By: Erin Smith
The filing period for the US House of Representatives has begun. The filing period began at noon on Wednesday and will remain open until noon on Friday, March 25.
The congressional primary was moved from March 15 to June 7 following a federal judge’s ruling declaring two districts as unconstitutional. The new map has been submitted and the judge has until Friday, March 18, to issue a final ruling regarding the new map.
If approved by the court, the new map will have Bladen County divided between the 7th and 9th Congressional Districts. The 9th Congressional District is served by Republican Robert Pittenger and the 7th Congressional District is served by Republican David Rouzer.
The newly drawn 9th Congressional District will consist of a portion of Bladen County, a portion of Cumberland County, a portion of Mecklenberg County and all of Robeson, Anson, Scotland, Richmond, and Union counties.
The newly drawn 7th District would consist of a portion of Bladen County, a portion of Johnston County and all of Columbus, New Hanover, Brunswick, Pender, Duplin, Sampson and Wayne counties.
Prior to the court ruling, Rouzer had filed seeking re-election to his seat during the December filing period and he was to face a primary challenge from fellow Republican Mark Otto.
As of Wednesday morning, no candidates had filed for the 7th Congressional seat held by Rouzer. Dem. Christian Cano had filed for election to the 9th Congressional seat currently held by Republican Robert Pittenger.
Pittinger announced his intentions to file for re-election to his 9th Congressional district seat on March 18 when he will travel to Raleigh after continuing a two day tour of the newly proposed District. On Thursday, March 17, the Congressman will visit future constituents and 2nd amendment supporters at a Friend’s of the NRA rally in Fayetteville.
“Our President’s policies, especially his foreign policies, have failed our country resulting in greater threats facing our nation, while we are now less prepared than ever to meet those threats. That is why I am running for re-election to Congress. I want to give our troops the equipment and support they need to keep us safe from terrorism,” said Pittenger.
There is also a special filing period for NC Supreme Court Justices. As of Wednesday morning, Robert “Bob” Edmonds and Sabra Jean Faires had filed seeking election to the NC Supreme Court.
Also, voter registration is also open for new voters, and voters wishing to change their registration. According to legislation adopted by the General Assembly, all primary races are a “winner take all” and there are no run-offs.
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