Once a front-runner in North Carolina’s Republican congressional primary, he ended his campaign Thursday after former President Trump endorsed his opponent.
“Given President Trump’s endorsement of Brad Knott as a candidate for Congress in the 13th District, it has become clear that our path to victory is no longer viable. I believe in the democratic process. “I respect the President’s support,” Kelly Daughtry said in a statement announcing the end of her campaign.
“It’s time to end my campaign. I’m no longer a candidate, but I won’t stop using my voice for what I believe in. “I will focus on supporting conservative judicial candidates running for office,” she continued.
In the March 5 primary election for North Carolina’s 13th Congressional District, Daughtry leads with 27.4% of the vote, followed by Brad Knott with 18.7, according to The Hill/Decision Desk Headquarters election tracker. followed by %.
neither candidate Required threshold met The nomination was confirmed with over 30% of the vote, and the race went to a runoff. The second primary election is scheduled to be held on May 14th, and early voting has already begun at some venues in the district.
Daughtry supported Knott’s bid for the seat and called on Republicans to unite behind him. Trump endorsed Knott early last month.
“Brad Knott will be the Republican nominee on May 14th. I congratulate him and wish him the best. Brad has my full support and I am here to help. I want him to know that I am not here to oppose him, but to support him,” Daughtry said in a statement. “Now is the time to unite the Republican Party. I have asked my supporters to formally support Brad’s campaign.”
“Similarly, I have talked to Brad and I know he will advocate and fight for the entire district. “We hope to demonstrate and promote unity among the people,” she added.
The 13th District is currently represented by first-term Rep. Wiley Nickell (D.N.C.), who lost his seat after the district shifted ideologically to the right during the state’s legislative redistricting process. He declined to seek re-election. Democrat Frank Pierce will face a Republican candidate in the November general election.
“To everyone who voted for me, thank you for believing in me and giving me the civil and sacred honor of voting,” Daughtry said. “It’s time for Republicans to come together and win in November. I will work by your side to deliver victory.”
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