Get to know Rep. Chuck Edwards (R-NC)
Representing North Carolina’s 11th congressional district since 2023, Chuck Edwards is a former three-term state senator and has started numerous companies during his professional career. As a small-business owner with experience in government, Rep. Edwards has himself faced many of the challenges staring down the hospitality industry and wants to use his time in office to improve the lives of America’s workers.
WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR LEGISLATIVE PRIORITIES FOR THIS SESSION?
Small businesses are the backbone of America, and our risk takers and job creators have long been under attack from Washington. Like I did while serving in the North Carolina State Senate, I’ve been striving to reduce regulations, create a better tax climate, and help develop a workforce that provides opportunity and fuels our economy.
WHAT SORTS OF POLICIES, SUCH AS TAX AND REGULATORY REFORMS, DO YOU HOPE TO WORK ON TO SUPPORT SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS AND THE HOSPITALITY INDUSTRY?
The most pressing tax issue is to extend the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, which is set to expire next year. This critical tax policy, among other things, allows a 20% deduction for small business entities and allows accelerated depreciation. Regulation can best be kept in check with bills like the REINS Act and the Ensuring Accountability in Agency Rulemaking Act. Of course, there’s a constant stream of agency rules that need to be quashed.
WHAT EXCITES YOU THE MOST ABOUT SERVING IN CONGRESS?
What “excites” me most is the urgency required to get our country back on track. What I feel is most rewarding is finding myself in a position where I can use my life experience and business acumen to make a difference in the lives of the common people of America.
WHAT INDUSTRY (OR INDUSTRIES) DID YOU WORK IN BEFORE YOU WERE ELECTED TO CONGRESS?
I got my start in the hospitality and service industry, from behind the counter of McDonald’s when I was 16 years old. After climbing the ranks, I enjoyed a career working for our franchisor in middle management. I now own McDonald’s restaurants where I personally experience the difficulty of operating a business. I’ve also served on the board of directors for a community bank, and I’ve started two real estate investment companies and a selfstorage company. All these experiences give me a perspective in Congress that’s clearly missing on Capitol Hill.
WHAT LED YOU TO RUN FOR CONGRESS?
After recognizing we need more people in government who truly understand the challenges of running a small business and the concepts of business – service, financial responsibility, efficiencies, and accountability – I decided to offer my skill set to help make a difference.
WHAT DO YOU MOST ENJOY ABOUT STAYING IN HOTELS?
I don’t have to make my own bed.
WHY ARE HOTELS AND HOTEL OWNERS IMPORTANT TO YOUR DISTRICT/STATE?
My district’s economy is driven primarily by tourism, and hotels are quintessential to the tourist industry.
THE HOTEL WORKFORCE WAS ONE OF THE INDUSTRIES MOST AFFECTED BY THE PANDEMIC. DO YOU SEE CONGRESS PLAYING A ROLE TO SUPPORT BUILDING BACK THE HOTEL WORKFORCE?
Yes. Congress must incentivize our citizens to work, not to avoid work. We need more work requirements, and solid unemployment reforms. For example, I’m the author of the Unemployment Integrity Act that would require unemployment claimants to show up for job interviews.
is Managing Partner of Patel Partners, a bipartisan, bicameral government affairs consulting firm located on Capitol Hill, and he can be reached at [email protected].
