Rep. Erin Paré, R-Wake, announced on X that she will not be seeking election in North Carolina’s 13th Congressional District. In August, Paré released a hard-hitting campaign video in which she stated, “I won’t stand by while radical liberals ruin our economy, allow crime to run rampant on our streets, and indoctrinate our children.”
Paré will instead run for re-election in the North Carolina House.
“Earlier this year, I announced my intention to run for Congress in NC-13,” she said. “I’ve been humbled by the excitement and support around my candidacy. However, after much consideration, Wayne and I have decided that it is not the right time to run for Congress. I will instead seek reelection to my current seat in the North Carolina House in 2024.”
Part of Paré’s decision is new house leadership, as House Speaker Tim Moore, R-Cleveland is looking to secure a congressional seat in NC-14.
“I am excited by new leadership opportunities in the General Assembly and being home for the next few years while my kids finish high school,” said Paré. “I love my job representing the people of southern Wake in the House and feel there is much more yet to accomplish.”
NC-13 is set to be an expensive primary, with Kenny Xu, Matt Shoemaker, Fred Von Canon, and DeVan Barbour all announcing their intentions to run in the GOP primary. Paré touched on the cost in her announcement, saying “now is not the right time to make the personal financial investment needed for the NC-13 congressional primary.”
House Majority Leader Rep. John Bell, R-Wayne praised Paré and her work in the General Assembly.
Candidate filing for 2024 begins on Monday, December 4th, and runs through December 15th.