Kelly Daughtry suspends campaign for NC District 13 ahead of runoff

RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN) — Kelly Daughtry, one of two candidates vying for the competitive Congressional 13th District of North Carolina, has announced she is suspending her campaign. It leaves Brad Knott as the almost-guaranteed winner of Republican Party primary runoff in for the district.

In an announcement on Facebook, Daughtry pointed to former President Donald Trump’s endorsement of Knott as the reason for her campaign’s suspension.

“As a candidate, it is my duty to be transparent and honest with my team, supporters, and the voters. In light of President Trump’s endorsement of Brad Knott for the Congressional seat in District 13, it has become clear that a pathway to victory is no longer feasible. I believe in the democratic process and respect the endorsement of our President,” she said in her announcement.

Daughtry said Knott now has her full endorsement, adding she spoke with him prior to her announcement. The former District 13 candidate said it was time to bring the Republican Party together.

“The future of our republic is too important to be divided by inter-party politics. I have always been a staunch conservative Republican, and I will continue to support the Republican nominee. It is time for us to redirect our resources and focus on countering the liberal democrats who threaten our nation,” her announcement read.

Knott’s team will continue to campaign. Under state law, there is no mechanism to remove Daughtry from the ballot. Early absentee ballot and votes are already underway. The Second Primary Election is still scheduled for May 14.

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