Kelly Daughtry, a Johnston County attorney, has withdrawn from the runoff for the Republican nomination for North Carolina’s 13th congressional district, effectively handing the victory to her opponent, Brad Knott. Daughtry made this decision after Knott received an endorsement from former President Donald Trump, stating that a pathway to victory was no longer feasible. With the district heavily favoring Republicans and incumbent Democrat Wiley Nickel forced out of Congress due to redistricting, Knott is likely to be elected as the district’s representative in November.
Daughtry finished first in the March 5 Republican primary for the 13th district but failed to secure over 30% of the vote, leading to a runoff with Knott. Following Trump’s endorsement of Knott, Daughtry suspended her campaign and stated her respect for the endorsement. Knott also received the endorsement of third-place finisher Fred Von Canon. Despite Daughtry’s withdrawal, her name will still appear on the ballot as it is too late for removal. Early in-person voting for the runoff continues until May 11, with traditional absentee balloting already underway. Knott urged his supporters to continue voting on May 14, emphasizing that the election is not over yet.
The 13th District covers all or parts of eight counties in central North Carolina, featuring boundaries that arc around most of Raleigh and extend east and north to the Virginia border. The current representative, Democrat Wiley Nickel, opted not to seek reelection due to the district’s rightward skew following redistricting. With two other Democratic incumbents also choosing not to run, Republicans have a chance to secure a narrow majority in the U.S. House in the upcoming 2025 elections. Despite Daughtry’s departure from the race, Knott will face a Democratic rival, Frank Pierce, in the fall.
Daughtry, the daughter of former state legislative leader Leo Daughtry, previously ran for a congressional seat in 2022 but was unsuccessful. She expressed her full support for Knott following her decision to suspend her campaign, stating that she is here to support him, not oppose him. Knott accepted Daughtry’s endorsement and urged his supporters to continue voting in the upcoming runoff. The heavily favored Republican nominee will likely secure victory in the November election, with the redrawn district working in the GOP’s favor.
The endorsement from former President Trump played a significant role in Daughtry’s decision to withdraw from the runoff, as it signaled a lack of a pathway to victory for her campaign. With Knott now poised to clinch the Republican nomination, the focus shifts to the November election where he will face Democratic candidate Frank Pierce. The redrawn 13th District, which now heavily favors Republicans, presents a strong opportunity for the GOP to secure a victory and potentially impact the balance of power in the U.S. House in the upcoming elections.
