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Daniel Thomas Cavender
Office history
Daniel Thomas Cavender is the Libertarian Party nominee for the U.S. House of Representatives in North Carolina’s 3rd Congressional District in the 2026 general election. The Libertarian primary for that race was cancelled, allowing Cavender to advance to the November 3, 2026 ballot alongside Republican incumbent Gregory Murphy and Democrat Raymond Smith Jr. 1
Cavender was born and raised in Lexington, North Carolina, and graduated from Central Davidson High School. He earned an associate’s degree from Davidson‑Davie Community College in 2019 and a bachelor’s degree in political science and government from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro in 2021. His education and local roots are highlighted in his campaign materials. 119
His professional background includes work as a fire‑protection equipment technician and, as of 2024, part‑time service as a Fire Protection Specialist. Cavender also served in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve from 2015 until 2022, though a later profile notes he “currently serves in the U.S. Marine Corps” in a part‑time capacity, suggesting a possible continuation of service beyond 2022. 119
Cavender first entered electoral politics in 2024, running as the Libertarian candidate for North Carolina State Senate District 30. He received 2.7 % of the vote (3,161 votes) in that race, which was won by Republican incumbent Steven Jarvis. 1
In addition to his candidacies, Cavender is active in local Libertarian organizations, including the Davidson County Libertarian Party and the Libertarian Party of North Carolina, and is a member of the American Legion. 1
While his campaign platform details are not posted on a dedicated website, his public statements emphasize limited‑government principles consistent with Libertarian ideology. No official campaign website or contact email/phone number is listed in the available sources. 19
Sources
Public filings
Candidates and officeholders are required by law to file campaign finance reports and statements of economic interest. The sites below don't support direct links to an individual record — search by last name on each.
North Carolina — campaign finance
- State, county, and municipal candidates — all in one system — NC State Board of Elections — Committee Search. Search by last name “Cavender”.
North Carolina — statement of economic interest
- Required for state-elected and many local officials — NC State Ethics Commission — Statement of Economic Interest Search. Search by last name “Cavender”.
Federal offices — campaign finance
- US House, US Senate, and Presidential candidates file with the Federal Election Commission (FEC), not with state systems — FEC candidate search. Filter by office, state, and cycle to narrow the results. Financial disclosures (personal assets and income) for members of Congress and congressional candidates are filed with the US House Clerk or US Senate Office of Public Records, depending on the office.