Four NC Democrats want to take longtime Rep. Richard Hudson’s seat in Congress
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Four Democrats face off in the 2026 primary to replace Rep. Richard Hudson.
- Republican NRCC chair Hudson has served in Congress since 2013.
- Democratic candidates explain how they view policy issues affecting North Carolina.
To help voters learn which candidates are on their ballot and where they stand on important policy issues, The News & Observer is publishing candidate questionnaires in all state and federal races in North Carolina on the March 3, 2026, ballot.
Rep. Richard Hudson is running unopposed among Republicans, so there is no GOP primary. Hudson, of Southern Pines, has represented North Carolina in Congress since 2013.
But four Democrats are hoping to take his place in Congress and are facing off on March 3 against one another. They include Loren Bibler, Nigel Bristow, Richard Ojeda and Lent Carr.
Below are the candidates running for U.S. House District 9 who responded to our questionnaire, in order by the date their responses were received. Some candidates did not provide a photo.
Loren Bibler
Age as of March 3, 2026: 30
Political party: Democrat
Campaign website: Biblerforprogress.com
Current occupation: Agronomist
Professional experience: 15 years
Education: Bachelor of arts in political science, associate in applied sciences in turfgrass management.
Please list any notable government or civic involvement: I have participated in numerous marches, as well as being an active voter.
What would be your top priority if elected? My top priority if elected is rebuilding the middle class and strengthening workers’ rights.
Republican and Democratic candidates often explain the state of the economy differently. How do you see it and what, if anything, would you do that you believe would improve it? For my entire life, 30 years, the wealth gap in our economy has widened with each presidential administration. Congress has forfeited many of its Article I powers by lack of action. I will use my elected office to bolster Congress to reassert its power and duties to our country.
In 2025, Congress caused the longest government shutdown in U.S. history. What should members of Congress do to prevent this in the future and how important is it for Congress to pass a budget? Members of Congress can prevent a shutdown by understanding the body politic does not answer to the executive branch. Also, I would support legislation that allows Congress and the Federal Reserve to forecast how interest rate adjustments and inflation impact the national debt; currently those two entities are not able to communicate this information.
Lawmakers have been at odds on Capitol Hill over health care coverage for Americans. Where do you stand on Medicaid coverage and Affordable Care Act subsidies? I believe that until we enshrine health services as a constitutional right, I fully support strengthening Medicaid coverage and the Affordable Care Act subsidies.
Should the president go before Congress before taking military action in foreign countries? Absolutely. Only Congress has the ability to declare war; the line between “military action” and an “attack of a sovereign nation” has become too opaque since the war on terror started in the George W. Bush administration.
Do you support the tactics that the Trump administration has used in immigration enforcement? Do you believe the immigration crackdown has had collateral effects for residents with legal status? I do not support the tactics the Trump administration has used in their “immigration enforcement.” We are seeing in real time the effects of the untrained federal agents roaming the streets. The Trump administration has changed the training criteria multiple times in order to meet recruitment numbers.
Do you believe oversight of public education should be left up to individual states? While I do believe oversight of public education can be administered by state officials, I believe that national standards and agreement of curriculum are up for debate.
Is there an issue on which you disagree with your party? What is your position on that issue? I do not agree with the Democratic Party continuing to send military aid to Israel. The Israeli government has only changed action when pressured by the media on the ground in Gaza. I believe an additional condition for aid is to allow media organizations to cover what is happening on the ground.
Nigel Bristow
Age as of March 3, 2026: 55
Political party: Democrat
Campaign website: NigelBristowforCongress.com
Current occupation: Chief probation parole officer
Professional experience: I am a public servant and community advocate with experience in criminal justice, reentry work and nonprofit leadership. I have worked directly with returning citizens, families, faith communities and local organizations to expand access to jobs, housing and support services. My professional background centers on accountability, problem-solving and coalition-building — skills I will bring to Congress to deliver practical solutions for North Carolina’s 9th District.
Education: Bachelor of science in criminal justice from John Jay College.
Please list any notable government or civic involvement.: (1) Richmond County Reentry Council, member. (2) Ashley Chapel Community Center, volunteer and community supporter. (3) New Horizons Life and Family Services, board-level and program supporter. (4) Anson–Union Counties Reentry Council, member. (5) Livingston Chapel Missionary Baptist Church, deacon. (6) The Laymen’s League, member.
What would be your top priority if elected? My top priority would be lowering the cost of living for working families in North Carolina’s 9th District — starting with protecting Social Security and Medicare, expanding affordable health care, and fighting for good-paying jobs. I will focus on policies that put people first, strengthen democracy and ensure government works for those who work hard every day.
Republican and Democratic candidates often explain the state of the economy differently. How do you see it and what, if anything, would you do that you believe would improve it? The economy may look strong on paper, but too many families in North Carolina’s 9th District are struggling with rising costs, stagnant wages and economic uncertainty. I believe the economy should work for people, not just corporations. I would fight to lower everyday costs, raise wages, strengthen workers’ rights, invest in infrastructure and clean energy jobs, and ensure the wealthy and large corporations pay their fair share, so working families can get ahead — not just get by.
In 2025, Congress caused the longest government shutdown in U.S. history. What should members of Congress do to prevent this in the future and how important is it for Congress to pass a budget? Government shutdowns are a failure of leadership that hurt working families, veterans, federal employees and small businesses. Congress must pass timely, responsible budgets and stop using shutdowns as political leverage. I support bipartisan budget agreements, automatic continuing resolutions to prevent shutdowns and holding members accountable for putting ideology over people. Passing a budget is essential to economic stability, national security and restoring trust in government.
Lawmakers have been at odds on Capitol Hill over health care coverage for Americans. Where do you stand on Medicaid coverage and Affordable Care Act subsidies? I strongly support protecting and expanding Medicaid and maintaining enhanced Affordable Care Act subsidies. Health care is a basic human right, not a privilege. Medicaid expansion has saved lives and strengthened rural hospitals, and ACA subsidies help working families afford coverage. I oppose cuts that would increase uninsured rates and will fight to expand access, lower costs, and move us toward universal coverage.
Should the president go before Congress before taking military action in foreign countries? Yes. The Constitution gives Congress — not the president alone — the authority to declare war. Except in cases of an immediate threat to the United States, presidents should seek congressional authorization before taking military action. This ensures accountability, transparency and that decisions about war reflect the will of the people.
Do you support the tactics that the Trump administration has used in immigration enforcement? Do you believe the immigration crackdown has had collateral effects for residents with legal status? No. The Trump administration’s enforcement tactics have been reckless and harmful, creating fear in communities and workplaces. These policies have had serious collateral consequences for lawful residents, mixed-status families and U.S. citizens — discouraging people from seeking health care, reporting crimes, or participating in civic life. We need humane, lawful immigration enforcement that respects due process and keeps families and communities safe.
Do you believe oversight of public education should be left up to individual states? No. While states play an important role in education, the federal government has a responsibility to ensure equal access, civil rights protections and fair funding for every student — regardless of ZIP code. Federal oversight is essential to prevent discrimination, address inequities and ensure all children receive a quality public education.
Is there an issue on which you disagree with your party? What is your position on that issue? Yes. While I align strongly with Democratic values, I believe the party must do more to consistently center working-class and rural communities in policymaking. Too often, policies are designed without fully accounting for how they land outside major urban areas. I believe solutions must be practical, accessible and shaped by the people most affected — not just well-intentioned, top-down approaches.
Richard Ojeda
Age as of March 3, 2026: 55
Political party: Democrat
Campaign website: https://www.ojedafornc.com/
Current occupation: Retired - U.S. Army
Professional experience: I served 24 years in the U.S. Army, achieving the rank of major. After retirement, I taught junior ROTC in my local high school.
Education: I have obtained two degrees. A bachelor of arts in general studies and a master of arts in business and organizational security.
Please list any notable government or civic involvement: I have served as a state senator.
What would be your top priority if elected? My top priority is rebuilding an economy that works for working people, not corporations or billionaires. That starts with affordability, because wages have not kept pace with the cost of living. Families in North Carolina are being squeezed by housing, health care, child care and the rising price of putting food on the table. We must do better.
Republican and Democratic candidates often explain the state of the economy differently. How do you see it and what, if anything, would you do that you believe would improve it? I see an economy where working people are doing everything right and still falling behind. To improve it, I will fight to tie wages to the cost of living, make the first $45,000 of income tax-free, protect Social Security and Medicare, strengthen unions and rein in corporate price gouging so hard work actually pays off again.
In 2025, Congress caused the longest government shutdown in U.S. history. What should members of Congress do to prevent this in the future and how important is it for Congress to pass a budget? Passing a budget is Congress doing its job. In 2025, my opponent Rep. Richard Hudson and House Republicans held the government hostage to push devastating cuts to health care and essential services. Congress must pass budgets on time, reject shutdown tactics, and protect veterans, seniors, and working families from being used as leverage in political dog fights.
Editor’s note: Republicans passed a law in 2025 that cut Medicaid and did not extend enhanced Affordable Care Act subsidies. Democrats then demanded those decisions be reversed as part of any agreement to keep funding the federal government. Republicans refused, and the government shut down for weeks without a deal.
Lawmakers have been at odds on Capitol Hill over health care coverage for Americans. Where do you stand on Medicaid coverage and Affordable Care Act subsidies? I support expanding Medicaid and protecting Affordable Care Act subsidies because they keep millions of Americans insured, help seniors and people with disabilities, and keep rural hospitals open. I oppose any effort to cut or roll back coverage, and I will fight to strengthen Medicaid and ACA subsidies so health care stays affordable and accessible for working families.
Should the president go before Congress before taking military action in foreign countries? Yes. As someone who served 24 years in uniform, I know the cost of war is paid by the people who serve and the families who wait at home. The Constitution gives Congress the power to declare war, and presidents should not send Americans into harm’s way without accountability, debate and authorization.
Do you support the tactics that the Trump administration has used in immigration enforcement? Do you believe the immigration crackdown has had collateral effects for residents with legal status? No. These tactics are not about immigration, but they are about control. Trump has created a federal police force that answers to him and leaves death and fear in its wake. In Minneapolis, U.S. citizens Alex Pretti and Renée Good were shot and killed during “enforcement actions.” As the proud grandson of a Mexican immigrant, I know this kind of policy only gets innocent people killed and terrorizes entire communities.
Do you believe oversight of public education should be left up to individual states? No. Doing away with the Department of Education would deepen inequality. No child in America should receive a worse education simply because of where they live, and national standards protect students when states fail them. In North Carolina, we have a strong economy but some of the lowest paid teachers in the country, showing what happens when state leaders do not value educators or students like they do elsewhere.
Is there an issue on which you disagree with your party? What is your position on that issue? I do not put party over working people. If Democrats are wrong on an issue that hurts families in North Carolina, I will vote against them. That kind of courage is missing in today’s Republican Party. Richard Hudson and the MAGA majority follow orders no matter the damage it causes. That blind loyalty is exactly why we need new leadership.
Lent Carr II
Age as of March 3, 2026: 53
Political party: Democrat
Campaign website: www.LentCarrForUSCongress.com
Current occupation: U.S. congressional candidate, chancellor and professor at Emmaus Corp Embassy International University, and policy researcher leading a multidisciplinary education and public policy institution. My work centers on legislative drafting, economic analysis, and community advocacy focused on expanding opportunity, protecting civil rights, and designing evidence-based reforms that strengthen working families in North Carolina’s 9th District.
Professional experience: I bring experience in higher education leadership, nonprofit administration, policy research, and community advocacy. I have developed legislative proposals, managed institutional operations, and led public initiatives addressing health care access, economic mobility, and civil rights. My professional background integrates scholarship with practical governance solutions designed for measurable public impact. Moreover, I wrote the architecture book as author of “The Political Black Letter Game.”
Education: Doctoral training in interdisciplinary studies with concentrations in education, law, and public policy, supplemented by advanced theological and civic scholarship. My academic work emphasizes constitutional governance, social justice, and institutional reform, equipping me to evaluate legislation rigorously and craft policy grounded in research and ethical responsibility.
Please list any notable government or civic involvement: I am a lifelong Democrat with involvement in civil and human rights advocacy, community organizing, and public education initiatives. I have collaborated with faith leaders, civic organizations, and grassroots groups to advance voter engagement, social equity, and public accountability. My work focuses on empowering marginalized communities and strengthening democratic participation.
What would be your top priority if elected? My top priority is building a people-first economic agenda that lowers health care and housing costs, protects voting rights, and invests in working families. I will introduce ready-to-file legislation focused on health care affordability, economic opportunity, and government accountability, ensuring federal policy directly improves daily life for NC-9 residents. Furthermore, I’ve developed a shovel-ready bill to repeal and replace MAGA’s “One Big Beautiful Bill” with my ”Economic Inclusion Bill.”
Republican and Democratic candidates often explain the state of the economy differently. How do you see it and what, if anything, would you do that you believe would improve it? The economy shows growth on paper but remains unequal in lived reality. Inflation, health care costs and wage stagnation strain working families. I support targeted investments in infrastructure, small businesses, and workforce development, combined with consumer protections and fair taxation, to expand middle-class opportunity and stabilize household finances. I also intend to sponsor legislation raising the minimum wage to $17.50-$18.50 per hour, indexed to inflation once and for all.
In 2025, Congress caused the longest government shutdown in U.S. history. What should members of Congress do to prevent this in the future and how important is it for Congress to pass a budget? Shutdowns are governance failures that harm workers, markets, and public trust. Congress must adopt enforceable budget timelines, bipartisan negotiation frameworks, and automatic continuing resolutions to prevent service interruptions. Passing a responsible budget is essential to economic stability and democratic credibility. To incentivize such a shutdown in the future, I intend to sponsor a bill that would prevent members of Congress from receiving salaries during a government shutdown.
Lawmakers have been at odds on Capitol Hill over health care coverage for Americans. Where do you stand on Medicaid coverage and Affordable Care Act subsidies? I support strengthening Medicaid and Affordable Care Act subsidies to ensure universal access to affordable care. Health care is both a moral obligation and sound economic investment. Expanding coverage reduces emergency costs, improves workforce productivity, and protects families from financial catastrophe. I view health care as a human right, not a privilege. Once elected, I will sponsor legislation to permanently codify ACA subsidies into law.
Should the president go before Congress before taking military action in foreign countries? Yes. The Constitution vests war powers in Congress to ensure democratic accountability. Except in immediate self-defense emergencies, presidents should seek congressional authorization before sustained military action. This protects constitutional balance and prevents unilateral escalation.
Do you support the tactics that the Trump administration has used in immigration enforcement? Do you believe the immigration crackdown has had collateral effects for residents with legal status? I oppose enforcement tactics that disregard due process or harm lawful residents and families. Immigration policy must secure borders while respecting human rights and economic realities. I support comprehensive reform that pairs smart enforcement with humane pathways to legal status and strong protections against collateral harm. ICE Agents have destabilized common-sense immigration norms, including murdering American citizens for exercising their First Amendment right, and must be abolished.
Do you believe oversight of public education should be left up to individual states? States play a central role in education, but federal standards are necessary to guarantee equal opportunity and civil rights. I support cooperative federalism: state innovation within a framework that ensures fair funding, accountability and national educational competitiveness.
Is there an issue on which you disagree with your party? What is your position on that issue? I believe parties should welcome principled independence. Where my party hesitates on structural reforms such as congressional term limits and stronger anti-corruption safeguards, I advocate bold action. Democratic renewal requires reducing entrenched power and increasing transparency.
This story was originally published February 18, 2026 at 9:22 AM.
CORRECTION: A previous version of this article misstated who responded to the questionnaire. All four candidates in the Democratic primary responded.
