The GOP congressional primary race in North Carolina saw a significant development as the former front-runner decided to end her campaign. The reason behind this decision was the endorsement of her opponent by none other than former President Trump.
Kelly Daughtry has officially announced the end of her campaign for the Congressional seat in District 13, following President Trump’s endorsement of Brad Knott. In a statement, she expressed her belief in the democratic process and her respect for the President’s endorsement.
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“I have made the decision to suspend my campaign at this time,” she stated. However, she made it clear that this does not mean she will cease advocating for her beliefs. Instead, she intends to redirect her efforts towards conservative voter registration initiatives and providing support for conservative judicial candidates who will be running in the upcoming November elections.”
In the North Carolina’s 13th Congressional District primary election held on March 5, Daughtry emerged as the frontrunner with 27.4 percent of the vote, with Brad Knott securing 18.7 percent, as reported by The Hill/Decision Desk HQ’s election results tracker.
Neither candidate was able to meet the required threshold of more than 30 percent to secure the nomination, which means that the race will now head to a runoff. The second primary is scheduled to be held on May 14, and early voting has already commenced at select locations in the district.
Daughtry threw his support behind Knott’s campaign, urging the Republican Party to rally behind him. Knott received an early endorsement from Trump himself.
“Congratulations to Brad Knott for securing the Republican nomination on May 14th. I wholeheartedly endorse him and extend my best wishes. I want Brad to know that I am here to support him, not to oppose him,” expressed Daughtry in her statement. “Now is the time for us to unite the Republican Party. I have personally requested my supporters to formally back Brad’s campaign.”
In addition, I have had a conversation with Brad and I am confident in his commitment to represent and support the entire District. We are all working towards the same goal, and I believe that suspending my campaign at this moment will serve to strengthen our unity within the party,” she expressed.
The 13th District currently has Rep. Wiley Nickel (D-N.C.) as its representative, but he has chosen not to run for re-election due to the district’s shift towards more conservative ideologies during the congressional redistricting process. Democrat Frank Pierce will be competing against the Republican nominee in the upcoming general election in November.
Daughtry expressed his gratitude to those who voted for him, acknowledging their belief in him and the honor they bestowed upon him through their votes. He emphasized the need for Republicans to come together and join forces to secure a victory in the upcoming November elections. Daughtry assured his supporters that he would stand by their side, actively working towards achieving this shared goal.
