Frank Patton Hughes III

Frank Patton Hughes III earned a bachelor's degree from Appalachian State University in 2014. His career experience includes working as a teacher.[1]

Who are you? Tell us about yourself.

I was born in Iredell County, NC, and have lived throughout the state due to my father's work as a

Methodist minister, which required frequent relocations. After completing high school in Guilford

County, I pursued higher education at Cleveland Community College, Caldwell Community College, and

Appalachian State University, where I earned a Bachelor of Science degree. My family has deep roots in

Avery County, and I have spent most of my life there.

I am currently a public school teacher in McDowell County, NC specializing in high school world history. I

find it especially rewarding to encourage students to collaborate and learn together through interactive

methods. I am a strong advocate for quality public education and to ensure that students are supported

and their needs are met.

I’m running for State Senate District 47 because I believe western North Carolina needs an effective

voice in the General Assembly to advocate for the interests of its citizens and to secure the region’s

future. My priorities include fully funding public education, improving access to affordable health care,

restoring the environment following the devastation of Hurricane Helene, and promoting community

and economic growth throughout the region.

In addition to my professional responsibilities, I enjoy coaching the McDowell High School chess team,

playing guitar, hiking, and exploring nature. I am also honored to serve as Chair of the Avery County

Democratic Party.

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 public high school teacher, I have seen firsthand the difficulties North Carolina’s schools face,

especially with the recent increase in public vouchers for private schools. The number of

private school vouchers has tripled, redirecting important taxpayer dollars away from our students and

their future. Private schools are not required to hire certified teachers or follow North Carolina

standards, raising concerns about their quality and transparency. The loss of public funding has also led

to cuts in art, music, and sports education for children. Our public schools need the ability to hire and

fairly compensate qualified teachers, ensuring every child receives a sound basic education as

guaranteed by the state constitution.Access to affordable health care is a serious problem in western North Carolina. Medicaid expansion has helped, but rising costs and new 2026 federal

Medicaid eligibility changes threaten coverage for many, especially in Senate District 47 where poverty

rates are high. Potentially thousands of our fellow citizens will lose Medicaid coverage which can disrupt

their treatment for chronic conditions like diabetes and heart disease. Hospitals in Avery and Mitchell

counties are highly vulnerable to closure and have already seen service cuts like the elimination of

Avery’s Cannon Memorial labor and delivery unit. Protecting Medicaid and local health care options is

vital for the growth and sustainability of our region.Sustainable economic development is vital for Senate District 47. The devastation from Hurricane

Helene highlights the need to rebuild stronger. I support using the full $50 million in community

development block grants for recovery to replace and repair affordable housing, allowing more low- and

moderate-income families to own homes and encouraging young people to stay in our communities to

help build our collective future. I also back recovery efforts in our national forests, state parks, rivers,

and private lands that build resilience, protect clean air and water, reduce the risk from wildfire and

landslides, and support the region’s strong ecotourism economy which is foundational to a sustainable

future.

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

My commitment to public service is rooted in a strong passion for policies that enhance and sustain the

quality of life for all residents of western NC. I’m dedicated to strengthening North Carolina’s public

schools. I believe school choice initiatives and the allocation of public voucher funding to private

institutions diverts essential resources from our children’s public education. I’m committed to

promoting accessible and affordable health care, and to ensuring environmental sustainability, both of

which are vital to the economic future of western North Carolina communities.

I’ll be your voice in the

General Assembly for western North Carolinians!

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