GRNC-PVF 2024 Primary Recommendations

2024 GRNC-PVF Candidate Recommendations

(Listings include only districts with primary races)

 

Candidate recommendations versus evaluations: Below are recommendations for effective voting strategies by the Grass Roots North Carolina Political Victory Fund. Candidate recommendations, which are more limited than blanket “endorsements,” are not made in all races, only in races where a clear pro-gun candidate stands out or where strategic voting is necessary to keep anti-gun candidates out of office. Note that in most cases, even pro-gun candidates are not included unless they have a primary election challenger.

 

Recommendations differ from GRNC candidate evaluations. While the evaluations are intended to provide an objective measure of where candidates stand on Second Amendment issues, GRNC–PVF recommendations are analytical and therefore subject to interpretation.

 

For a full explanation of GRNC’s objective star evaluations, go to:

https://www.grnc.org/remember-in-november/grnc-candidate-evaluations-2024

 

Important notes:

  1. Candidates who lack voting records or other history on Second Amendment issues and who fail to return GRNC’s candidate survey automatically receive a 0-star evaluation on the assumption that they are hiding their position from gun voters. Every election year, we receive complaints about ostensibly pro-gun candidates who receive zero star evaluations due to failure to return the survey. Each candidate is mailed a survey to the address he or she registered with the State Board of Elections. If they fail to return the survey, we cannot help candidates who will not help themselves.

  2. GRNC-PVF candidate recommendations generally are NOT blanket endorsements. We have analyzed nearly 200 races across the state. Unless otherwise stipulated, GRNC does not evaluate candidates on issues other than support for the Second Amendment. A GRNC-PVF recommendation does NOT reflect the candidate’s stance on other issues, and it does not reflect likelihood of winning a given race. The recommendation is merely our estimate of which candidate in a given race is most pro-gun.

  3. GRNC-PVF candidate recommendations are not given in all races. They are given only for races in which there are clear differences between the Second Amendment stances of candidates and are generally not provided for races in which a candidate is unopposed.

  4. Candidate evaluation listings: After each candidate’s name, his or her voting record (if applicable) or survey score is placed in parentheses along with their GRNC star evaluation (e.g. ****). “NR” indicates the candidate refused to return GRNC’s survey. Survey scores and voting records are expressed in percent (e.g. “survey: 92” is a survey score of 92%). If the candidate lacks a voting record, he or she gets a 0-star evaluation on the presumption that they are hiding their position.

  5. Recommended candidates: Recommended candidates’ names are printed in bold, upper case font (e.g. JOE SMITH).

  6. Vote all races: Although some races might appear to be unrelated to 2nd Amendment interests, you should vote against anti-2A candidates in order to stunt their political careers, regardless of the race.

 

Voter deadlines and instructions:

  • Feb 9 (5 PM): Deadline for voter registration or to update registration (e.g. for an address change). Click here for details. To check your voter registration, click here. Note: If you are registered as “unaffiliated,” you may vote in either the Democrat or Republican primary election.

  • Feb 15: Primary election One Stop Early Voting begins. Click here for details. Click here to find your One Stop Early Voting place.

  • Feb 27 (5 PM): Last day to submit an absentee ballot request form. Click here for information on voting by mail.

  • March 2 (3 PM): In-person One Stop Early Voting ends. This is last date you can both register and vote at same time.

  • March 5, 2022 (6:30 AM – 7:30 PM): Primary Election Day: Click here to find your polling place on Election Day.

 

GRNC-PVF CANDIDATE RECOMMENDATIONS

FEDERAL RACES

US HOUSE

 

Unfortunately, leftists are still filing litigation against congressional districts, trying once again to deprive you of the political districts you sent representatives to the General Assembly to draw. Barring successful litigation, however, the districts and races where you can make a difference are listed below.

 

District 1 (R): In this swing district, the Republican primary features 2 candidates, both of whom returned GRNC’s candidate survey: Laurie Buckhout (96%, GRNC ****), Sandy Smith (99%, ****), with the winner running against incumbent Democrat Don Davis (GRNC 0-star). Both Republicans list support for the 2nd Amendment on their websites, so GRNC-PVF has no recommendation in this race.

 

District 2 (R): In this solidly Democrat district, the winner of the Republican primary will unfortunately face incumbent Deborah Ross (GRNC 0-star) in the General. Of three Republican candidates, only Eugene F. Douglass (96%, ****) returned the GRNC survey. GRNC-PVF recommends EUGENE F DOUGLASS.

 

District 3 (R): In this solidly Republican district, incumbent Greg Murphy (survey: 94%, voting: 92%, ****) has no primary opponent.

 

District 4 (R): In what is the most Democrat district in NC, with a Republican primary winner who will face Valerie Foushee (GRNC 0-star) in the General, GRNC-PVF recommends MAHESH (MAX) GANORKAR (survey: 100%, ***) over Eric Blankenburg (survey: NR, 0-star).

 

District 5 (R): In this solidly Republican district, GRNC-PVF recommends incumbent VIRGINIA FOXX (survey: 100%, voting: 92%, ****) over challenger Ryan Mayberry (survey: 100%, ****), but notes that Foxx has dropped gun votes in recent sessions of Congress and should be watched carefully.

 

District 6 (R): In this open seat in a now-Republican district with no Democrats running, whomever wins the Republican Primary will go to Washington. And as a demonstration of the increasing importance of GRNC evaluations in NC political races, all six Republican challengers submitted GRNC’s candidate survey, and all with scores of 100%, suggesting that any of them would be 2nd Amendment voters. However, the standout, who also hunts and vows to protect the 2nd Amendment on his website, as well as touting an endorsement by Donald Trump, is Addison McDowell (survey: 100%, ****). Accordingly, GRNC-PVF recommends ADDISON MCDOWELL.

 

District 7 (R): In this Republican-leaning district, incumbent David Rouzer (votes: 92%, ****) does not face a primary opponent.

 

District 8 (R): In this open seat in a Republican district, four of six candidates submitted GRNC’s candidate survey, all with scores of 98% or better. However, only one has a 100% voting record while serving in the NC House. GRNC-PVF recommends JOHN BRADFORD (survey: 100%, votes: 100%, ****).

 

District 9 (R): In this Republican-leaning district, incumbent Richard Hudson has improved his voting record (survey: 100%, votes: 92%, ****), and is faced with challenger Troy Tarazon (survey: 100%). Given that votes are a better indicator than survey scores, plus Hudson’s history of sponsoring pro-gun legislation, GRNC-PVF recommends RICHARD HUDSON.

 

District 10 (R): In this Republican-leaning district, the race for the open seat left by departing Patrick McHenry features six Republican contenders, all of whom submitted GRNC’s candidate survey with scores of 99% or higher. The party favorite, endorsed by former NC House Speaker Tim Moore, is Grey Mills (survey: 100%, votes: 100%, ****), who is leaving a NC House seat to run for Congress. But party favorites are often not the strongest 2A candidates. In this race, the standout is Pat Harrigan (survey: 100%, ****) who, by virtue of running a company that manufactures AR-15s and other firearms, is most likely to be a 2nd Amendment leader. GRNC-PVF recommends PAT HARRIGAN.

 

District 11 (R): In this Republican-leaning district, incumbent Chuck Edwards (survey: 100%, votes: 100%, ****) is being challenged by Christian Reagan (survey: 100%, ****). Although Edwards has angered some conservatives with votes on non-2nd Amendment issues, he has a 100% pro-gun voting record and a history of sponsoring pro-gun legislation. GRNC-PVF recommends CHUCK EDWARDS.

 

District 12: In this heavily Democrat district, only Addul Ali (survey: 96%, ****) registered as a Republican contender to longtime leftist Alma Adams.

 

District 13 (R): The race for this newly-drawn and heavily Republican district (formerly held by Democrat Wiley Nickel, 0-star) is truly a free-for-all, with 14 (yes, 14) Republicans running for the nomination and only one Democrat. Of the 14, 7 submitted GRNC’s candidate survey, with 6 earning a 4-star evaluation. GOP strategists reportedly claim the 4 serious contenders are DeVan Barber, (survey: 98%, ****), Kelly Daughtry (survey: NR, 0-star), Brad Knott (survey: 100%, ****), and Fred Von Canon (survey: 92%, ****). Of the three who submitted GRNC’s survey, only Knott touts defense of the 2nd Amendment as a campaign issue. Knott was also the only candidate to earn a perfect 100% on his survey. GRNC-PVF recommends BRAD KNOTT.

 

District 14: It is widely conjectured that, in redistricting, NC House Speaker Tim Moore (survey: 93%, votes: 100%, ***) drew this Republican-leaning district for himself. He is clearly the favored candidate in name-recognition, money, and party support, making him the overwhelmingly likely victor. But Moore, who started his career with a perfect 100% pro-gun voting record, has dropped to three stars (***) in recent years due to unwillingness to give certain pro-gun bills committee hearings. In 2023, he pulled permitless concealed carry bill HB 189 from its calendared floor vote at the last minute despite it having cleared two committee hearings. While Moore will probably make a good congressman and will certainly get GRNC-PVF support in the General Election, we cannot reward marginal performance in leadership. GRNC-PVF recommends opponent JEFF GREGORY (survey: 98%, ****).

 

 STATE RACES 

 

NC EXECUTIVE BRANCH

 

NC Governor (R): The Republican primary for governor has presented GRNC with a conundrum. Two candidates have distinguished themselves as Second Amendment supporters in the race, leaving our board of directors divided on which to recommend. On one hand, NC State Treasurer Dale Folwell compiled a 100% pro-gun voting record, GRNC survey scores averaging 96%, and a history of co-sponsoring pro-gun legislation while in the NC House, and has publicly called for constitutional carry, giving him GRNC’s highest 4-star evaluation (****).

 

On the other, Lt. Governor Mark Robinson first gained national attention with his impassioned plea for gun rights to the Greensboro City Council, coauthored an op-ed with GRNC President Paul Valone calling for repeal of our Jim Crow-era pistol purchase permit law, garnered a 100% GRNC survey, and has come out publicly for gun rights, saying: “I got them AR-15s in case the government gets too big for its britches.”

 

Both candidates have expressed support for constitutional carry and have promised to advocate it to the General Assembly. However, only Folwell has said so in public. The third candidate, a millionaire conducting a largely self-funded campaign, is Bill Graham (Survey: NR, GRNC 0-star), supported by the “RINO” contingent of the Republican Party, including an endorsement by Sen. Thom Tillis (GRNC 0-star), who helped craft the so-called “Bipartisan Safer Communities Act” which Joe Biden is attempting to use as a back door to universal gun registration. Given the strong Second Amendment stances of both Folwell and Robinson, in the Republican gubernatorial primary, the GRNC Political Victory Fund recommends you vote AGAINST Bill Graham.

 

NC Governor (L): Rarely does one see a Libertarian primary, but two Libertarians have filed for the gubernatorial primary. Because Mike Ross (survey: 100%, ****) and Shannon Bray (survey: 96%, ****) both received 4-star evaluations, GRNC-PVF has no recommendation in this race.

 

NC Lt. Governor (R): Another free-for-all featuring 11 Republican candidates seeking the nomination, 8 answering GRNC’s candidate survey, with 7 earning a 4-star evaluation. Two candidates have voting histories in the NCGA (Deanna Ballard, survey: 100%, votes: 100%, **** and Jeffrey Elmore, survey: 97%, votes: 100%, ****), but in their time in the legislature, neither sponsored pro-gun legislation, suggesting the 2nd Amendment is a back-burner issue for them. The candidate who stands out for 2nd Amendment voters is Hal Weatherman (survey: 100%, ****) who, despite having never serving in office, has been chief-of-staff or district office manager for three pro-gun office-holders: Congressman Sue Myrick (****), Lt. Gov. Fan Forest (****) and Congressman Madison Cawthorn (****). GRNC-PVF recommends HAL WEATHERMAN.

 

NC Attorney General: Although there is no Republican primary for the seat presently held by leftist Josh Stein (0-star, who is now running for governor), the Republican contender stands tall as a voice for conservatives and gun owners. Dan Bishop (survey: 88%, votes, 100%, ****) has a long history of supporting the 2nd Amendment, first in the NC House, then the NC Senate, and presently in Congress. Bishop has sponsored numerous pro-gun bills and often voted for the 2nd Amendment even when others Republicans in NC’s congressional delegation did not. GRNC-PVF strongly recommends DAN BISHOP.

 

NC Commissioner Agriculture (R): GRNC-PVF recommends COLBY HAMMOND (survey: 96%, GRNC ****) because incumbent Steve Troxler (survey: 95%, 0-star) insisted on posting the NC State Fair against concealed carry even when statutory requirements to do so were repealed by GRNC.

 

NC State Auditor (R): This race is more important to gun rights than it might seem because the state auditor has the power to audit the offices of sheriffs who delay concealed handgun permits. As the only candidate in the race with a 100% pro-gun voting record and history of sponsoring pro-gun legislation GRNC-PVF recommends JEFF TARTE (vote record: 100%, survey: 95%, ****).

 

NC Commissioner of Insurance (R): GRNC-PVF recommends ROBERT BRAWLEY (votes: 100%, survey: 81%) over Andrew Marcus (survey: 100%, ****) due to Brawley’s 100% voting record in the NC House. Mike Causey (survey: NR, GRNC 0-star) refused to return the survey. The important factor in this primary is electing a candidate who can beat Democrat Natasha Marcus (votes: 0%, GRNC 0-star) in the General Election. Natasha (not Andrew) Marcus is a Bloomberg gun control shill whose political career needs to be stopped in its tracks.

 

NC Secretary of Labor (R): GRNC-PVF recommends JON HARDISTER (survey: 98%, VOTES: 100%, ****) who currently serves in the NC House, where he has a perfect voting record and a history of sponsoring pro-gun legislation.

 

NC Superintendent of Public Instruction (R): GRNC-PVF recommends MICHELE MORROW (survey: 97%, ****) over Catherine Truitt (survey: 99%, ****).

 

NC State Treasurer: GRNC-PVF recommends A.J. DOUD (survey: 90%, ****).

 

NC Secretary of State (R): GRNC-PVF recommends either CHAD BROWN (survey: 100%, ****) or CHRISTINE E. VILLAVERDE (survey: 100%, ****) over Jesse Thomas (survey: NR, 0-star).

 

NC JUDICIAL RACES

 

NC Supreme Court (R): This open seat being vacated by Michael Morgan (who is running for governor) is a potential Republican pickup which could make the NC Supreme Court 6-1 under Republican control, consolidating conservative principles from the Court for decades to come. Having long had support from GRNC-PVF in previous races, Republican Jefferson Griffin does not have a primary, but is highly worthy of support by 2nd Amendment voters. GRNC-PVF strongly recommends JEFFERSON GRIFFIN.

 

NC Court of Appeals Seat 12: There are no primaries for this race, securing the Republican nomination for former NC House representative Tom Murry (survey: 84%, votes: 100%, ****), who will likely get a GRNC-PVF recommendation in November.

 

NC Court of Appeals Seat 15 (R): GRNC-PVF recommends HUNTER MURPHY over Chris Freeman.

 

NC SENATE

 

District 03 (R): GRNC-PVF recommends MICHAEL SPECIALE (voting record: 100%, survey: 100%). In addition to a 100% recent voting record in the NC House, Speciale has a history of sponsoring pro-gun legislation and standing up to leadership for gun rights. He will be a leader for your rights in the NC Senate.

 

District 13 (R): Both Republican candidates, Vicki Harry and Scott Lassiter, submitted GRNC surveys with scores of 100%, earning 4-star evaluations. Because neither have voting records, GRNC-PVF has no recommendation in this race.

 

District 42 (R): GRNC-PVF recommends JAIME DANIEL (survey: 100%, ****) over Stacie McGinn (GRNC survey: 94%, ****).

 

District 45 (R): GRNC-PVF recommends MARK HOLLOW (survey: 99%, voting record: 100%, ****). Opponent Nancy Meek (survey 100%, ****) is reportedly pro-gun, but Hollo has both a perfect voting record while in the NC House, and a history of sponsoring pro-gun legislation.

 

NC HOUSE

 

District 9 (R): GRNC-PVF recommends TIMOTHY REEDER (votes: 100%, ****) over Tony Moore (GRNC survey: 94%, ****) due to priority of voting record over survey scores.

 

District 9 (D): In a rare case of a 4-star Democrat, GRNC-PVF recommends LENTON CREDELLE BROWN (survey: 100%, ****) over Claire Kempner (survey: NR, 0-star).

 

District 14 (R): Incumbent George Cleveland is one of the few long-term stalwart Second Amendment defenders of the NC House, with 100% voting record, repeated 100% survey score, and long history of sponsoring pro-gun legislation, more than earning a GRNC 4-star evaluation (****). GRNC-PVF strongly recommends GEORGE CLEVELAND over challenger Wyatt Gamble (GRNC survey: NR, 0-star).

 

District 25 (R): In a reversal of 2022, GRNC-PVF recommends YVONNE MCLEOD (survey: 88%, ***) over incumbent Allen Chesser (survey: 100%, votes: 100%, bill support: 50%, ***), after Chesser surprised both GRNC and other legislators with an attempted gun control amendment to the pistol purchase permit repeal.

 

District 35 (R): GRNC-PVF recommends MIKE SCHIETZELT (survey: 99%, ****) over James Norman (survey: 100%, ****). Although Schietzelt’s survey was an insignificant one point lower, his website features defense of the 2nd Amendment as a campaign platform, while Norman says nothing about defending your rights.

 

District 48 (R): GRNC-PVF recommends MELISSA SWARBRICK (survey: 96%, ****) over James Diaz (survey: 90%, ****).

 

District 55 (R): Because voting record is a better measure of candidates than survey scores, GRNC-PVF recommends MARK BRODY (survey: 96%, votes: 100%, ****) over Richard T. Miller (GRNC survey: 91%, ****) and Arthur L. McDonald (survey: 80%, ***).

 

District 59 (R): GRNC-PVF recommends ALLEN CHAPELL (survey: 91%, ****) over Alan Branson (survey: 80%, ***).

 

District 62 (R): In his last service in the NC House, John Blust started off pro-gun. But over time, his voting record sagged to only 81%. Accordingly, GRNC-PVF recommends ANN SCHNEIDER (SURVEY: 99%, ****) over John Blust (survey: 100%, votes: 81%). Jaxon Barber, Michelle C. Bardsley, and Britt W. Moore all refused to return GRNC’s candidate survey, earning only GRNC’s lowest 0-star evaluation.

 

District 65 (R): GRNC-PVF recommends A. REECE PYRTLE, JR. (GRNC survey: 97%, votes: 100%, ****) over Joseph A. Gibson III (GRNC survey: 96, ****).

 

District 67 (R): GRNC-PVF recommends CODY HUNEYCUTT (survey: 95%, ****) over Brandon King (survey: NR, 0-star).

 

District 67 (R): GRNC-PVF recommends DEAN ARP (survey: 100%, votes: 100%, ****) over Clint Cannaday (survey: 88%, ***).

 

District 73 (R): GRNC-PVF recommends JONATHAN ALMOND (survey: 98%, ****) over Holly Edwards (survey: NR, 0-star).

 

NC House District 82 (R): Due to a 100% voting record and a history of sponsoring pro-gun legislation, GRNC-PVF recommends KEVIN CRUTCHFIELD (survey: 85%, voting record: 100%, ****) over Brian Echevarria (survey: 100%, ****)

 

District 83 (R): GRNC-PVF recommends BRAD JENKINS (GRNC survey: 100%, ****) over Grant Campbell (survey: NR, 0-star).

 

District 84 (R): Due to a 100% voting record and a history of sponsoring pro-gun legislation, GRNC-PVF recommends JEFF MCNEELY (survey: 93%, voting record: 100%, ****) over Doug Gallina (survey: NR, 0-star).

 

District 94 (R): GRNC-PVF recommends either BLAIR EDDINS (survey: 96%, ****) or DWIGHT SHOOK (survey: 96%, ****) over Stoney Green (survey: NR, 0-star) and Larry Yoder (survey: NR, 0-star).

 

District 110 (R): GRNC-PVF recommends KELLY HASTINGS (survey: 100%, voting record: 100%, ****) over Esther Scott (survey: NR, 0-star).

 

District 111 (R): GRNC-PVF recommends either DAVID ALLEN (survey: 100%, ****) or PAUL BRINTLEY (survey: 100%, ****) over Scott Neisler (survey: NR, 0-star) and Paul Scott (survey: NR, 0-star).

 

NC LOCAL ELECTIONS

 

Cabarrus County Board of Commissioners: Although GRNC-PVF does not ordinarily make recommendations in local races, in this case we have a stalwart candidate who until recently served in the NC House. With a long history of pro-gun sponsorship and votes supporting gun right even in opposition to his party leadership, GRNC-PVF strongly recommends LARRY PITTMAN (survey: 100%, votes: 100%),

 

This message supporting the above-named candidates was authorized and paid for solely by the Grass Roots North Carolina Political Victory Fund. Not authorized by any candidate or candidate committee.

 

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