(The Center Square) – Nearly $2 million in contributions have flowed into the 11th Congressional District race for North Carolina, where Democrat Caleb Rudow is challenging Republican U.S. Rep. Chuck Edwards.
Seeking a second term, the incumbent has raised $1.4 million to Rudow’s nearly $600,000 through the end of the quarter ending Sept. 30. Edwards has just more than double Rudow’s cash on hand, with $400,000 remaining compared to Rudow’s $170,000.
Edwards has spent more than $1 million. Rudow has spent $400,000 since the beginning of his campaign, according to the Federal Election Commission.
Republicans have reason to be confident in Edwards’ chances – the party has held the seat since 2010.
Yet, in the last few elections, Democrats have been slowly narrowing the Republican’s win margin. In 2022, Edwards won by just 30,000 votes.
With Election Day just 15 days away, this race is one of a few that could determine the makeup of North Carolina’s delegation to the U.S. House. Currently, seven Democrats and seven Republicans represent the state.
Edwards is running on his record, saying “hard work, real solutions, and action” are the keys to bringing “western North Carolina values and solutions to D.C.”
His campaign is prioritizing closing the border, reforming Washington, and ending “Bidenomics.”
On the other hand, Rudow has called for a change in political leadership in the district.
His priorities include “universal access to health care,” stopping “government overreach,” and conserving “our environment.”
Rudow currently serves as a state representative in North Carolina House District 116.
Encompassing much of western North Carolina, District 11 had great devastation from Hurricane Helene.
Because of that, Edwards announced he will be turning his focus away from campaigning to focus on serving the people in his district.
“My complete focus is on the needs of western North Carolinians after Hurricane Helene,” Edwards said on social media. “Now is not the time to be campaigning, which is why I am announcing a suspension of all campaign activity. Although I am suspending campaign operations, I hope you will continue to keep me in mind at the ballot box next month.”
This is merely a suspension of campaigning for Edwards, who is still running for reelection and will appear on the ballot.
With early voting in North Carolina starting last week and having record numbers, Rudow is remaining optimistic and encouraging voters to get out.
“In spite of all that is happening WNC, we are in this to win it and get real representation for the NC-11,” he said on social media.
Rudow also called out Edwards for still appearing with former President Donald Trump at a press conference in western North Carolina.
“My opponent said he suspended his campaign because of Helene,” he posted. “He also organized a press conference for President Trump in a disaster zone. Come on, Chuck Edwards, you know better.”
