RALEIGH — Two well-known candidates jumped into the 10th District Republican primary after the surprise retirement announcement of U.S. Rep. Patrick McHenry last week.
Pat Harrigan, who ran for Congress in 2022 and appeared to be locked in a race against N.C. House Speaker Tim Moore for the 14th District seat, quickly announced a move north.
“Following Congressman McHenry’s retirement, I’m running for Congress in North Carolina’s 10th District. Join me in fighting for a future that’s true to our values and the America we cherish,” Harrigan said on X.
Harrigan also announced he had hired McHenry’s former campaign manager in the contest.
On Monday, Dec. 11, state Rep. Grey Mills of Iredell County joined the race.
“I have filed to run for the United States Congress to represent my home — North Carolina’s 10th District,” Mills posted on Facebook.
Mills is a veteran of the General Assembly with two separate stints in Raleigh representing parts of Iredell County.
As of Tuesday, Dec. 12, a total of three candidates have filed for the GOP primary. The third candidate is Diana Jimison of Hickory.
