In his bid for Congress, Democrat and former Guilford County Commissioner Bruce Davis says he plans to work in a bipartisan manner if elected.

Davis, a 59-year-old High Point resident who’s running for the 13th Congressional District, says he has worked “across the isle” as a county commissioner and plans to do “what’s best for the citizens” of North Carolina if elected to congress.

“I think we just have to work together to find policies that make sense and have that open dialogue,” Davis said.

While the presidential race consumes much of the political attention, Davis says there’s still “work to be done on the home front.”

Just a few months ago, Davis was running for the 6th Congressional District. North Carolina’s congressional map split Davis’ residence in High Point between the 12th and 6th congressional districts. His house was in the 12th and about two acres of his property sat in the 6th congressional district. When federal judges ordered the maps be redrawn, Davis was placed entirely in the 13th Congressional District.

Although he is now in a race to represent a new congressional district, Davis said his focus is still the same — jobs and the economy.

He said the 13th District, both rural and urban areas have seen a diminished manufacturing base. He stressed the importance of education in helping to attract businesses.

“Part of attracting jobs is making sure you have a world-class education system,” he said.

Davis said one critical part of a “world-class education system” is universal pre-K. Davis, himself, owns and operates a High Point child care center with his wife. Davis said the program at his child care center mirrors the school curriculum.

“I think that the earlier we can get our children involved in education the better off they’ll be able to perform in public schools,” he said.

He also stressed the importance of vocational training for students before the end of high school.

When asked how those ideas might translate into public policy, Davis said the federal government should implement some type of “safety net” to ensure schools are receiving adequate resources.

Davis, a 20-year Marine Corps veterans, said the United States shouldn’t send ground forces to battle terrorists such as ISIS in the Middle East. He said American soldiers should only serve in an advisory role. For members of Congress who haven’t served, Davis said sending soldiers into war might be an easier decision. Davis said “let’s use diplomacy first and make the military our last option.”

He said America’s intelligence agencies have done a good job protecting the nation from terrorism. He said America has been aggressively fighting terrorism since September 11, 2011.

“Overall, I think we are doing a good job,” he said.

When asked about his military experience, Davis said it would be an asset to have a veteran serving in Congress.

Davis said veterans often receive substandard care after retiring or coming back from war. There are “far too many” veterans who are homeless, he said. Others wait too long to receive care at a Department of Veterans Affairs hospital.

One way to help returning veterans, Davis said, would be to ensure the soldier is put into “some type of system” where they can easily access services from nonprofits dedicated to veterans.

Davis will face four other Democrats in the June 7 primary for the 13th Congressional District. The person who secures the largest number of votes will advance to the November general election against one of 17 Republicans.

Contact reporter Josh Bergeron at 704-797-4246.