Mark Harris (R), who ran in last year’s invalidated election in North Carolina’s 9th Congressional District, announced on February 26 that he would not participate in the do-over election ordered for the seat. Harris cited health reasons for not competing in the new race. “Given my health situation, the need to regain full strength, and the timing of this surgery the last week of March, I have decided not to file in the new election,” Harris said.

 

According to election night returns on November 6, 2018, Harris led opponent Dan McCready (D) by 905 votes. However, the North Carolina State Board of Elections declined to certify the results after reports of ballot fraud. On February 21, 2019, the board called for a new election in the 9th Congressional District and invalidated the 2018 contest.

 

Harris has endorsed Stony Rushing (R), a county commissioner in Union County, for the seat. Rushing was first elected to a four-year term on the commission in 2002 and most recently won election again in 2018.

 

Rushing is the only declared Republican candidate so far. Dan McCready, who ran against Harris in the 2018 race, is currently the only declared Democratic candidate.

 

On February 27, the North Carolina Board of Elections announced it will set the schedule for the special election on March 4.