Democrat Dan McCready and Republican Dan Bishop face off in high-stakes North Carolina congressional election
There are two congressional elections in North Carolina on Tuesday — one to replace the late Rep. Walter Jones (R), where the Republican is favored to win, and a tossup do-over race in the 9th Congressional District pitting Democrat Dan McCready against Republican Dan Bishop. McCready lost by 905 votes in 2018, but that election was tossed out amid evidence of ballot fraud by the Republican.
The White House is throwing its weight behind Bishop, with President Trump and Vice President Mike Pence both stumping for him in Fayetteville on Monday. Before flying to North Carolina for a rally, Trump downplayed the national importance of the race, saying he doesn't "see it as a bellwether." At the rally, Trump told supporters that "tomorrow is your chance to send a message to the America-hating left" and Pence said the election "has implications all across America." Still, "while the stakes for the House are high, Trump's trademark rallies inevitably become more about him than the local candidate, as he uses the stage to settle political scores, sharpen attacks, and take on perceived foes," The Associated Press recaps. Tuesday's rally was no different.
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Before the rally, Trump flew to North Carolina's eastern coast to inspect damage from Hurricane Dorian. Bad weather scotched those plans, so Gov. Roy Cooper (D) gave Trump a briefing aboard Air Force One.
Trump won North Carolina's 9th District by 11 percentage points in 2016, and Republicans have held the seat since 1963. McCready raised more money in the race but the $11 million in outside funds favored Bishop by a 2-to-1 margin.
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