With congressional maps in flux, candidates see opportunity in Triangle-area swing district

A Republican legislator from Holly Springs is hoping to break her party’s losing streak in Triangle-area congressional races.

North Carolina state Rep. Erin Paré, the legislature’s only Republican from Wake County, said Wednesday that she plans to run for Congress. She wants to represent what is currently the 13th Congressional district, in which U.S Rep Wiley Nickel, a Democrat, edged Republican hopeful Bo Hines in the state’s most competitive 2022 congressional race.

The 13th Congressional District includes parts of Wake, Wayne and Harnett counties, and all of Johnston County. It’s a conservative area that has become more moderate as newcomers have flocked to the Triangle and settled in the district. Nonetheless, Paré hopes she’ll pull enough conservative support to flip the seat.

"The woke mob, they don't want me in Congress," Paré said in an announcement video that opens with images from protests and riots. "But I'm running anyway because I know how to take them on and win."

Former federal prosecutor George Holding was the last Republican elected to represent Wake County. He won a fourth term in 2018, and then declined to seek reelection after his district was redrawn. Democrat Deborah Ross of Raleigh has represented Holding’s old seat since 2020.

Paré has been a reliable vote for the GOP leaders as they’ve used their legislative supermajority to new abortion restrictions after the 12th week of pregnancy, loosen regulations on charter schools, and limit care for transgender minors. She also made headlines for striking a deal with Democratic Wake County commissioners to restructure the way their board is elected.

State GOP lawmakers, who control the General Assembly, are expected to redraw the U.S. House of Representatives districts for the 2024 elections, meaning it’s too early to know exactly what the district will look like — or if Paré would go head-to-head with Nickel.

Nickel declined to comment on his potential opponent. He said he’s focused on the issues voters care about, such as the economy and reproductive rights. “Regardless of who my opponent is, North Carolina voters have been clear: They are looking for bipartisan leaders that will work across the aisle to make real change,” Nickel told WRAL.

Two other candidates have filed to run in the 13th district: Josh McConkey, a physician and Air Force Reserve Colonel from Apex, and Matt Shoemaker, a former intelligence officer from Clayton.

McConkey said he believes the next election will be about voters' economic security and physical safety, adding: "and I believe my background as a combat veteran, emergency room doctor, and political outsider will resonate with North Carolina voters."

Shoemaker said he believes his background as a veteran and former intelligence officer will appeal to voters too.

"At this early stage of the race, my primary focus is to listen to the people and prove to them that I will be their greatest advocate and defender in Washington,"he said. "For too long we've had career politicians who are more interested in making a point rather than making a difference."

Other candidates are expected to announce their campaign intentions after state legislators approve the new maps.