Cabarrus Today

State Representative John Bradford (R-Mecklenburg) has officially filed for the Republican nomination in North Carolina’s 8th Congressional District. He cited his business acumen and commitment to addressing Washington's challenges as key motivations for his candidacy. Bradford's decision is said to have been influenced by encouragement from across the state and a desire to leverage his business and legislative experience to effect change on the national political stage.

According to a press release on Bradford's official Facebook account, he stated: "I have always been committed to public service. With the release of the new congressional maps, I have received calls from across North Carolina encouraging me to consider a run for Congress. My NC-based company and other business investments currently provide products and services for thousands of constituents throughout the 8th District. After much thought and prayer, I have decided that my experience in business and the state legislature uniquely qualifies me to run for Congress."

Bradford continued, saying, "It’s clear to all of us that Washington is broken and that new leadership is needed. Those leaders need to know how to create jobs and enable the private sector to flourish. I’m proud of my record of job-creation in the business world and my voting record in Raleigh, where I helped our Republican majorities advance conservative policy in North Carolina."

In addition, Bradford pledged via his Facebook account that he would contribute a maximum of $2 million from his personal funds towards his campaign. He also revealed plans to assemble a campaign team spanning both national and state levels. This announcement follows his previous declaration of intent to run for the position of North Carolina State Treasurer.

As per congress.gov, North Carolina's 8th Congressional District includes multiple counties such as Anson, Montgomery, Richmond, Scotland, Stanly, Union, along with portions of Mecklenburg, Cabarrus, and Robeson counties.

Queen City News reports that Dan Bishop, the incumbent representative of the congressional district, is running to be the next North Carolina Attorney General.