
Kelly VanHorn
Republican | North Carolina
Candidate Profile
Liberal
BIOGRAPHY
Name
Kelly VanHorn
Party
Republican
Election Year
2026
Election
Republican Primary - Federal, Statewide, State, Judicial, School Board
Race
State Rep., District 105
Incumbent
No
EDUCATION
University of North Carolina at Charlotte, Charlotte, Masters of Arts in Teaching Special Education, 2003-2006
SUNY Cortland, Cortland, Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Social Studies Education, 1999-2001
Corning Community College, Corning, Associate in Arts, 1998-1999
Central Piedmont Community College, Charlotte, In progress: Paralegal Studies, 2023-2025
WORK & MILITARY
Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools, Teacher: Math, Social Studies, Special Education, 2019-2025
Amazon Warehouse/Flex Driver (Independent Contractor), Delivery Driver, 2023-2025
Cabarrus County Public Schools, Math Teacher, 2018-2019
Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools, Math/Social Studies/Special Education Inclusion Teacher, 2011-2018
Union County Public Schools, RTI Math Instructor/Math Teacher, 2009-2011
Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools, Social Studies/Special Education Teacher, 2003-2009
Union County Public Schools, Social Studies and Science Teacher, 2002-2003
George Junior Republic, Child Care Worker/Residential Counselor, 2000-2002
Elmira Glove House, Residential Counselor to At Risk Youth, 1999-2001
Chemung County Association for Retarded Citizens, Residential Counselor, 1997-1999
AFFILIATIONS
American Federation of Teachers, Member, 2025-2025
National Association of Educators, Member, 2002-2025
POLITICAL OFFICES HELD
Candidate did not provide
POLITICAL OFFICES SOUGHT
NC House District 105, 2025-2025
OTHER INFORMATION
Candidate is one of the several candidates in the Republican Primary who has an affiliation with NC Educators on the Ballot, a leftist organization encouraging teachers to switch parties to Republican in primaries, particularly in right-leaning districts. Candidate changed affiliation to Republican in order to run in the Republican primary.
QUESTIONNAIRE
RIGHT TO LIFE
Abortion providers, including Planned Parenthood, should not receive taxpayer funds from federal, state, or local governments (including Title X grants).
Disagree
Planned Parenthood provides OB/GYN services to expectant mothers which, with the repeal of ACA, may not be able to afford prenatal care. As a poor student with Endometriosis, Planned Parenthood helped pay for the treatment of my condition as well as found a me an affordable doctor. My experience with the organization was one in which life was encouraged and proper supports given to mothers.
Under what circumstances should an elective abortion be allowed?
In cases of incest/rape (reported to police with documented police report) and medical necessity by two Physicians (Mother's life is in grave danger and would need to choose between her life and her child's life). I support Roe V Wade decision with the timeline being 8-12 weeks instead of third trimester.
Human life deserves legal protection from conception until natural death.
Neutral
To me, there is a balance of the life of the mother and that of the child. It is not my decision, but the mother's, if a choice has to be made between the two. I also believe that we should support the children after birth by providing affordable healthcare for the child/mother with nutritional supports, if needed. We should be just as adamant about the legal protections of the child after birth as before birth.
The lives of human embryos created through artificial methods ought to be protected from purposeful destruction.
Neutral
This is an issue that is better left between the physician and patient.
The Comstock Act, which bans interstate transportation of abortion-inducing drugs, should be enforced.
Disagree
The Comstock Act is from 1873. Interstate Commerce and modern technology, to me, makes this an issue that the US/NC Legislature needs to address with modern legislation that should include clear parameters for modern technology. State Laws should be respected, so it should be enforced in states that prohibit abortion. However, current law should be updated to make room for unique cases in which a mother's life is in grave danger and in cases of incest/rape.
RELIGIOUS LIBERTY
What does "separation of church and state" mean to you?
This is a fundamental policy that is part of our Constitution. Our framers wanted the government to be neutral, not favoring one religion over another, to enhance one's ability to worship their chosen religion without impingement. Thus, this means that the United States is a nation of variations of religions whose right to exist and worship are protected under the 1st amendment as well as Title VII of the Civil Rights Act and extends to fair housing and Religious Land Use IPA.
Individuals and businesses should be required to provide services even if it would violate their moral and/or religious beliefs.
Neutral
I do believe that a consumer at a service industry or government agency should expect to be served if the service does not include anything related to the person providing their service to partake in their beliefs. I do expect physicians to stand by their oath as physicians (and other professions as well). However, I do feel that consumers also have a duty to research the businesses and spaces that they invest their time, talents, and money in to make informed decisions.
NATIONAL SECURITY
The Chinese Communist Party poses serious military, cyber security, intellectual property, and global economic threats to the United States.
Agree
China is the only nation with the intent and the capability to systematically challenge U.S. military and technological leadership. I am concerned about "Intellectual Property Theft" as China was given government contracts of our military fighter jets. This should have never happened. Our pilots have had issues in the air after this contract. We need to make more goods at home or have contracts with nations that have fair tariffs.
Is the United States' relationship with Israel important, and if so why?
Israel is a very important country due to the world religions whose holy lands are located there. Thus, Israel should be free from violence as the land and traditions of the regions within it must be preserved. The United States should be involved with the UN in brokering peace in the region while recognizing Israel's sovereignty.
HEALTHCARE
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.
Healthcare insurance funded by the government should be available for all who want it, along with private healthcare options. Elected officials should be entitled to the same healthcare benefits that it offers its citizens. A collective effort to reduce costs should be made across government/private industry so that lobbyists do not cause bloated spending.
The government should keep a database of people with various ongoing medical illnesses to assess the economic burden of treatment.
Choose not to answer
ECONOMY
What is your position on the minimum wage?
The minimum wage should be 15.00 an hour or higher. I would as Economists and experts for their opinion on specific numbers because where wages have increased, businesses have passed the cost on to consumers which has caused little increase.
Free enterprise and the right to private property are essential elements of a productive economic system.
Neutral
There needs to be a balance between free enterprise and right to private property. If eminent domain is enforced, property owners should be fairly and justly compensated. Also, the USDA and agencies that inspect properties and conditions remain an important check, not an infringement on private property.
List your top 3-5 priorities to eliminate government waste.
1) Centralized Procurement: Moving toward a "buy as one" model where the government uses its massive scale to negotiate better prices, rather than each agency buying separately at higher costs. (drugs, vehicles, technology, equip) 2) Site Neutrality in Medicare Healthcare: Don't require procedures to be performed at a hospital, where it can cost thousands of dollars more. 3) SAMOSA Act: Targeting zombie software that is redundant or unused licenses. (also central procurement for licenses)
IMMIGRATION
I support the existence of sanctuary cities to protect undocumented persons.
Disagree
I support a complete reform of current immigration laws. The United States must create paths to citizenship that make sense-safety, affordability, and honoring our commitment to having stable workforce in agriculture, the sciences, and technology. Due process rights should exist in every city, regardless of status. Persons in the United States without legal documentation should given strict timelines to get the proper legal paperwork or self-deport and immediate deportation for violent crimes
EDUCATION
I support eliminating the U.S. Department of Education and giving control back to states and communities.
Strongly Disagree
The Department of Education does need to be reformed, but to have K-12 under the Department of Labor is a mistake. The United States should be a leader in Education and the various programs-instructional, funding, K-12, Higher Education, Pre-K should be under this department. We want to increase efficiency while also balancing with state rights/educational programs. We do not want to create more bureaucracy by having it under various departments in our government.
Foreign governments should be prohibited from funding American education.
Neutral
Section 117 of the Higher Education Act addresses this issue in that anything over $250,000 must be reported. I support the Executive Order 14282 which gives strict reporting guidelines to Universities. 911 showed us that we must document and be aware of investments. A new, streamlined reporting portal for universities is scheduled to go live on January 2, 2026, intended to make bulk-uploading financial data easier while increasing public transparency. Thus, this issue is being addressed.
CRIMINAL JUSTICE & PUBLIC SAFETY
What should be the goal of the criminal justice system?
The criminal justice system exists to keep us safe. This means that the criminal justice system should be used to train, educate, and equip our officers on the law, procedures, and protocols used to keep us safe with the US Constitution being the cornerstone of that effort. This process must include Due Process and honor Supreme Court decision as well as legislative actions. The President is the Commander and Chief in instances of War but needs Congress to approve the war declaration.
Government has a responsibility to protect children from sexual exploitation during online activities.
Strongly Agree
Sharia law should not be accepted or incorporated in any form within the legal framework of the United States.
Agree
Our law is based upon the United States Constitution and Bill of Rights which has a clear precedent for separation of church and state. States may establish their own laws based upon their own state constitutions.
2ND AMENDMENT
What restrictions on gun ownership are needed to protect public safety?
I fully support all law enforcement and military to have full access to the gun ownership that they need to carry out their duties. There does need to be gun reform including access to semi automatic weapons made available without background checks and training required prior to permit for concealed and open carry. There needs to be laws to address the 3-D printing of weapons. Increased funds for mental health as well as gun safety classes should be utilized.
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?
Moderate
I believe in fiscal responsibility and have deep faith. That said, I try to honor all persons as they are my brother/sister in Christ. I fully support fully finding public schools. Choice was meant to fill in the gap of services, not to replace, public schools. Affordable healthcare for all should not take away private insurance in a single payer system.
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.
VALUES
Government should recognize and support the fundamental right and essential duty of parents to direct their child's health and educational well-being.
Neutral
I absolutely believe that parents have a fundamental right and duty to protect and direct their child's health and educational well being. While parents have rights, children also have independent rights to a safe, inclusive education and evidence-based healthcare, which the state has a duty to protect if a parent’s choices are deemed harmful or discriminatory. To me, this means that a child could have a right to a blood transfusion, saving their life, if the parent's religion prevents it.
Attempts to physically or socially transition a child to the opposite sex constitute child abuse.
Disagree
The decisions of a parent are between that parent, their child, and the physicians treating them. While we may disagree on treatment, a parent has the right to direct the healthcare of their child under the care of a state licensed physician.
Marriage is a God-ordained, sacred and legal union of one man and one woman. No government has the authority to alter this definition.
Disagree
As of December 2025, the landmark Supreme Court ruling on same-sex marriage is Obergefell v. Hodges (2015), which remains the law of the land. As there is a separation of church and state, a religious belief cannot nor should not infringe on rights of citizens unless the actions of the citizens creates harm/danger to the community. Churches should not be required to recognize nor perform marriages that are not aligned with their beliefs.
I support the expansion of gambling in my state.
Disagree
The NC Education Lottery was touted as being the solution to Education funding in our state. The promise was that Education dollars would increase and not be shifted. This promise was not upheld. Now, I have "arcades" on every corner in my city as well as the crime that goes with them. The gambling funds are not paying for increased law enforcement or services for residents. I am open to a Casino that has a clear revenue path with transportation/loiterin/crime issues addressed.
Briefly describe your spiritual beliefs and values.
As a Christian, I believe in God and Jesus. I learned that Jesus came to teach us how to live-by honoring and giving life to people whom the Pharisees discarded. I try to practice grace, mercy, and love in everything that I do. I have been a member of Elevation Church, Watershed Church, and others. Pastor Furtick encourages us to "See how God can be seen through you." When I vote, I will keep this in mind. Can I face Jesus and defend my votes/actions? I will keep this in mind when my party asks me to vote. That said, the bible considers neighbors as worthy of love. Therefore, grace, mercy, and love extend to those of different faiths, regions, and language. The table is big enough for all of us to live in peace
ELECTIONS AND VOTING
People should be able to vote without photo identification.
Strongly Disagree
A person must show identification so that we can accurately count the votes as many elections are decided on just one vote.
EQUALITY
Reparations should be given to people on the basis of race.
Neutral
The Commission to Study and Develop Reparation Proposals for African Americans Act (H.R. 40) was reintroduced in January 2025 by Rep. Ayanna Pressley. I would support a similar study in NC as African Americans whose ancestors were enslaved is the only group, outside of District of Columbia, who have not received reparations. DEI policies enacted that had the goal of giving "moral" reparations. I do not support policies that allows diversity, equality, and rights of persons to be diminished.
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.
Neutral
Biological males and transitioning males should refrain from participating in women's sports, locker rooms, sorority houses, women's shelters, or prisons. However, it is up to the states they reside in once the full transition has been made in which the male has had surgery and does not look like a male-this can be confusing for children, men and woman to have a female looking person in a male restroom.
ENERGY & ENVIRONMENT
Man-made climate change is a global threat and requires urgent political action.
Agree
What do you believe is the most reliable energy source that will supply the growing demand for electricity?
Solar and Wind Power.
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