Daniel Cavender

Daniel Cavender was born in Lexington, North Carolina. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve from 2015 to 2022. Cavender earned a high school diploma from Central Davidson High School, an associate degree from Davidson-Davie Community College in 2019, and a bachelor's degree from the University of North Carolina Greensboro in 2021. His career experience includes working as a fire protection equipment technician. As of 2024, Cavender was affiliated with the Davidson County Libertarian Party, the Libertarian Party of North Carolina, and the American Legion.[1]

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Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I am Daniel Cavender. I am a 27 year old Christian, Marine Corps Veteran, and father to be. Growing up, I have always heard the United States referred to as "The Land of the Free". However, I do not believe that we are as free as we should be, nor used to be. That is why I want to start with the state of North Carolina, and work to make North Carolina more free, first and foremost. My two most important issues are recreational marijuana legalization, and Constitutional Carry. I am a firm believer that ALL gun laws are infringements- and therefore violations of the Second Amendment. I also do not think the government has any say whether or not you choose to partake in a plant, grown from mother Earth. Furthermore, I understand that conversations about the legalization of gambling have been coming up. Once again, I take the pro-freedom stance, in letting people do what they want with their own money. Other issues that I maintain this pro-freedom stance include automobile issues, police/justice reform, certain hunting and fishing regulations, and North Carolina's ABC laws.

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?

If I am elected as District 30's State Senator, I will work relentlessly to push legislation to legalize recreational marijuana, and Constitutional Carry.I am THE pro-freedom candidate. If you wish to be more free as a citizen, I am your best option.I can, and will work with both Democrats, and Republicans. There are certain issues that I, as a Libertarian, can agree with either side on.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

I am most passionate about victimless crime laws. I do not think our fellow North Carolinians should be robbed, or held hostage by the state because they chose to grow or use a plant, gamble, or exercise their Second Amendment rights.

Who do you look up to? Whose example would you like to follow, and why?

I look up to Spike Cohen. I think he is a great, outspoken advocate of Liberty. I hope he becomes President one day.

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

The United States Constitution is the supreme law of the land. Abiding by this document is the most important principle any elected official should have.

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

I am stubborn. Some might say that's a bad thing. I disagree. It means I will not stop working towards the policy goals that I have, in order to make us more free.

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

I believe the core responsibility of any elected official is to be a public servant. This means that elected officials work for the people, and should serve their best interests.

What legacy would you like to leave?

I would like to leave a legacy of government officials pulling back outdated laws.

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

I vaguely remember 9/11. I was only four years old. I remember seeing the news footage, and my parents' eyes glued to the TV screen. While I did not understand what was happening then, I do now. I believe we should never forget.

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

My first job was when I enlisted in the United States Marine Corps Reserve. I stepped on the yellow footprints on July 6, 2015. I got out, right at the end of my contract in 2022.

What is your favorite book? Why?

Animal Farm, by George Orwell. As a history buff, it was interesting to read about animals that were paralleling the formation of the Soviet Union. It highlighted the abuses- something that I think is good for most Americans to see.

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

"The Law is for the Protection of the People", by Kris Kristofferson

What is something that has been a struggle in your life?

Trying to juggle work, school, a campaign, and my role as a husband and father has certainly been a struggle.

What do you believe is the ideal relationship between the governor and state legislature?

In order to get anything done, the governor and state legislature ought to work together. That means that the state legislature ought to be open to add, or subtract some verbage that could be the deciding factor on whether or not the Governor signs a bill into law.

What do you perceive to be your state's greatest challenges over the next decade?

Infrastructure, at large will likely be North Carolina's greatest challenge. There are many people moving here (and I can understand why- this is a great state!). However, the roads need to be up to par with having a greater number of people here. The same can be said about the energy grid.

Do you believe that it’s beneficial for state legislators to have previous experience in government or politics?

It can be beneficial for state legislators to have previous experience in government or politics- but not always. This is something that goes way to far, when it comes to career politicians.

Do you believe it’s beneficial to build relationships with other legislators? Please explain your answer.

I think it is beneficial to build relationships with other legislators. I think two minds are better than one. Two legislators being able to work together to draft a bill would make for a better bill.

Is there a particular legislator, past or present, whom you want to model yourself after?

I would like to model myself after Representative Thomas Massie.

Are you interested in running for a different political office (for example, the U.S. Congress or governor) in the future?

I am.

Both sitting legislators and candidates for office hear many personal stories from the residents of their district. Is there a story that you’ve heard that you found particularly touching, memorable, or impactful?

I heard a story of someone that was pulled over by state trooper. The trooper had a headlight out- yet, still issued a ticket.

Should the legislature oversee or grant the use of emergency powers?

No. In fact, I believe that the use of emergency powers by Governor Cooper during the COVID pandemic was an abuse of power. Many North Carolinians were negatively impacted by the forced shutdowns that never should have occurred.

What is the first bill you would introduce if elected?

The first bill I would introduce would seek to legalize recreational marijuana, and free any North Carolinians that are imprisioned, soley for the use thereof.

What organizations or individuals have endorsed your campaign?

The Davidson County Libertarian Party

What committees interest you?

Agriculture, Energy, and Environment Committee, the Appropriations on Agriculture, Natural, and Economic Resources Committee, the Appropriations on Justice and Public Safety Committee, and the Judicial Committee.

What are your views on financial transparency and government accountability?

I believe that taxation is theft. Thus, what the government does with the money that they stole from us should be 100% transparent. If the government misuses that money, they should certainly be held accountable.

Would a state ballot initiative process be good or bad for your state?

I do think a state ballot initiative process would be good for North Carolina. I believe it is healthy to let the people decide sometimes, and have a more active role in policy decisions.