Scoop: Pat Harrigan announces second run for Congress

Context: Harrigan, a combat veteran and firearms manufacturer, lost to U.S. Rep. Jeff Jackson less than a year ago in a bid to represent North Carolina’s 14th Congressional District.

Why it matters: Harrigan’s announcement comes before it’s clear what his district will look like and how easy — or difficult  — it could be for him to win. 

• The state Republican-led legislature will redraw congressional districts in the coming months and is expected to draw numerous districts that are more friendly to Republicans.
• That could mean Harrigan is drawn into a district that will be easier for him to win than last time around. Harrigan lives in Gastonia.

Of note: Newly created ahead of the 2022 race, District 14 includes southern Mecklenburg and eastern Gaston counties.

By the numbers: Harrigan is jumpstarting his 2024 campaign with $500,000 of his own money, according to a press release.

What they’re saying: In a campaign video, Harrigan says the country needs leaders who will “step up to protect our Constitution, restore faith in our elections, secure our borders, earn the trust of our allies and instill fear in our enemies.”

• “That’s what I’ll do in Congress and I won’t tolerate those who don’t.”

• His video does not specify which congressional district he’s running for.

Between the lines: Jackson has been ringing alarm bells about the future of the state’s political maps, claiming the legislature will use gerrymandering to dwindle any chance he’d have of reelection.

• One of the first public statements Jackson made upon winning the election last November was that he would target gerrymandering, as he did during his time in the state senate.
• A former assistant district attorney, Jackson is speculated to join the race for attorney general to succeed Democrat Josh Stein, who is running for governor. Jackson told the Washington Examiner he would make a decision after the new maps are out.