Lynda Bennett and Madison Cawthorn advanced to a Republican primary runoff for North Carolina’s 11th Congressional District on March 3, 2020. With 99% of precincts reporting, Bennett received 22.7% of the vote to Cawthorn’s 20.4%. Jim Davis received 19.3%. A candidate needed more than 30% of the vote to win the primary outright. The primary runoff is May 12.
Incumbent Rep. Mark Meadows (R), former chairman of the House Freedom Caucus, announced he would not seek re-election the day before the December 20, 2019, filing deadline. Twelve candidates joined the race following his announcement.
Meadows endorsed Bennett. She also received endorsements from Rep. Jim Jordan (R) and the House Freedom Fund. Bennett highlighted her background as a real estate broker and as vice-chair of the Haywood County Republican Party, along with the activism training she received from the Heritage Foundation and other conservative groups. Cawthorn owns a real estate investment company and is a motivational speaker. He said he was a proven fighter, having experienced a car accident that left him paralyzed. Matthew Burril endorsed Cawthorn after withdrawing from the primary.
Ratings outlets rate the general election for North Carolina’s 11th Safe or Solid Republican. All 435 House seats are up for election in 2020. Democrats hold a 232-197 majority over Republicans in the chamber.
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