Matthew Clements

Matthew Clements (Libertarian Party) is running for election to the North Carolina House of Representatives to represent District 56. He is on the ballot in the general election on November 3, 2026. The Libertarian Party primary for this office on March 3, 2026, was canceled.

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Matthew Clements did not complete [the profile publisher]'s 2019 Candidate Connection survey.

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What would be your top three priorities, if elected?

Non-partisan redistricting, decriminalization of cannabis in North Carolina, reducing licencure requirements

What areas of public policy are you personally passionate about?

Freedom of speech, protecting constitutional rights, lowering taxes, shrinking government,

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

Gary Johnson, Laura Ebke, Justin Amash

Is there a book, essay, film, or something else you would recommend to someone who wants to understand your political philosophy?

The Road to Freedom by Friedrich Hayek, The Moon is a Harsh Mistress by Robert Heinlein, Tomorrow 3.0 by Michael Munger

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

Ethics, compassion and reason

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

I have a lot of management and problem solving experience and have excellent communication skills

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

To responsibly ensure that government works efficiently and does NOT pick winners and losers

What legacy would you like to leave?

End the War on Drugs in North Carolina. Establish non-partisan redistricting

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

The explosion of the Challenger

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

Bag Boy at Food Lion - worked there in high school and college

What happened on your most awkward date?

Had a car accident

What is your favorite holiday? Why?

Thanksgiving - it is a celebration of what the ideal United States is, with a undercurrent of genocide of the Native Americans and Manifest Destiny

What is your favorite book? Why?

Dune by Frank Herbert

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

Bruce Wayne

What is your favorite thing in your home or apartment? Why?

A metal fish sculpture

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

Gone Away - by the Offspring

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

Balancing work-life stress

Every state besides Nebraska has two legislative chambers. What do you consider the most important differences between the legislative chambers in your state?

Very little

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

Only if you want the same thing we have now - a corporate kleptocracy where government sells itself to the highest bidder

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

Health care costs for the State

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

Veto, veto, veto

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

Yes it is very important especially in the hyper-partisan environment in Raleigh. A Libertarian could showcase the insanity of doing the same thing and expecting different results

What process do you favor for redistricting?

The Iowa model of non-partisan redistricting

If you are not a current legislator, are there certain committees that you would want to be a part of?

Appropriation - Information Technology, Ethics, Regulatory Reform,

If you are not currently a member of your party’s leadership in the legislature, would you be interested in joining the leadership? If so, in what role?

Yes

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

Justin Amash

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

Yes - Carrboro Alderperson

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?

Hearing young people excited to see a Libertarian on the ballot