, ensuring that our children learn in environments that align with our values and set them up for success.

I support eliminating the U.S. Department of Education and giving control back to states and communities.

Agree


VALUES

Marriage is a God-ordained, sacred and legal union of one man and one woman. No government has the authority to alter this definition.

Strongly Agree

Children are the most vulnerable members of society and must be protected from abuse, including gender ideology, grooming, and bodily mutilation.

Strongly Agree

Protecting our children and providing the best life possible is a parent's top priority. Today's radical and divisive educational agendas endanger this. We must halt this indoctrination and focus on equipping our children with the tools and resources they need to thrive. It's about educating while nurturing their success, not indoctrinating them with radical ideologies.

Taxpayer funds should be used to provide gender transition services.

Strongly Disagree

Under NO circumstances should American or North Carolinian taxpayers fund gender transition services or operations.

Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values.

As a Christian, my faith is the cornerstone of my life and shapes my values and actions. I believe in living a life guided by integrity, compassion, and service to others, principles deeply rooted in my spiritual beliefs. My faith teaches me the importance of family, community, and a commitment to defending the vulnerable. It drives my dedication to serve as a leader who upholds these values in every decision. In Congress, I'll strive to represent my constituents with the same moral conviction and ethical standards that my faith instills in me, always aiming to reflect the love and justice central to my Christian beliefs.


ELECTIONS AND VOTING

People should be able to vote without photo identification.

Strongly Disagree

Securing our elections is paramount. Ensuring every vote counts requires reliable verification methods. I support mandatory photo ID with a CONFIRMED address for voting. This simple, effective measure helps prevent fraud, maintaining the integrity of our electoral process. Fair elections are the bedrock of our democracy, and it's crucial we protect them with robust, practical safeguards.

The Electoral College should be abolished.

Strongly Disagree


EQUALITY

I agree with Critical Race Theory (CRT) which asserts that the institutions in the United States are fundamentally racist.

Strongly Disagree

Critical Race Theory has no place in our schools. It indoctrinates rather than educates, dividing us by race and undermining the unity of our nation. We should instead foster a curriculum that promotes patriotism and a deep love for the United States, celebrating our shared values and the opportunities our great country offers to everyone. Our children deserve to learn in an environment that uplifts and provides them with the tools necessary to succeed.

Biological males should not be allowed to participate in women's sports or occupy biological women's spaces whether it be bathrooms, locker rooms, sorority houses, women's shelters, or prison.

Strongly Agree

As a husband and father of two little girls, under no circumstances should a biological male invade upon a space designated for biological women. It's delusional and just plain wrong. I am also deeply disturbed that fair competition in women’s sports is under attack. If women cannot continue to compete on a level playing field, then decades of hard fought gains for women will be compromised—and that compromises the character of our people, and our nation.


ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT

Man-made climate change is a global threat and requires urgent political action.

Strongly Disagree

President Biden and radical Democrats must understand that their extreme climate agenda harms Americans and our national security. We need to harness American oil production, not hinder it, ensuring energy independence and protecting our nation from relying on foreign sources. It's time to prioritize practical, domestic solutions over harmful, extreme policies.

What do you believe is the most reliable energy source that will supply the growing demand for electricity?

Increasing nuclear energy production is key. It's clean, efficient, and reduces reliance on foreign energy. Embracing this tech ensures a brighter, more self-reliant future for the United States.


ABOUT YOU

When you consider your views on a wide range of issues from economic and social matters to foreign policy and religious liberty, which of the following best describes you overall?

Very Conservative

As a staunch conservative and former Green Beret, I've witnessed the true cost of freedom. Making firearms for a living, I understand the dangers of government overreach on our constitutional rights. My experiences have equipped me to fiercely defend our liberties and American values in Congress.

What do you think is the general purpose of government?

I believe government should create conditions for Americans and businesses to thrive, not infringe upon their rights. I believe. our government has the duty of protecting our citizens as well. Which includes securing our border while maintaining an 'America First' approach to every decision. A smaller, smarter government fosters success and freedom. I stand for limiting government reach and upholding constitutional liberties, ensuring a prosperous, free nation.

Have you ever been penalized for sexual misconduct in either civil or criminal court? If so, please explain.

No.

Have you ever been convicted of a felony? If so, please explain.

No.


JUDICIAL PHILOSOPHY

The Supreme Court should be reformed to include more seats.

Strongly Disagree


CRIMINAL JUSTICE & PUBLIC SAFETY

I support redirecting funds from police departments to community programs.

Strongly Disagree

I firmly stand with our local law enforcement departments and personnel, committed to ensuring they're properly funded and equipped. Supporting them means safer communities and better protection for all. It's crucial they have the resources needed to effectively serve and safeguard us. Another step would be taking the funds that were used to hire the 87,000 new IRS and redirecting them to fully fund our local law enforcement agencies.


2ND AMENDMENT

What restrictions on gun ownership are needed to protect public safety?

As a Green Beret, I know that the difference between free people and oppressed people is the right to keep and bear arms. As the owner of a firearms manufacturing company, few know more about the risks facing our 2nd Amendment today. We must stop big government from infringing upon our constitutional rights to keep and bear arms. This includes implementing constitutional carry along with stopping the weaponization of the ATF against law-abiding gun owners.

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