Former President Donald Trump’s endorsement of Brad Knott in North Carolina’s 13th Congressional District runoff has turned the race into a one-person contest, with opponent Kelly Daughtry suspending her campaign. Despite her withdrawal, Daughtry will remain on the ballot due to the timing of her decision.
The runoff, set to take place alongside two other statewide runoffs, will determine the final Republican nominee for the newly redrawn 13th District. The district, now more favorable to Republican candidates, excludes a portion of Wake County that helped elect a Democrat in 2022.
With Daughtry endorsing Knott, the former federal prosecutor is poised to secure the Republican nomination and face Democrat Frank Pierce in the general election. The runoff is crucial in the context of North Carolina Republicans’ new congressional map, which creates 10 reliably Republican seats.
As voters head to the polls on Tuesday, the focus will be on the Republican primary runoff elections for the 13th Congressional District, lieutenant governor, and state auditor. The outcome of these races will have significant implications for the political landscape in North Carolina.
With low turnout expected for runoffs, the results may take some time to be finalized. The lieutenant governor’s race, in particular, between Jim O’Neill and Hal Weatherman, is seen as a key contest with implications for higher office aspirations. The AP will provide comprehensive coverage of the elections, ensuring voters are informed every step of the way.