Democrat Dan McCready is wasting no time in launching himself back into the new race for North Carolina’s 9th District.
The state’s Board of Elections voted unanimously Thursday for a new election to replace the tainted one that stirred up allegations of voter fraud against political operative McCrae Dowless, who was working for Republican Mark Harris.
McCready held a rally Friday at a brewery near Charlotte, according to local station WSOC.
“Folks, there’s a lot of people that have had their confidence shaken in recent weeks because of the fraud conducted by Mark Harris’ campaign,” McCready told his supporters. “There’s a lot of people right now in North Carolina that are disillusioned in our electoral process.”
“We’re going to talk to people about doing what’s right instead of what’s wrong,” he continued.
“Our right to vote is our most sacred freedom as Americans.”
NEW: Democrat Dan McCready announces he is running for Congress again in NC-09 special election.
The North Carolina State Board of Elections voted unanimously yesterday to hold a new election amid an election fraud scandal. https://t.co/MEfevvPwTk pic.twitter.com/6XtyhQ1RRB
— ABC News (@ABC) February 22, 2019
McCready and his team are reportedly considering challenging the state law that dictates that the new election also include a new primary.
Harris has not yet made up his mind about reentering the race; he’s said that he’s going to assess the situation and his health.
Harris stormed out after days of damaging testimony Thursday and said that the two strokes he’d suffered in recent months made it difficult for him to testify.
Even if he does decide to run, he may not be uncontested.
Matthew Ridenhour, former Mecklenburg county commissioner, told TPM that he’s “very interested” in entering the race on the Republican side.
“I am taking the weekend to think, pray, and consult with friends and family. Though I am very interested in running, I need to ensure the time is right for me and my family,” he said. “I hope to have a decision sometime next week.”
The Board of Elections has not yet set a date for the new election.
