The former frontrunner in North Carolina’s GOP primary race for Congress ended her campaign Thursday, citing former President Trump’s endorsement of her opponent.
“In light of President Trump’s support of Brad Knott for the District 13 congressional seat, it has become clear that the path to victory is no longer viable. I believe in the democratic process and respect the support of our President,” said Kelly Daughtry in a statement announcing the end of her campaign.
“The time has come to suspend my campaign. Although I am no longer a candidate, I will not stop using my voice to defend the things I believe in. I will focus on conservative voter registration operations and supporting appointed conservative judicial candidates running in November,” she continued.
In the March 5 primary election for North Carolina’s 13th Congressional District, Daughtry led with 27.4 percent of the vote, followed by Brad Knott’s 18.7 percent, according to The Hill’s election results tracker /Decision Desk HQ.
No candidates reached the necessary limit of more than 30 percent to secure the nomination, sending the race to a runoff. The second primary is scheduled for May 14 and early voting has already begun in some locations across the district.
Daughtry endorsed Knott’s candidacy for the seat and called on the Republican Party to unite behind him. Trump endorsed Knott early last month.
“Brad Knott will be the Republican nominee on May 14th. I offer you my congratulations and wish you happiness. Brad has my full support and I want him to know that I am here to support him, not oppose him,” Daughtry said in her statement. “It’s time to unite the Republican Party. I asked my supporters to formally support Brad’s campaign.”
“Likewise, I’ve spoken with Brad and I know he will advocate and fight for the entire district. We are all on the same team and I hope the end of my campaign at this time shows and promotes our unity as a party,” he added.
The 13th District is currently represented by first-term Rep. Wiley Nickel (D.N.C.), who declined to seek re-election after the state’s congressional redistricting process moved his district to the right ideologically. Democrat Frank Pierce will face the Republican candidate in the November general election.
“To those who voted for me – thank you for believing in me and giving me the civic and sacred honor of your vote,” Daughtry said. “Now is the time for Republicans to come together and win in November. I will be by your side as you work to achieve this victory.”
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