North Carolina Poised for Major Congressional Changes Following Super Tuesday Results – Sky Bulletin

On Super Tuesday, Tim Moore, the House Speaker of North Carolina, secured the Republican nomination for the state’s 14th Congressional District, signaling the beginning of a substantial overhaul within the U.S. House delegation from North Carolina.

With the new voting maps drawn by the Republican-dominated General Assembly after judicially-crafted maps from the 2022 elections, there is an expectation that this will transform the political landscape. The current balance of seven Democrats to seven Republicans is likely to shift toward a 10-Republican, 4-Democrat delegation.

As a consequence of the redistricting, five current congress members have opted out of reelection. Among them are Democrats Jeff Jackson, Kathy Manning, and Wiley Nickel, who have stepped down from districts now significantly skewed towards Republican favor. Republicans Dan Bishop and Patrick McHenry are also not seeking reelection for reasons not connected to redistricting.

Predictions for Changes in Congressional Seats

Moore emerged victorious over two other Republicans for the 14th District, where legislative alterations have made his congressional aspirations highly probable. After serving 21 years in the state Legislature, Moore is now transitioning to the national stage.

On the Democratic side, Pam Genant, an Army veteran and nurse, has won the nomination for the same district, which encompasses parts of Charlotte and extends westward.

The reconfigured 13th District has attracted a broad field of fourteen Republican candidates, predominantly circling Raleigh. Notable figures in this group include Kelly Daughtry, DeVan Barbour, Fred Von Canon, Brad Knott, and Josh McConkey, the latter achieving notoriety through a substantial lottery win. The Republican victor will face Democrat Frank Pierce in the general elections.

In the now primarily Republican-leaning 6th District, six Republicans are vying for the nomination. Addison McDowell, endorsed by ex-President Trump, is in the race alongside other candidates like Bo Hines and Mark Walker. The seat, extending from Greensboro to Concord, has seen no Democratic contenders, enabling a more straightforward path for Republicans.

If no candidate surpasses the 30% vote threshold, North Carolina law mandates a runoff election, which would be scheduled for May 14 upon request by the runner-up.

Which Races Are Still Competitive?

In the open 8th District, the Rev. Mark Harris is once again campaigning for the Republican nod, despite a previous controversial race resulting in an election rerun. State Rep. John Bradford and Democrat Justin Dues also compete in this six-person contest.

The GOP’s 10th district has become available after an unanticipated announcement by McHenry, briefly the U.S. House speaker, that he would not be running again. Among the Republicans contending for nomination, Pat Harrigan and Grey Mills stand out, with the winner set to face both a Democrat and a Libertarian in the general election.

The 1st District, considered a swing district, will witness incumbent Democratic Rep. Don Davis against former Army colonel and GOP nominee Laurie Buckhout for his reelection bid.

Are Incumbents Maintaining Their Positions?

Several Republicans, including Virginia Foxx, are seeking reelection, with Foxx aiming for an 11th term within the 5th District. Furthermore, Greg Murphy, David Rouzer, Chuck Edwards, and Richard Hudson, among others, are either unchallenged or have already bested primary adversaries.

On the Democratic side, Deborah Ross, Valerie Foushee, and Alma Adams are respectively campaigning in their districts, with Ross and Adams facing Republican challengers and Foushee running unopposed.