Candice Duvieilh

Candice Duvieilh was born in Gulfport, Mississippi. She earned a bachelor's degree from the University of Mississippi in 2012, a graduate degree from Walden University in 2014, and a graduate degree from the University of Southern Mississippi in 2021. Her career experience includes working as a software consultant and K-12 educator.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

Growing up Candice’s passion for community led her to sneak extra snacks into her fourth grade lunchbox and share them with classmates, an early lesson in fairness that still guides her today. From high school to a BA in Public Policy, a Master’s in Public Administration and a doctorate in Education, she has dedicated her life to championing quality education, accessible healthcare and economic opportunity for every family.

For 15 years Candice has served as a special-education teacher, partnered with nonprofits, advised city and state leaders and fought for policies that lift up our families. Her hands-on experience with CASA of South Mississippi, Elijah’s Closet, the Special Olympics of Madison County and countless community groups underscores her unwavering commitment to service. Now she’s ready to take her proven leadership, deep expertise and fresh perspective to Washington to advocate for your family’s future.

Please list below 3 key messages of your campaign. What are the main points you want voters to remember about your goals for your time in office?

As a lifelong educator, Candice believes strong public education is the cornerstone of opportunity. She’ll invest at every level, from early childhood through career training, expand funding for rural and historically underfunded schools, ensure fair pay and classroom resources for teachers, and champion career and technical programs that strengthen our workforce and fuel local economies.Candice understands that North Alabama’s economic potential lies in its people, industries and innovation. She will support small businesses and entrepreneurs through access to funding and tax incentives, invest in infrastructure such as rural broadband, roads and clean energy, champion job growth in technology, education, manufacturing and aerospace, and promote fair trade to protect Alabama jobs in agriculture and industry.Candice knows that access to quality healthcare is vital for families across Alabama’s 5th District. She will protect coverage for pre-existing conditions, lower prescription drug costs, expand rural health clinics and telehealth services, strengthen mental health support, and ensure veterans and seniors receive the care they deserve.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Candice is passionate about education, small business support, and parental support.

Education is the foundation on which everyone and everything is built and we need to make sure every child is receiving quality education from head start to graduation and beyond.

Candice is the daughter of a small concrete and steel contractor and knows the feast or famine lifestyle that comes with small business ownership all too well. Small businesses live and die by the policies put in place by our federal government.

As a mother, Candice knows that finding affordable, quality, childcare is a cornerstone of building a family. We are the village and we have to take care of everyone in it.

What characteristics or principles are most important for an elected official?

Elected officials have to be present in the districts they represent. They should be living the experiences of their constituents and taking those experiences, stories, and insights into every policy vote or discussion they are having. Representatives should be present, available, responsive, and honest.

What qualities do you possess that you believe would make you a successful officeholder?

I have 15 years of public sector and non-profit experience. I have been an educator in our k12 school system, built a successful small business, and advised multiple municipalities on proper spending and auditing. I hold a BA in Public Policy, a Master's of Public Administration, and a Doctorate in Education Administration. Government is not just something I have experience with; it is something I have a passion for and I will use all of my knowledge and lived experience to represent the people.

What do you believe are the core responsibilities for someone elected to this office?

The core responsibility of a federal representative is to analyze policy and funding negotiations to determine how they will impact the constituents in their district and vote accordingly. This will look different for different types of policy and negotiations. Representatives have a responsibility to the public to be transparent, honest, and responsive.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I want to leave the world better than I found it. Creating a world where my child, and every child like her, can thrive rather than just survive is my number 1 goal.

What is the first historical event that happened in your lifetime that you remember? How old were you at the time?

The first historical event I remember vividly is 9-11. I was in 7th grade and I remember kids being checked out of school at such a rapid pace that the front office stopped calling for them in their individual classrooms and started doing all-calls across the school. I knew something wasn't right but the teachers would not tell us what was happening. Then, when I got on the bus to leave school, the driver said, "they're flying planes into buildings!" No context. No extra information. No hint at who "they" were. Just crazy ramblings of a man who wore the same "sit down and shut up t-shirt" everyday.

I got home and my mom was glued to the television and that was when I saw it. The destruction. The smoke. The fear. The confusion. It was a very solemn day and I carry it with me.

What was your very first job? How long did you have it?

My dad is a small concrete and steel contractor and I spent summers on his job sites and evenings helping my mom prepare tax forms and bid packets. I was trained to answer the phone, "Larry Dollar Construction," from a very young age. I have been doing that as long as I can remember. My first w-2 job was as a clerk and local video rental store.

What is your favorite book? Why?

I don't have a favorite book but I always opt for informational texts. I am a lifelong learner and I like learning new things.

If you could be any fictional character, who would you want to be?

I cross between Leslie Knope and Elizabeth McCord.

What was the last song that got stuck in your head?

Karma by Taylor Swift

Do you believe that it's beneficial for representatives to have previous experience in government or politics?

I believe it is necessary for our representatives to have a working knowledge of the office they are taking on. As someone who has a policy and public administration background and a working knowledge of government accounting, I bring expertise to the table that will benefit my constituents. Congress was always meant to be representative of the people as a whole and having 435 members with the same area of expertise or background will benefit very few people. Congress should be a diverse body full of people from all walks of life.

What do you perceive to be the United States' greatest challenges as a nation over the next decade?

The United States is at a turning point in history and our greatest challenge moving forward will be rebuilding what has been lost in a way that benefits as many people as possible.

Do you believe that two years is the right term length for representatives?

I do. I think 2 years is enough time for constituents to determine if a representative is effective and accountable. While running for office year after year is a daunting task, the voters deserve to have a say in evaluating their representative's performance and acting accordingly.

What are your thoughts on term limits?

Term limits should be implemented to safeguard our nation and make sure power does not remain concentrated with one individual for too long.

Tell us your favorite joke.

I can't think of a specific one but I love a good call back to humorous moment's passed or a play on words. "Lemon on a pear" instead of "Living on a prayer." Things like that.

Do you believe that compromise is necessary or desirable for policymaking?

Compromise is a key component of negotiations but it has to have boundaries. It is necessary within the bounds of one's ethical standards.

The Constitution says that all bills for raising revenue must originate in the House. What role would this power play in your priorities if elected?

Federal revenue mostly comes from income tax. Finding other means of bringing in funding without further draining working class families will be a priority of mine while in office.

How should the U.S. House use its investigative powers?

The US House should use its investigative powers to protect the people of the United States. Some corporations and public officials have reached a level of unbridled power that is decimating working class families with things like, predatory lending, unethical banking fees, and public manipulation. Congress has a responsibility to investigate these entities/individuals and make sure that the people are not being taken advantage of.

What committees interest you?

Appropriations: As a government accounting expert, I am uniquely positioned to be a part of these conversations and make sure our tax dollars are appropriated properly.

Education and Workforce: As an advocate for quality education and workforce development, I would like an opportunity to represent the people in this arena.

Small Business: Small businesses are currently struggling under the weight of administrative costs that their larger competitors are in a better position to withstand. This is a problem that won't be fixed unless working class people get involved in those conversations.

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

Transparency and accountability are imperative to the representative-constituent relationship. Representatives have a responsibility to be transparent and they should answer for their votes and actions while holding office. Representing people is a big responsibility and our elected officials actions and words should make it clear that they understand that.