By Charlotte Smith
The 2018 Candidate for the 9th District Congress, Mark Harris announced Tuesday afternoon he would not seek the elected seat in the new election coming soon. During the North Carolina State Board of Elections hearing over election fraud this month, Harris testified to his numerous health issues, which included multiple strokes.
On Tuesday Harris stated, “I have decided not to file in the new election for Congressional District 9.”
Last week the NC Elections Board came to the decision, Bladen County citizen, McCrae Dowless, a consultant hired by the Harris campaign did collect absentee ballots illegally from voters. However, during his testimony, Harris argued Dowless repeatedly told him the work Dowless was performing was legal and no ballots were being handled illegally.
On the other hand, Harris’ son testified about warning his father, Candidate Mark Harris, not to associate with Dowless due to guidelines in election laws and reported details of Dowless’ methods for working election campaigns.
Harris statement was as follows on social media:
“Over the last several days, I have had the privilege of hearing from so many people who have stood with us, cared for us, and who have asked how they can pray for us. In my response to them I have simply said to pray for wisdom and discernment as we make decisions concerning my health situation, the new election in Congressional District 9, and where we go from here.
After consulting with my physicians, there are several things that my health situation requires as a result of the extremely serious condition that I faced in mid-January. One of those is a necessary surgery that is now scheduled for the last week in March.
Given my health situation, the need to regain full strength, and the timing of this surgery the last week of March, I have decided not to file in the new election for Congressional District 9. While few things in my life have brought me more joy than getting to meet and know the people of this incredible part of North Carolina, and while I have been overwhelmed by the honor of their support for me as the Congressman-elect of NC-9, I owe it to Beth, my children and my six grandchildren to make the wisest decision for my health. I also owe it to the citizens of the Ninth District to have someone at full strength during the new campaign. It is my hope that in the upcoming primary, a solid conservative leader will emerge to articulate the critical issues that face our nation.
Over the course of campaigning in the district, I met and got to know one such leader, Union County Commissioner Stony Rushing. Stony, from my observation, along with his wife Anne-Marie, have served Union County effectively through the years. His background and his experience have proven him to stand firm on so many of the issues that concern us, including the issue of life, our national security, and religious freedom. I hope that those who have stood with me will strongly consider getting behind Stony Rushing.
Through the challenges of life, Beth and I continually place our trust in God, and we both know He holds the future in His Hands. Please stay engaged, for it is our civic duty to do so.
Again, it has been an honor to have your love, support, encouragement, and prayers each step of our journey together. Over the next few weeks as I continue to gain strength for surgery, I want to respect my family’s desire for privacy and I will not be doing interviews.
Sincerely,
Mark Harris”
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