Politics in the Tar Heel State is basically a full-contact sport. If you’ve been paying attention lately, the North Carolina 13th congressional district is the perfect example of how fast things can shift. One year it’s a "toss-up" swing seat that keeps pundits up at night, and the next, it’s a Republican stronghold. Honestly, trying to keep track of the boundaries is like trying to nail Jell-O to a wall.
Right now, in early 2026, the district is represented by Brad Knott. He’s a former federal prosecutor who jumped into the deep end of politics during the 2024 cycle. He didn't just jump; he won big. After a wild primary where his main opponent, Kelly Daughtry, dropped out following a Trump endorsement for Knott, he sailed through the general election with over 58% of the vote.
The Shape-Shifting Map
You can't talk about this district without talking about gerrymandering. It’s the elephant in the room. Or maybe the donkey, depending on who you’re asking.
Back in 2022, the 13th was a competitive "least-change" map. It was represented by Wiley Nickel, a Democrat who managed to win a tight race against Bo Hines. But then the North Carolina General Assembly got to work. They redrew the lines in late 2023, and suddenly, the 13th went from a R+2 partisan lean to a much "redder" R+8 or R+9.
The current 13th district covers a huge chunk of central North Carolina. It includes:
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- Johnston County (the heart of the district's conservative base)
- Parts of Wake County (the suburban sprawl around Raleigh)
- Harnett, Lee, and Franklin counties
- Rural stretches in Caswell, Person, and Granville
It’s a mix. You have the rapid growth of places like Clayton and Fuquay-Varina clashing with the quiet, tobacco-road history of the northern counties.
Who is Brad Knott?
Brad Knott isn't your typical career politician. He spent years in the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina. He prosecuted drug cartels. He went after human traffickers. When he talks about "law and order," it’s not just a campaign slogan; it’s literally what he did for a living before moving to Washington.
In the 119th Congress, Knott has secured spots on the House Judiciary Committee and the Transportation & Infrastructure Committee. These aren't just random assignments. For a district like the 13th—which is seeing massive population growth and deals with the I-40/I-95 corridor—transportation is life.
The 2026 Election Outlook
Believe it or not, we’re already looking at the 2026 midterms. The filing deadline passed in December 2025, and the field is set.
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Knott is running for re-election, and most experts—including the folks at the Cook Political Report and Sabato’s Crystal Ball—rate this as "Solid Republican" or "Safe Republican." The primary is scheduled for March 3, 2026. While Knott faces a primary challenge from Sid Sharma, his incumbency and that 2024 Trump endorsement make him a very tough target to hit.
On the Democratic side, three candidates are vying for the chance to take him on: Paul Barringer, Alexander Nicholi, and Frank Pierce. Pierce is a familiar name; he was the Democratic nominee who lost to Knott in 2024. Barringer has shown some fundraising muscle, reporting over $400,000 in receipts by late 2025, which is nothing to sneeze at for a challenger in a tough district.
Why this district matters for the national stage
Why should someone in California or New York care about what happens in Johnston County? Because North Carolina is the ultimate "purple" state. Even if the 13th is currently drawn to favor one party, the voter turnout here affects the statewide races—like the upcoming Senate battles or the 2024 Governor’s race where Josh Stein won despite the district’s Republican lean.
The 13th is a bellwether for how suburban voters are feeling. If those voters in southern Wake County start trending away from the GOP, even a "safe" seat can start feeling warm.
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Real Issues on the Ground
If you walk into a diner in Smithfield or a coffee shop in Youngsville, people aren't usually arguing about "partisan indices." They’re talking about inflation. They’re talking about the fact that it takes twice as long to get to Raleigh as it did five years ago because the roads haven't kept up with the houses.
Knott has focused heavily on:
- Crime and Public Safety: Drawing on his prosecutor background.
- Economic Growth: Specifically pushing for "no tax on tips," a policy that gained a lot of traction with local service workers in Clayton.
- Border Security: A major talking point that resonates deeply with the base in the rural parts of the district.
Actionable Insights for Voters
If you live in the North Carolina 13th congressional district, here is what you need to know for the 2026 cycle:
- Check Your Registration: The deadline to register for the primary is February 6, 2026. Do not wait until the last minute.
- Early Voting: You can vote early starting February 12, 2026. This is usually the easiest way to avoid lines, especially in the growing Wake and Johnston precincts.
- Photo ID is Required: North Carolina now requires a photo ID to vote. A standard driver's license works, but make sure it’s not expired.
- Follow the Money: Keep an eye on the FEC filings. As of early 2026, Knott has a significant cash-on-hand advantage, but the Democratic primary winner will likely see a surge of "Blue No Matter Who" funding once the nominee is settled in May (if a runoff occurs).
The North Carolina 13th congressional district is no longer the "wild west" of swing districts, but it remains a fascinating study in American demographics. It is where the suburban "soccer mom" meets the rural farmer, and where a former prosecutor is trying to prove that a law-and-order platform is the key to long-term political survival.
Keep an eye on the March 3rd primary results. It will tell us a lot about whether the local GOP is still fully in the "Trump-endorsed" camp or if there’s an appetite for something different.
Next Steps for Residents:
Locate your specific polling place through the North Carolina State Board of Elections (NCSBE) website. Because of the recent redistricting, your "usual" spot might have changed. Use the "Voter Search" tool to confirm your current district and see a sample ballot before you head to the polls on March 3rd.