Republican Representative Dan Bishop of North Carolina has announced his decision not to seek reelection to Congress in 2024. Instead, he has chosen to pursue the position of state attorney general, a move he revealed during a recent appearance on a local radio show.
Bishop, a member of the conservative House Freedom Caucus, emphasized his legal background and support for law enforcement as key factors driving his interest in the attorney general role. He expressed his longing for the legal profession, which he has been a part of for nearly three decades, and highlighted the importance of reinforcing support for prosecutors and law enforcement officers on the front lines.
Notably, Bishop’s decision to not seek reelection will result in an open seat in the 8th District, an area that former President Donald Trump had carried by a substantial margin in the 2020 election. However, it’s worth mentioning that North Carolina’s electoral map is anticipated to undergo redrawing this year.
On the Democratic side, Charles Ingram and Tim Dunn have declared their candidacy for North Carolina attorney general, an office that has historically been held by Democrats. Bishop will be competing against fellow Republican Tom Murry for the position.
Critics, such as North Carolina Democratic Party Chair Anderson Clayton, expressed concerns about Bishop’s potential role as the state’s chief law enforcement officer. They cited the significance of the upcoming 2024 election and its implications for democracy, underscoring the need for careful consideration in selecting candidates.
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In 2019, Bishop made his entry into Congress through a closely contested special election, his prominence stemming from his sponsorship of the contentious “bathroom bill” in the 2016 state politics. His background as a county commissioner and state legislator adds weight to his voice. Though missing his legal practice, Bishop sees his role as a counterbalance to an expanding federal government and a support to law enforcement amid rising violence.
“In the course of several months, my wife and I concluded that returning to North Carolina is the right path,” Bishop stated on WBT radio. “I believe this office holds the potential to reinstate law and order in our cities.”
Securing a spot for attorney general during a presidential election year is no easy feat, especially in a closely divided state. Notably, a Republican hasn’t clinched this post for over 125 years, making Bishop’s aspirations significant.
An opportunity looms as the current Attorney General, Josh Stein, vies for the Democratic nomination for governor next year. Stein’s victories in 2016 and 2020 were by slim margins, a reflection of the state’s divided nature.
In Washington, Bishop has staked a position further right than McCarthy, challenging House leadership on matters like the debt ceiling and budget deal with President Joe Biden. His frustration with McCarthy led him to impede House proceedings and the advancement of GOP bills.
Bishop’s alignment with Donald Trump has earned him past endorsements, and the Club for Growth PAC has promptly backed his decision. David McIntosh, PAC President, expressed the organization’s support and anticipation for Bishop’s campaign finance report due later this month.
“I set out to represent the people faithfully in Washington, to be their advocate and fighter,” Bishop remarked. “This avenue allows me to continue the same fight, albeit on a different platform.”
Bishop’s move creates a vacancy in a 14-member delegation that’s evenly split between Republicans and Democrats. The 8th Congressional District under his representation spans parts of eight conservative suburban and rural counties to the east of North Carolina’s primary city.
Redistricting, overseen by the Republican-controlled General Assembly in the coming fall, could reshape the state’s congressional boundaries. An April state Supreme Court ruling opens the door for favorable GOP outcomes, potentially securing at least 10 of the 14 seats.
Formerly a Mecklenburg County commissioner, now residing in Union County, Bishop was elected to the state House in 2014 and the Senate two years later. His advocacy for the 2016 “bathroom bill,” which mandated transgender individuals to use public restrooms matching their birth certificates, garnered both national attention and criticism.
Following a year of scrutiny, North Carolina faced substantial financial losses, exceeding $525 million in 2017 alone, primarily attributed to lost business ventures, conventions, and sporting events, due to the “bathroom bill.”
Democrats point to Bishop’s role in the 2016 law and his opposition to certifying Biden’s victories in Arizona and Pennsylvania as reasons for his unsuitability for attorney general.
Emily Trifone from the Democratic Attorneys General Association labeled Bishop as an out-of-touch, far-right politician who doesn’t align with North Carolina’s mainstream values.
Competing against Bishop are Republican ex-state Rep. Tom Murry and Democrats Tim Dunn and Charles Ingram. The party primaries are slated for March.
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