TWO Hypothetical Special Congressional Elections, Is Pat McCrory Still Politically Viable?

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Mark Meadows said he would be honored to be Chief of Staff for President Trump. Such a move would certainly cement Meadows’ ascending influence on inside the Beltway, but it would also shakeup the Old North State’s congressional delegation. Already, the prospect of new special election in the 9th District is becoming very real amid election fraud investigations. A vacated seat in the 11th District would mean another special election, under entirely different circumstances.

So, who would/could/should run to fill the 11th District seat under this hypothetical? And what about the 9th?

Andrew Dunn of Long Leaf Politics thinks one name may be suited for either of them, and it’s a familiar one.

“If Meadows heads to the White House, North Carolina will need to hold a special election to fill the seat. Meanwhile, the 9th Congressional District appears headed to a special election after allegations of election fraud. 

Former Gov. Pat McCrory would be a good fit for both. 

It’s not as crazy as it sounds.”

Some of you may have just rolled your eyes; others may have perked up. McCrory was narrowly defeated by Roy Cooper in 2016 as he succumbed to contrived scandals such as House Bill 2 and smeared as a corporate polluter amid Duke Energy’s coal ash spills.

He is definitely not as conservative as Mark Meadows in the 11th District, but has good name ID and approval rating in this Red district, as Dunn points out. You can see who else Dunn thinks could run in a hypothetical special 11th District election here.

“McCrory bought waterfront property on Lake James in McDowell County in 2017 and has spent a good bit of time there. That’s smack in the heart of the 11th Congressional District that Meadows represents.

As it’s currently drawn, the 11th is overwhelmingly red, and McCrory remains popular among Republicans.”

When it comes to the 9th District, McCrory more easily fills the political mold of current Republican incumbent Robert Pittenger – a Republican, but not necessarily a conservative. His name ID would still be very strong, both because he was governor and because he was mayor of Charlotte for seven consecutive terms.

Through his radio program he has also been making a lot of noise regarding the absentee voting shenanigans and keeping his voice out there in the 9th District. His want/need to pursue another political office is obvious to most observers, and a congressional run maybe a less audacious task than seeking another term as governor.

Either way, depending on the opportunities that open up, Pat McCrory is not riding into the sunset anytime soon. Read more from Long Leaf Politics here.