The Gist
State Representative, 80th District
Photo of Sam Watford
Sam WatfordOfficial portrait — North Carolina General Assembly

Sam Watford

Candidate for State Representative, 80th District

RepublicanIncumbent

Background

Occupation
State representative; waterline contractor
Lives in
Thomasville

State representative for District 80 (Davidson County), in his fifth House term; a waterline contractor.

Report

Photo: Official portrait — North Carolina General Assembly

Documented positions

Taxes & budget

  • Voted for amendment capping income tax rate at 3.5%.In office

    Voted Aye on third reading of Senate Bill 1080, "Lower Taxes for All NC," on May 20, 2026 (the House passed it 73-46). The bill submits a constitutional amendment to voters on November 3, 2026, providing that the maximum tax rate on incomes cannot exceed 3.5% (the current constitutional limit is 7%).

    Senate Bill 1080 (2025-2026 session), edition 3

    Government record · North Carolina General Assembly · ncleg.gov

    “the maximum tax rate on incomes cannot exceed three and one”
    Representative Sam Watford: recorded votes, 2025-2026 session

    Government record · North Carolina General Assembly · Roll call 664, May 20, 2026 · ncleg.gov

    “Lower Taxes for All NC. Third Reading”
    Report

  • Voted for the 2026 state budget.In office

    Voted Aye on July 2, 2026, when the House adopted the conference report on Senate Bill 257, the 2026 Appropriations Act (88-21).

    Representative Sam Watford: recorded votes, 2025-2026 session

    Government record · North Carolina General Assembly · Roll call, July 2, 2026 · ncleg.gov

    “2026 Appropriations Act. R3 Ruled Mat'l C RPT Adoption”
    Report

Roads & infrastructure

Government & transparency

  • Sponsored an amendment limiting the length of legislative sessions.In office

    A primary sponsor (not the first listed) of House Bill 761 (2025), a proposed constitutional amendment. Last action: referred to the House Rules Committee, April 7, 2025.

    House Bill 761 (2025-2026 session), edition 1

    Government record · North Carolina General Assembly · ncleg.gov

    “TO AMEND THE NORTH CAROLINA CONSTITUTION TO LIMIT THE LENGTH OF LEGISLATIVE SESSIONS”
    Representative Sam Watford: primary-sponsored bills, 2025-2026 session

    Government record · North Carolina General Assembly · HB 761 · ncleg.gov

    “Limit Session Length.”
    Report

All sources (8)

Positions are summarized from the sources listed and are not inferred from party affiliation. Items marked “Provided by” were published by the candidate's verified campaign or party office under our campaign content standards. See something wrong? Use the Report link beside it, or contact us.