Forum for 1st CD Candidates in Eastern North Carolina Watched Statewide

On Friday, January 30, as a historic snowstorm began to sweep across all 100 counties in North Carolina, the North Carolina Federation of Republican Women (NCFRW) stepped up to the plate and successfully hosted an online forum featuring all five Republican candidates for U.S. Congress in the newly redistricted First Congressional District: Laurie Buckhout, Ashley Nicole Russell, Bobby Hanig, Asa Buck, and Eric Rouse.

This district is on track to send a Republican to Washington, D.C., for the first time in well over 100 years. While the forum was originally planned as an in-person event in conjunction with the NCFRW Board Meeting in the district, we quickly pivoted and transitioned to a virtual format due to the weather. The online forum was viewed by participants not only from District 1, but also from across the state.

Moderated by NCFRW President Erica Vedeikis, the candidates addressed a wide range of issues important to North Carolina voters, including immigration, the economy, and rising health care costs. Attendees on Zoom and viewers on Facebook Live found the discussion insightful and timely, especially as early voting for the primary begins February 12.

Special thanks to Coastal Region Vice President Stephanie Broughton and longtime District 1 resident and President of the Tar River Republican Women, Mary Helen Warren, for their leadership and support in making this forum possible.