The new 13th district, located in the western part of the state, is the most competitive of the ten “Republican” districts. But it’s still a seat with a distinct Republican advantage. Mitt Romney defeated Obama there by 7%. Thom Tillis beat Kay Hagan by 8%.
Thus, a lot of Republicans in the General Assembly see the open seat as a great chance to move up. Speculation has centered on Sen. Andrew Brock, and Reps. Harry Warren, Jon Hardister, and John Ray Bradford, among others.
But on the Democratic side, there’s only one obvious name: former legislator and 2010 Senate candidate Cal Cunningham. Cunningham, an attorney, served a single term in the State House before being redistricted out of his seat. His military experience (as a captain in the United States Army) was seen as an asset against Richard Burr in the 2010 race.
But despite overwhelming support from Washington, the base wasn’t terribly enthusiastic about the young Cunningham, who often appeared too scripted – the Democrats’ version of Marco Rubio. He ended up getting thumped by Elaine Marshall.
Since then, Cunningham’s name has reappeared several times, most recently as a candidate for U.S. Senate in 2016. He passed on the race. But a race for Congress would be a much better fit for him. The district would still favor the Republican nominee, but Cunningham could win by seriously cutting into the GOP’s margins in his home county of Davidson.
The only problem is that even since 2010, things have changed. It’s harder than ever to get elected as a moderate to conservative Democrat. But this is an interesting year. If Trump is the Republican presidential nominee and proves to be a disastrous candidate, Democrats will see victories in unlikely places. The new 13th – assuming that the district lines don’t change again – could be one of those places.
John Wynne is the “conservative voice” at PoliticsNC, where he also provides polling analysis and commentary on legislative campaigns. When not writing about politics, he enjoys gardening and listening to opera. Contact: johncwynne@gmail.com.
If you want to rid Washington of the gridlock and paralysis, then electing Cal Cunningham to this Congressional seat is a smart decision. He is articulate, dependable, ethical, honest, sensible, and smart.
Cal Cunningham would make an extraordinary Congressman. He is intelligent, moderate, likable, and hard working. I would drive over from the coast to go door to door for his campaign. Come on Cal. NC needs you!
THE NUMBER 13 HAS NEVER BEEN LUCKY. Neither has the state of North Carolina since the GOPs elected a criminal for it’s Governor, and a KKK Member Tom Tillis, too. The GOP has recked this country, torn it in pieces over lies and deceptions. They so mythodically terroized the private market sector with their Anti-Union tear downs, and bank rupted the Middle and Lower working class by doing away with Affordable Heath Care. The GOP are MASTERS AT VOTER FRAUD, BUT NO NOTHING ABOUT THE US CONSTITUTION. So next time you find yourself in the “unemployment” line, ask yourself this “is my government really looking out for me?”. Or is the GOP side of it so horribly out of touch, they just can’t see that God is ALIVE AND WELL.
What we need is more “no nothing” Democrats in Congress? LOL
Yes, like the do nothing Republicans that are against anything the Democrats, or Obama proposes. I hope we see a lot of new faces in Congress this election cycle, and it would be a sigh of relief to see Cal Cunningham in office. He is an honest, and intelligent young man. The people in the 13th district would have someone that would represent them, and their interests.
Cal seems to have a lot of support on this blog. Wonder how many reside in the new 13th Congressional District? And I Hope Cal knows the proper usage for “no” and know.
Cal Cunningham will make a great Congressman. He is a fantastic individual who is bright, friendly and “gets it” with respect to policy and the importance of serving the people. He can win in the 13th.
Encouraging to see Mr Wynne admitting that Marco Rubio seems “too scripted.” I second that opinion.
No announced GOP candidate for the new 13th? Guess they must be lining up support. Or seeing who is going to run and who isn’t?
State Senator Brock. If Cunningham is smart, he’ll push the “Legislature created the district just for Senator Brock” narrative. That should allow him to pick off some voters who feel revulsion at such a sleazy deal, and whom might otherwise vote Rep.
Looks like it could be a competitive race if Cunningham runs. Nothing sleazy about that.