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Drone watch: Walmart takes off, Zipline eyes expansion

Zipline is planning drone towers near Carowinds.

A white Zipline delivery drone suspended by a tether leaves a brown bag of Chipotle food on the brick path in front of a home.

Don&#x27;t be surprised to see <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="more drones" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/02/27/robots-driverless-cars-drones-waymo" data-vars-content-id="66f135b3-7c96-4529-b888-fc0696375779" data-vars-headline="Drone watch: Walmart takes off, Zipline eyes expansion" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/02/27/robots-driverless-cars-drones-waymo" target="_self">more drones</a> zipping through the Charlotte sky as <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Wing" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/05/16/doordash-wing-drone-deliveries-how-to-order" data-vars-content-id="66f135b3-7c96-4529-b888-fc0696375779" data-vars-headline="Drone watch: Walmart takes off, Zipline eyes expansion" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/05/16/doordash-wing-drone-deliveries-how-to-order" target="_self">Wing</a> grows its delivery service with Walmart, and its competitor Zipline eyes expansion here.Why it matters: Charlotte&#x27;s fast population growth and sprawling suburban landscape make it an attractive market for these futuristic services, from the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="autonomous ride-hailing showdown" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/07/27/tesla-cybercabs-robotaxis-waymo" data-vars-content-id="66f135b3-7c96-4529-b888-fc0696375779" data-vars-headline="Drone watch: Walmart takes off, Zipline eyes expansion" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/07/27/tesla-cybercabs-robotaxis-waymo" target="_self">autonomous ride-hailing showdown</a> to the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="drone-delivery race" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/26/drone-delivery-sounds-noise-amazon-wing-zipline" data-vars-content-id="66f135b3-7c96-4529-b888-fc0696375779" data-vars-headline="Drone watch: Walmart takes off, Zipline eyes expansion" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/08/26/drone-delivery-sounds-noise-amazon-wing-zipline" target="_self">drone-delivery race</a>.

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One of North Carolina's most popular Republicans, Tim Moore, faces a challenge from Democrat LaKesha Womack in his run for a second U.S. congressional term in the 14th District.

Why it matters: Womack, who says she moved to North Carolina to work on Hillary Clinton's 2016 campaign, has an uphill battle. Republicans drew new political maps in 2023 that made this a GOP safe zone for Moore, the state's former long-serving House speaker, to pick up.

The intrigue: Womack has faced questions of whether she actually lives in the 14th District.

The address tied to her voting registration is listed for rent on Zillow, WBTV reported. And she recently bought a house in the 12th District. But you don't have to live in a district to run in it — just the same state.

While at a recent campaign rally, Womack was served a criminal summons for a pending felony charge related to a rental car she allegedly did not return in 2019.

Over the years, Moore has collected his own list of scandals, including a dismissed lawsuit over an affair and getting a member of the UNC Wilmington board removed when she didn't pick an old buddy of Moore's as chancellor, according to WHQR.

But Moore has kept a more low-key profile during his time as a freshman congressman.

📍 This district covers parts of south Charlotte and northern Mecklenburg County and stretches through Gaston, Cleveland, Rutherford, Burke and part of Polk counties.

Profile card for LaKesha Womack: Democrat, 49; mother of a 20-year-old; Vanderbilt BA in Political Science, pursuing MSLS at Vanderbilt Law; from Evergreen; entrepreneur; mentors young women.

Axios sent questions to both candidates. Their answers were edited for length and punctuation.

Axios: What is the most pressing issue Congress should address in the next two years, and how would you tackle it?

Moore: Making life more affordable remains one of my top priorities.

Congress must address the cost of housing, energy, and everyday necessities while creating an environment where businesses can grow and create better-paying jobs.

In Congress, I have supported tax relief that lets families keep more of what they earn, policies that unleash American energy and efforts to rein in wasteful federal spending.

I will continue working to lower costs, grow our economy, pursue policies that increase the supply of affordable housing, and make sure Washington is working for taxpayers, not against them.

Womack: Congress must address affordability while restoring accountability for how taxpayer dollars are spent.

Working families should not struggle to afford groceries, housing, health care and transportation while corporations report record profits.

I would prioritize establishing Medicare for All, lowering prescription drug prices and advancing tax policies that provide meaningful relief to working families.

I would also demand stronger congressional oversight of federal spending and executive actions to ensure taxpayer dollars serve the public interest.

We need an economy that works for everyone, not just those at the top.

Axios: What is the most pressing issue facing your district, and what would you do about it in Congress?

Moore: I would continue to advocate for targeted federal investments in critical infrastructure and disaster recovery, particularly where those investments help communities like ours rebuild, improve roads and utilities, and support long-term economic growth.

At the same time, I would get rid of the waste, fraud and abuse when it comes to federal agency spending.

Washington has to treat taxpayer dollars with the same fiscal responsibility as families and small businesses do.

My goal is straightforward: protect taxpayers, make sure federal dollars are being used responsibly, and prioritize investments that have a direct impact on communities here in Western North Carolina.

Womack: The greatest challenge facing NC-14 is ensuring every child has access to a quality public education, regardless of their ZIP code.

Our district includes rural communities and growing suburban areas where schools face different challenges, from inadequate funding and teacher shortages to limited access to technology and career training.

In Congress, I would advocate for increased federal investment in public schools, competitive teacher salaries, expanded early childhood education, and stronger career and technical education programs.

Education is the foundation of economic opportunity, and our communities cannot thrive without strong public schools. Every community deserves the resources to thrive.

Axios: On what issue would you be willing to break with your party?

Moore: Artificial intelligence has enormous potential to strengthen our economy and improve the way Americans live and work, but innovation must be accompanied by accountability.

Congress should establish clear rules that protect Americans' privacy and personal data, guard against fraud and other malicious uses of AI, and ensure that the United States remains the global leader in this technology.

At the same time, we should be careful not to impose regulations that stifle American innovation or put us at a disadvantage to countries like China.

Government should use AI responsibly where it can improve efficiency and services, but important decisions affecting Americans should remain accountable to people, not simply be handed over to an algorithm.

Womack: Government accountability and fiscal responsibility. I will not support legislation simply because it has a Democratic sponsor, nor oppose a good idea because it comes from a Republican.

I believe Congress must stop using government shutdowns as political leverage, end congressional stock trading, and exercise meaningful oversight regardless of which party controls the White House.

I am also willing to challenge spending priorities that benefit political interests without delivering measurable results for taxpayers.

My responsibility is to the people of NC-14, not party leadership. Good policy should matter more than political loyalty.

More "Breaking Down the Ballot" election coverage:

Breaking down the ballot: U.S. House District 14

Womack and Moore both say affordability is a pressing issue.

Split image: left is a smiling Black woman in blue tint wearing a floral top; right is a smiling older man in red tint wearing a vest with Moore U.S. Congress outdoors by rocks.

LaKesha Womack (left) and Tim Moore (right). Photos: Courtesy of candidates

One of North Carolina&#x27;s most popular Republicans, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Tim Moore" data-vars-click-url="https://www.timmoore.com/" data-vars-content-id="8db02b42-4ca5-47fd-9fc3-c388d8055cb3" data-vars-headline="Breaking down the ballot: U.S. House District 14" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.timmoore.com/" target="_blank">Tim Moore</a>, faces a challenge from Democrat <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="LaKesha Womack" data-vars-click-url="https://www.womack4nc14.com/" data-vars-content-id="8db02b42-4ca5-47fd-9fc3-c388d8055cb3" data-vars-headline="Breaking down the ballot: U.S. House District 14" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.womack4nc14.com/" target="_blank">LaKesha Womack</a> in his run for a second U.S. congressional term in the 14th District.Why it matters: Womack, who says she moved to North Carolina to work on Hillary Clinton&#x27;s 2016 campaign, has an uphill battle. Republicans drew new political maps in 2023 that made this a GOP safe zone for Moore, the state&#x27;s former long-serving House speaker, to pick up.

Politics

Election

Charlotte has nabbed another finance company: The Clearing House, which is co-owned by large banks like Bank of America, will invest $11.5 million in an Uptown office and create 200 jobs over five years.

Why it matters: Charlotte wants to retain its crown as the next-best banking city to New York, and economic recruiters are doing a strong job of that with recent scores, like SMBC's second U.S. headquarters and SoFi's 225-job Ballantyne hub.

Mecklenburg County estimates that announcements over the last year, including Scout Motors and Maersk, add up to 5,172 new jobs and exceed $563.7 million in planned investment.

Zoom in: The average annual salary will be $162,322. Roles will include finance, legal, risk and compliance, payments expertise, client relationship management and more, a company spokesperson tells Axios.

The Clearing House's careers webpage lists 27 jobs in Charlotte as of Tuesday afternoon, including a benefits and wellness director, analysts and software engineers.

The Uptown office will integrate a "client engagement and experience center and a corporate workplace," according to Mecklenburg County's press release.

It will be located in an existing Uptown building and will be completely overhauled inside, though the exact location has not been publicly shared yet as the lease is still being finalized.

The company says it chose Charlotte for its "thriving financial services community" and proximity to "clients, culture of innovation, and deep financial services expertise."

The Clearing House is a real-time payment operator backed by Truist, Citi and other banks.

Between the lines: In return for opening its office here, the state of North Carolina has agreed to reimburse the New York-based company up to $2.43 million over 12 years, so long as it creates the jobs and makes the investments it committed to.

The City of Charlotte is expected to contribute $132,904 in incentives, and Mecklenburg County is expected to provide $77,500.

What they're saying: "The Clearing House can capitalize on our state's top-ranked business climate and top-tier talent that support the growing financial services ecosystem of our state," Gov. Josh Stein said in a press release.

Zoom out: The company also has 216 employees in Winston-Salem. The center opened in 2007.

It also considered Dallas and Tampa. Atlanta was the semifinalist.

This story has been updated with the latest information.

Charlotte has won another finance office: 200 jobs

The payment operator is owned by large banks like Citi and Bank of America

City skyline under a clear blue sky, with tall modern skyscrapers—one central white-crowned tower and glassy blue buildings—surrounded by lower office blocks and a parking lot in the foreground.

Charlotte has nabbed another <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="finance" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/09/02/td-bank-expansion-ballantyne" data-vars-content-id="a1b52134-97b2-4711-a9ff-990330f7dcc0" data-vars-headline="Charlotte has won another finance office: 200 jobs" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/09/02/td-bank-expansion-ballantyne" target="_self">finance</a> company: The Clearing House, which is co-owned by large banks like Bank of America, will invest $11.5 million in an Uptown office and create 200 jobs over five years.Why it matters: Charlotte wants to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="retain its crown" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/02/15/dallas-banking-rivalry" data-vars-content-id="a1b52134-97b2-4711-a9ff-990330f7dcc0" data-vars-headline="Charlotte has won another finance office: 200 jobs" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/02/15/dallas-banking-rivalry" target="_self">retain its crown</a> as the next-best banking city to New York, and economic recruiters are doing a strong job of that with recent scores, like <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="SMBC&#x27;s second U.S. headquarters" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/04/07/smbc-north-carolina-investment-jobs-uptown" data-vars-content-id="a1b52134-97b2-4711-a9ff-990330f7dcc0" data-vars-headline="Charlotte has won another finance office: 200 jobs" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/04/07/smbc-north-carolina-investment-jobs-uptown" target="_self">SMBC&#x27;s second U.S. headquarters</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="SoFi&#x27;s 225-job Ballantyne hub." data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/10/21/sofi-expands-charlotte-ballantyne" data-vars-content-id="a1b52134-97b2-4711-a9ff-990330f7dcc0" data-vars-headline="Charlotte has won another finance office: 200 jobs" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2025/10/21/sofi-expands-charlotte-ballantyne" target="_self">SoFi&#x27;s 225-job Ballantyne hub.</a>

Mecklenburg County voters will help decide the open U.S. Senate seat, congressional and state legislative races, and constitutional amendments in this year's midterms. Plus, Charlotte has a record $425 million in city bonds on the ballot.

Why it matters: In this swing state, many of these positions could shake up party control in Washington and Raleigh. And down ballot, other decisions could affect your day-to-day life.

Pro tip: Before you look at this voter guide, find your sample ballot here so you know exactly what's on your ballot and which districts you're voting in.

How it works: During early voting (Oct. 15 to Oct. 31 at 3pm), you can cast your ballot at any of these voting sites during their open hours. Eligible residents can also register and immediately vote on the same day in person during early voting.

On Election Day — Tuesday, Nov. 3 — registered voters must go to their assigned polling place. You can find where that is here.

Below are Mecklenburg County's contested races. We are not listing uncontested seats in this voter guide, though they will show up on your ballot.

You may vote for ONE. The winner will succeed Republican Sen. Thom Tillis, who is not seeking reelection and has at times been at odds with President Trump.

State of play: The Democratic caucus, which includes two independents, would need to net gain four seats to take control from Republicans. They're targeting North Carolina as a flip.

Roy Cooper (D) is North Carolina's former two-term governor, who made Kamala Harris' short list for a running mate in the 2024 presidential election but pulled out. Some speculated it was because he intended to run for Senate.

Michael Whatley (R) is the former Republican National Committee chair from Gastonia, whom Trump handpicked to run. "Pretend I'm on the ballot," the president once said while encouraging turnout at a Whatley campaign rally.

State of play: Democrats need a net gain of three seats to take the majority from Republicans.

📍 This district covers most of Charlotte.

🏛️ Rep. Alma Adams (D) is seeking her seventh term in this position at 80 years old. She co-founded the Black Maternal Health Caucus. She was once arrested at a protest over Roe v. Wade.

Jack Codiga (R) is in his late 20s. His platform includes ending welfare programs, including "the godfather of all Ponzi schemes (Social Security)," and abolishing property and income taxes.

Go deeper: Alma Adams and Jack Codiga answer Axios' questions

📍 This district includes part of Southern Mecklenburg County.

🏛️ Rep. Tim Moore (R), North Carolina's former House speaker for a decade, was first elected to this newly created district in 2024. Moore serves on the House Committees on Financial Services and the Budget.

LaKesha Womack (D) says she's an entrepreneur who moved to North Carolina to work on Hillary Clinton's 2016 campaign.

Go deeper: Tim Moore and LaKesha Womack answer Axios' questions

📍 This district includes Southeast Mecklenburg.

🏛️ Rep. Mark Harris (R) is a Baptist preacher who was at the center of an election fraud scandal over the 2018 midterms. In quite the comeback, he won the GOP nomination to this Republican-safe district in 2024.

Colby Watson (D) describes himself on his campaign website as a small business owner who opposes corporate investors buying up houses and supports skilled trades.

Go deeper: Mark Harris answers Axios' questions

State of play: The GOP is trying to protect its supermajority in the state Senate, with 30 of 50 senators currently Republican.

State of play: The GOP is one seat short of a House supermajority that can override the governor's veto, with 71 of 120 House members.

Go deeper: Breaking down the North Carolina Senate and House

State of play: This is one of the most-watched races in this year's midterm elections, as the Supreme Court swung from a Democratic majority to a Republican one in 2022.

🏛️ Anita Earls (D), a Durham-based civil rights attorney, was elected in 2018.

Sarah Stevens (R) previously represented Surry and Wilkes counties in the N.C. House.

Go deeper: Breaking down the Supreme Court

Mecklenburg County Board of Commissioners District 2

You may vote for ONE. District 2 in west Charlotte is the only competitive commissioners' seat in this election.

Angela White Edwards (R) has run for county office multiple times.

Monifa "Mo" Drayton (D) beat longtime commissioner Vilma Leake in the Democratic primary.

Since all other commissioner seats are uncontested, the rest of the board is set to include at-large members Leigh Altman, Yvette Townsend-Ingram and Arthur Griffin Jr., as well as Morris "Mac" McAdoo (District 1), George Dunlap (District 3), Mark Jerrell (District 4), Charles DeLoach (District 5) and Susan Rodriguez-McDowell (District 6). All are Democrats.

Mecklenburg County Soil and Water Conservation

🏛️ Barbara Bleiweis has been chair since 2017 and also chairs the statewide Soil and Water Conservation Commission.

Michael Betterly says he has a background in business and agriculture.

Jillian King has suspended her campaign but will still appear on the ballot.

Alma Adams and Jack Codiga answer Axios' questions

Go deeper: Breaking down the constitutional amendments

Go deeper: Breaking down the Charlotte bonds

2026 Charlotte Voter Guide

Mecklenburg ballot spans from U.S. Senate to soil and water. Here's everything you're voting on.

Vote here sign in University City library in Charlotte, North Carolina

A polling place in University City in Charlotte. Photo: Laura Barrero/Axios

Mecklenburg County voters will help decide the open U.S. Senate seat, congressional and state legislative races, and constitutional amendments in this year&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="midterms" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/10/07/nc-voter-registration-deadline-2026" data-vars-content-id="bfa200b1-a529-47e3-beda-b3ca7a3db5b1" data-vars-headline="2026 Charlotte Voter Guide" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/10/07/nc-voter-registration-deadline-2026" target="_self">midterms</a>. Plus, Charlotte has a record $425 million in city bonds on the ballot.Why it matters: In this swing state, many of these positions could shake up party control in Washington and Raleigh. And down ballot, other decisions could affect your day-to-day life.

Democratic Rep. Alma Adams and Republican first-time candidate Jack Codiga are running for North Carolina's 12th Congressional District.

Why it matters: Adams is seeking a seventh full term at 80 years old in this blue-leaning district, while Codiga is throwing his name in as a 29-year-old political newcomer.

📍 The district mostly covers Charlotte.

Alma Adams: Democratic; 80. Family: 2 kids, 4 grandchildren, 1 great-grandchild. Education: NC A&T (BA, MA); OSU PhD. Hometown: Newark, NJ. Career: professor and legislator; arts advocate; proud AKA.

Profile: Jack Codiga. Rep, 29. Family: wife and daughter. Education: Finance & Real Estate, Santa Clara Univ. Hometown: Santa Cruz, CA. Career: commercial real estate mortgage banker. Interests: basketball, paddleboarding, cooking.

Adams: This President, the Supreme Court, and Republicans in Congress as well as in state legislatures across the country have taken a chainsaw to the voting rights many fought and died for.

Congress must act to ensure that every American, regardless of race, age, gender, ZIP code, etc. has the right to vote and make their voice heard.

That's why I support the passage of the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, which would protect the rights of every American to participate in our democracy.

Codiga: AI and data privacy can get overlooked, but we need to act now. Companies already profit from tracking us and selling our data, and AI is pouring gas on the fire with its surveillance capabilities.

Locally, Flock cameras have drawn attention, but it's a shame cities and states have to fight these battles instead of having federal protections against invasive surveillance practices.

We need a Digital Bill of Rights rooted in timeless principles, like the Fourth Amendment's protection against unreasonable searches and seizures, to end surveillance capitalism and ensure technology serves us rather than controls us.

Adams: There are many issues facing our district, ranging from affordable housing to access to affordable and quality healthcare, but one of the first actions Congress should take is to restore the funding to SNAP, WIC and other nutrition assistance programs that were cut by One Big Ugly Bill.

Those cuts have been devastating to our district and must be restored to ensure that everyone has access to safe and nutritious food.

Codiga: Charlotte's biggest issue is affordability. We need to address the most pressing problems now while building an economy where people can have stable ground.

Let's use health care as an example. Years of consolidation have left fewer companies controlling more of our health care system. We can take practical steps now by increasing competition and price transparency and allowing health insurers to compete across state lines.

The vision we need is to have a dollar that holds its value. Our government's $40 trillion debt and continued deficit spending contribute to the declining purchasing power of our money, leaving us worse off.

Adams: The Democratic Party is a big tent party and there are many disagreements individual members have with each other. But I don't vote for policies because my party supports them. I'm a member of the Democratic Party because the policies that I value and that I champion through my 4 H's (Housing, Health care, Higher Education, and Hunger) are reflected in the work of the Democratic Party.

Codiga: Israel's influence over American politics. The Republican establishment tries to quash dissent on this issue, as we saw with Thomas Massie in his May primary, where Israel-aligned money was used against him.

One basic reform I believe Americans of any party should support is prohibiting foreign-connected interest groups from spending money on our elections, even if their funding comes from Americans. Our elections should focus on American interests.

Grayscale ballot showing US House of Representatives District 12 with You may vote for ONE. First option: Jack Codiga (Republican Party); second option: Alma S. Adams (Democratic Party).

Breaking down the ballot: U.S. House District 12

A political newcomer is challenging Charlotte's longtime Democratic rep.

Split image with blue tint on the left: an older woman wearing a hat, glasses, and blazer. On the right, a smiling man in a suit on an escalator with a red tint and office backdrop.

Alma Adams (left) and Jack Codiga (right). Photos: Courtesy of candidates

Democratic Rep. <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Alma Adams" data-vars-click-url="https://almaadamsforcongress.com/" data-vars-content-id="e823e06e-14c6-4e58-b609-a615d327f2cf" data-vars-headline="Breaking down the ballot: U.S. House District 12" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://almaadamsforcongress.com/" target="_blank">Alma Adams</a> and Republican first-time candidate <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Jack Codiga" data-vars-click-url="https://ihatepolitics.com/" data-vars-content-id="e823e06e-14c6-4e58-b609-a615d327f2cf" data-vars-headline="Breaking down the ballot: U.S. House District 12" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://ihatepolitics.com/" target="_blank">Jack Codiga</a> are running for North Carolina&#x27;s 12th Congressional District.Why it matters: Adams is seeking a seventh full term at 80 years old in this blue-leaning district, while Codiga is throwing his name in as a 29-year-old political newcomer.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Breaking down the ballot: U.S. House District 8

Harris faces a challenge from Democrat Colby Watson and Green Party member Bo Whitehead.

Rep. Mark Harris. Photo: Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images

Republican U.S. Rep. Mark Harris is seeking <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="reelection" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/10/13/mecklenburg-midterms-voter-guide-election-senate-house" data-vars-content-id="f17173cc-1265-4b19-87bb-1908f644255d" data-vars-headline="Breaking down the ballot: U.S. House District 8" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/charlotte/2026/10/13/mecklenburg-midterms-voter-guide-election-senate-house" target="_self">reelection</a> in North Carolina&#x27;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 <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="absentee ballot fraud" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2019/02/26/mark-harris-north-carolina-house-seat-fraud-inquiry" data-vars-content-id="f17173cc-1265-4b19-87bb-1908f644255d" data-vars-headline="Breaking down the ballot: U.S. House District 8" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2019/02/26/mark-harris-north-carolina-house-seat-fraud-inquiry" target="_self">absentee ballot fraud</a>. Now, he faces a potentially easier path to a second term in the heavily Republican district.

Alexandria Sands

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