Breaking down the ballot: U.S. House District 8
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Rep. Mark Harris. Photo: Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images
Republican U.S. Rep. Mark Harris is seeking reelection in North Carolina's 8th Congressional District.
Why it matters: Harris staged a political comeback in 2024, winning the GOP primary six years after his 9th District campaign was tainted by absentee ballot fraud. Now, he faces a potentially easier path to a second term in the heavily Republican district.
State of play: Harris faces a challenge from Democratic candidate Colby Watson, whose campaign website describes him as a small business owner who opposes corporate investors buying up houses and supports skilled trades.
- Bo Whitehead, a member of the Green Party, is also on the ballot.
📍 This district covers parts of southeast Mecklenburg County, Union and Stanly counties, a large portion of Cabarrus County and stretches all the way to Robeson County.
Axios sent questions to Harris and Watson. Watson did not respond to Axios' questionnaire. Harris' answers have been lightly edited.
Axios: What is the most pressing issue Congress should address in the next two years, and how would you tackle it?
Harris: I came to Congress to do government differently and rein in Washington's reckless spending. Our national debt has surpassed $40 trillion, and we cannot continue borrowing trillions of dollars and handing the bill to our children and grandchildren.
- That is why, in my first term, I have supported efforts to cut spending, root out waste, fraud, and abuse, and bring greater accountability to how our government spends taxpayer dollars. Washington cannot afford business as usual. We have to get serious about it.
Axios: What is the most pressing issue facing your district, and what would you do about it in Congress?
Harris: One of the biggest challenges facing North Carolina's 8th District is the pressure on our farmers and small businesses. Rising operating costs, burdensome regulations, and economic uncertainty are making it increasingly difficult for them to stay competitive.
- As a member of the House Agriculture Committee, I have worked to advance the Farm Bill, strengthen crop insurance, and provide greater certainty for our farmers. I also voted to make the 20% small-business tax deduction permanent through the Working Families Tax Cuts Act.
- I will continue fighting to reduce unnecessary regulations and help our farmers and small businesses thrive.
Axios: On what issue would you be willing to break with your party?
Harris: I will always represent the interests and values of North Carolina's Eighth District, and if those ever conflict with my party, I will stand with my district over my party.
More "Breaking Down the Ballot" election coverage:
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