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2nd Congressional District · 2026 U.S. House · Unofficial result

U.S. House, 2nd District: what did each candidate actually say they'd do?

IN PLAIN ENGLISH

Rep. Deborah Ross (D) ran for re-election against Eugene F. Douglass (R) and Libertarian Matthew Laszacs. With all precincts reporting, Ross leads by 168,639 votes. Results are unofficial until certified. Check your own address on the NC State Board of Elections voter lookup to confirm your district.

Ross leadsAll counties reporting; unofficial until certified1
75.06%Ross (D): 245,4021
23.48%Douglass (R): 76,7631
1.31%Laszacs (Libertarian): 4,2671
168,639Vote margin of 326,962 cast1

Do they have a plan?

We read every issue on each candidate's own website and checked the same six things for every one. We count what's there. We don't grade whether the ideas are good. Read the full scoring rules

Of the issues on their website, how many...Eugene F. DouglassMatthew LaszacsDeborah K. Ross
Names a policy2 of 4
4 of 4
10 of 10
Says how they'd do it0 of 4
1 of 4
2 of 10
Includes a number or target0 of 4
0 of 4
3 of 10
Says how it's paid for0 of 4
0 of 4
0 of 10
Gives a timeline0 of 4
0 of 4
0 of 10
Points to a record0 of 4
0 of 4
10 of 10

The candidates, side by side

Each topic shows every candidate's own words on it, in alphabetical order, from their own website. "Nothing on this topic" means their site doesn't cover it. Topic rows are grouped by us from their headings; the scores don't change.

Eugene F. DouglassRepublican
Matthew LaszacsLibertarian
Deborah K. RossDemocrat
Who they are
Eugene F. Douglass
retired chemistry professor. His campaign site is a Substack newsletter with no issues page; the positions are in a campaign brochure PDF linked from its About page, which is what we scored.15, 16 The brochure also describes runs for office in 1998, 2000 and 2002.16
Matthew Laszacs
works as a director of a $70 million business. His pages still carry state-level text from earlier campaigns, such as "Libertarian for NC House 41".23 Scored as posted.
Deborah K. Ross
incumbent. Her site calls her "Congresswoman for North Carolina's Second District".2
Immigration and the border
Eugene F. Douglass
Nothing on this topic
Matthew Laszacs
Nothing on this topic
Deborah K. Ross
Comprehensive Immigration Reform"I introduced the America's CHILDREN Act to protect Documented Dreamers from aging out of temporary protections and becoming vulnerable to deportation by providing a pathway to permanent residence." Also: "Passing this bill will protect more than 200,000 young adults" Record: "I voted to pass the Farm Workforce Modernization Act"13
Names a policySays how they'd do itIncludes a number or targetPoints to a record
Social Security, Medicare and seniors
Eugene F. Douglass
Nothing on this topic
Matthew Laszacs
Nothing on this topic
Deborah K. Ross
Retiring with Dignity"I also support lowering the Medicare eligibility age from 65 to 60." Also: "will strenuously oppose any attempt to turn Medicare into a voucher program." Record: "I fought to pass the Inflation Reduction Act, once-in-a-generation legislation that is already lowering health care and prescription drug costs for seniors on Medicare."8
Names a policyIncludes a number or targetPoints to a record
Health care
Eugene F. Douglass
Nothing on this topic
Matthew Laszacs
Better healthcare options for patients and families"Transition the current Medicaid direct payment model to a state-funded health savings account" and "Eliminate anticompetitive and protectionist Certificate of Need(CON) laws" and "Decriminalize medical cannabis."20
Names a policy
Deborah K. Ross
Access to Affordable Health Care"I've also passed PBM reforms to crack down on abusive middlemen, increase transparency, and lower prescription drug costs for patients, and I've fought to extend enhanced Affordable Care Act tax credits to help keep health insurance affordable for North Carolinians." Record: "I was proud to secure $6 million in federal funding for WakeMed's new Mental Health and Well-Being Hospital."5
Names a policyPoints to a record
Housing
Eugene F. Douglass
Nothing on this topic
Matthew Laszacs
Nothing on this topic
Deborah K. Ross
Affordable Housing"expanding housing choice vouchers and boosting block grants to state and local governments to help provide housing to low-income families." Record: "I secured $2 million in federal funding to support construction of an apartment community in Raleigh designed to end homelessness for over 100 Wake County families and individuals"7
Names a policyPoints to a record
Schools and education
Eugene F. Douglass
Local Control of Education"Shift elementary and secondary education oversight to states and localities, eliminating wasteful federal spending on ineffective policies."16
None of the six checks
Matthew Laszacs
Greater education opportunities for students and families"Expand North Carolina's state-funded Education Savings Account program to cover more students" and "Expand and fully fund the North Carolina Opportunity Scholarship program"19
Names a policy
Deborah K. Ross
Education & Opportunity"I strongly support tuition-free community college" and "free, high quality pre-K programs for all our children." Record: "I secured more than $900,000 in federal investment in Wake Tech's electric vehicle technician training program"6
Names a policyPoints to a record
Child care and families
Eugene F. Douglass
Nothing on this topic
Matthew Laszacs
Nothing on this topic
Deborah K. Ross
Women & Families"legislation that will make child care affordable by ensuring that no middle class family in America pays more than seven percent of their income on child care." Also: "I won't stop fighting until the protections of Roe are enshrined in law." Record: "As a state representative, I cosponsored the 2013 Equal Pay Act"11
Names a policySays how they'd do itIncludes a number or targetPoints to a record
Energy and environment
Eugene F. Douglass
Nothing on this topic
Matthew Laszacs
Nothing on this topic
Deborah K. Ross
Combating Climate Change"Congress should revisit a proposal passed by the House as part of an earlier version of the IRA to incentivize utilities to reduce emissions through a set of regulatory carrots and sticks." Also: "We must also continue the urgent process of building out a nationwide network of charging stations to facilitate the transition to electric vehicles." Record: "I proudly introduced the Defend Our Coast Act to prevent offshore oil and gas drilling along the mid-Atlantic seaboard"10
Names a policyPoints to a record
Roads, transit and infrastructure
Eugene F. Douglass
Nothing on this topic
Matthew Laszacs
Nothing on this topic
Deborah K. Ross
InfrastructureRecord: "I proudly voted to pass the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law" and "I worked to successfully secure a U.S. Department of Transportation grant for a new passenger rail route between Raleigh and Richmond, VA."12
Names a policyPoints to a record
Crime and public safety
Eugene F. Douglass
Nothing on this topic
Matthew Laszacs
Restoring equal justice for all"Repeal all laws creating a crime with no specific victim or property damage identified. Pardon all individuals convicted solely on nonviolent drug charges." Also: "Investigate all incidents involving a police officer where anyone is harmed, and subject the officer to the same consequences any non-officer would face." And: "End warrantless searches, reject the militarization of police forces and cease all civil asset forfeiture actions."22
Names a policySays how they'd do it
Deborah K. Ross
Equality & Justice"I have introduced legislation that would reform North Carolina's partisan, secretive redistricting process as well as a bill that would end the harmful, undemocratic practice of prison gerrymandering." Record: "President Biden signed my legislation into law to enhance financial disclosure requirements for federal judges"4
Names a policyPoints to a record
Taxes, jobs and the economy
Eugene F. Douglass
Lower Taxes, Simplify the Tax Code"Implement a flat rate with minimal deductions for individuals and businesses, reducing burdens and fostering economic growth."16
Names a policy
Matthew Laszacs
Stronger economic potential for businesses and employees"Eliminate or reduce state occupational licensing requirements that simply represent financial protection and do not perform a critical role in vital public safety"21
Names a policy
Deborah K. Ross
Supporting Our Economy & Workers"I will continue fighting for policies that will create jobs, lower costs, and support our innovative businesses in Wake County and beyond." Record: "I advocated for an earned income tax credit aimed at returning tax dollars to working families, supported raising the minimum wage, and sponsored paid sick leave legislation."9
Names a policyPoints to a record
Rights and freedoms
Eugene F. Douglass
Protect Rights of Innocent Lives"Ban unnecessary partial-birth abortions"16
Names a policy
Matthew Laszacs
Nothing on this topic
Deborah K. Ross
Nothing on this topic
How government works
Eugene F. Douglass
Reduce Government Regulation"Halt federal overreach in micromanagement and restore authority to states."16
None of the six checks
Matthew Laszacs
Nothing on this topic
Deborah K. Ross
Nothing on this topic
Their record
Eugene F. Douglass
  • Retired chemistry professor, by his own account.15 His brochure lists primary runs in Hawaii (1998, 2000) and New Hampshire (2002) but no elected office.16
Matthew Laszacs
  • Director in charge of a $70 million business, by his own account.23 His site lists no elected office.
Deborah K. Ross
  • Served in the N.C. House starting in 2002 and was elected to Congress in 2020, by her own account.3 Her site says eleven bills she introduced were signed into law in her first term.3
In their words
Eugene F. Douglass

"I am Gene Douglass, a retired chemistry professor and the Republican nominee for U.S. House in North Carolina's 2nd District."

Eugene F. Douglass, campaign About page15

"I will disagree with my party when it duplicates state law or spends money we do not have."

Eugene F. Douglass, campaign post17
Matthew Laszacs

"Smaller government when it's possible, more efficient government when it's necessary."

Matthew Laszacs, campaign site18

"Libertarians have real, practical, liberty-focused solutions for the most critical issues facing families and communities in North Carolina."

Matthew Laszacs, campaign site18
Deborah K. Ross

"I've spent my entire career improving the quality of life in our community"

Deborah Ross, campaign home page2

"Deborah's top priorities include passing laws to help local residents, families, and businesses, lowering prescription drug prices, protecting Social Security for our seniors"

Deborah Ross, campaign site3
Where we read it
Eugene F. Douglass
Website: gdouglass.us (checked 11/5/2026)
Matthew Laszacs
Website: matt4nc.us/ (checked 11/5/2026)
Deborah K. Ross
Website: deborahross.com/ (checked 11/5/2026)

The middle

Where they agree

  • Ross and Laszacs both name students who struggle to afford school options. Ross says tuition-free community college "offers disadvantaged students a fair shot at a great education"; Laszacs says his Education Savings Account expansion would help "families with financial hardships."6, 19
  • Douglass and Laszacs both want less regulation. Douglass: "Halt federal overreach in micromanagement and restore authority to states." Laszacs: "Lower the costs and regulations for starting a new business."16, 21
  • Ross and Laszacs both put housing costs on their lists. Ross backs "expanding housing choice vouchers"; Laszacs would allow "small dwellings and affordable housing."7, 21

Where they really split

  • Taxes: Douglass would "Implement a flat rate with minimal deductions for individuals and businesses." Ross's site says she "advocated for an earned income tax credit aimed at returning tax dollars to working families" as a state legislator.9, 16
  • Abortion: Douglass would "Ban unnecessary partial-birth abortions." Ross: "I won't stop fighting until the protections of Roe are enshrined in law."11, 16
  • Health care: Ross supports "lowering the Medicare eligibility age from 65 to 60." Laszacs would "Transition the current Medicaid direct payment model to a state-funded health savings account."8, 20

What each one leaves out

  • Ross spells out how on 2 of her 10 issues (Women & Families and Immigration) and gives a number on 3, but names no funding source or date on any. Her record shows on all 10.8, 11, 13
  • Douglass's brochure names a policy on 2 of 4 items (a flat tax and a partial-birth abortion ban) and gives no details, numbers, costs, dates or past actions. His campaign site has no issues page.14, 16
  • Laszacs names a policy on all 4 priorities and spells out how on 1 (justice). His pages give no numbers, funding sources, dates or past actions, and carry text from earlier state-level campaigns.18, 23
Sources (checked 11/5/2026)
  1. NC State Board of Elections results, statewide, unofficial (100% of precincts reporting, last county upload Nov 4, 2026 4:13 PM): er.ncsbe.gov/?election_dt=11/03/2026&county_id=0&office=FED&contest=0
  2. Deborah Ross campaign, Home: deborahross.com/
  3. Deborah Ross campaign, Meet Deborah Ross: deborahross.com/meet-deborah-ross/
  4. Deborah Ross campaign, Equality & Justice: deborahross.com/priorities/equality-justice/
  5. Deborah Ross campaign, Access to Affordable Health Care: deborahross.com/priorities/access-to-affordable-health-care/
  6. Deborah Ross campaign, Education & Opportunity: deborahross.com/priorities/education-and-opportunity/
  7. Deborah Ross campaign, Affordable Housing: deborahross.com/priorities/affordable-housing/
  8. Deborah Ross campaign, Retiring with Dignity: deborahross.com/priorities/retiring-with-dignity/
  9. Deborah Ross campaign, Supporting Our Economy & Workers: deborahross.com/priorities/supporting-our-economy-and-workers/
  10. Deborah Ross campaign, Combating Climate Change: deborahross.com/priorities/combating-climate-change/
  11. Deborah Ross campaign, Women & Families: deborahross.com/priorities/women-and-families/
  12. Deborah Ross campaign, Infrastructure: deborahross.com/priorities/infrastructure/
  13. Deborah Ross campaign, Comprehensive Immigration Reform: deborahross.com/priorities/comprehensive-immigration-reform/
  14. Gene Douglass campaign, Home (Substack): gdouglass.us/
  15. Gene Douglass campaign, About (Substack): efdouglass.substack.com/about
  16. Gene Douglass campaign brochure, "A Better Future for North Carolina" (PDF linked from his About page): efdouglass.substack.com/api/v1/file/fbcd332d-26d4-4f3d-970a-f66f7b68bc48.pdf
  17. Gene Douglass campaign, post "She claims she is running against Trump" (Substack): efdouglass.substack.com/p/she-claims-she-is-running-against
  18. Matt Laszacs campaign, Our Priorities: matt4nc.us/priorities/
  19. Matt Laszacs campaign, Education: matt4nc.us/priorities/education/
  20. Matt Laszacs campaign, Healthcare: matt4nc.us/priorities/healthcare/
  21. Matt Laszacs campaign, Economy: matt4nc.us/priorities/economy/
  22. Matt Laszacs campaign, Equal Justice for All: matt4nc.us/priorities/equal-justice-for-all/
  23. Matt Laszacs campaign, Meet Matt Laszacs: matt4nc.us/meet-matt-laszacs/