NC-03: Put up or shut up time

 

It’s easy to talk a lot of junk.  It’s another thing altogether to pay a filing fee and sign your name on the dotted line.  The filing for the special election to replace the late Walter Jones in the US House of Representatives kicked off today.

So far, we have TWO Democrats and FOUR Republicans who have stepped forward.

New Bern mayor Dana Outlaw was a surprise Democrat filer.   He pulled out a reelection victory in 2017 in a tight, three-way race.  He’ll be joined by Ike Johnson (D) of Jacksonville,  a retired Marine who provided state Rep. George Cleveland (R) with a spirited challenge in 2018.

There really were no surprises on the GOP side of the fence.   State Reps.  Mike Speciale (R-Craven) and Greg Murphy (R-Pitt) filed today.  Perennial candidate Phil Law, a second place finisher in the 2018 GOP primary for this seat, has also filed.   Michele Nix of Kinston, who announced her resignation as NCGOP vice-chairman this week, rounded out today’s foursome of GOP filers today.

This district leans strongly Republican.  So, the eventual winner will likely come from the GOP field.

Filing continues through the end of the week.  Keep in mind that there are also slots available for Green, Libertarian, and Constitution Party members, as well as unaffiliated candidates.   The NC-03 primaries will take place on April 30.  The runoff (if no one reaches 30 percent) or general election will be held on July 9.  September 10 will be the general election IF a runoff has to be held. 

A filing and election schedule has been announced for the Ninth District’s special election as well.    Filing for the Ninth District will take place between March 11 and March 15.  The primary will be held on May 14.  September 10 will be the runoff (if no one reaches 30 percent) or possibly the general election.    November 5 will be the general election IF a runoff is required.