Redistricting by the North Carolina Republican party provides a chance to increase GOP representation in the U.S. House, the Charlotte Observer reports in an article that touches on races in the 11th and 10th Districts:
They are counting on winning two, and possibly four, extra seats. The Democrats’ 7-6 majority in the state congressional delegation could conceivably turn into a 3-10 minority should the votes fall in the Republicans’ favor.
Seventy-five candidates, including 48 Republicans and 24 Democrats, have filed for North Carolina’s 13 congressional seats. If five new members of Congress are elected, it would represent the biggest turnover since Republicans took over Congress in 1994. …
But political analysts say that Democratic retirements in places like North Carolina and recruiting problems in California and West Virginia will limit the Democrats’ opportunities.
U.S. Rep. Brad Miller of Raleigh decided to retire rather than run against U.S. Rep. David Price of Chapel Hill after the new maps were drawn to put the two Democrats in the same district. So did another Democrat, U.S. Rep. Heath Shuler of Waynesville, whose western mountain district became more Republican when much of Asheville was cut out. …
don’t discount the possibility of a couple upsets, Democrats say.
Democratic Mecklenburg County Commissioner Jennifer Roberts will face one of 11 Republicans for the District 9 seat left open by the retirement of Republican U.S. Rep. Sue Myrick. Asheville Mayor Terry Bellamy, a Democrat, is challenging U.S. Rep. Patrick McHenry for the 10th Congressional District. And Hayden Rogers, Shuler’s former chief of staff, could benefit if no clear front runner in the District 11 race emerges and a Republican run-off is needed in July.
Rogers announced his intentions to run in February. Since then his campaign raised more than $301,000. …
Before you comment
The comments section is here to provide a platform for civil dialogue on the issues we face together as a local community. Xpress is committed to offering this platform for all voices, but when the tone of the discussion gets nasty or strays off topic, we believe many people choose not to participate. Xpress editors are determined to moderate comments to ensure a constructive interchange is maintained. All comments judged not to be in keeping with the spirit of civil discourse will be removed and repeat violators will be banned. See here for our terms of service. Thank you for being part of this effort to promote respectful discussion.