North Carolina 13th District
Brad Knott (R) holds this seat and is running again. 3 candidates were on the ballot on November 3, 2026.
Who should win this race, and why?Say what you think. Other readers can answer you.Discuss
Brad Knott
Republican · holds this seat today
A-Liberty Score A-On the liberty side in 43 of 46 votes and bills.
Raised $1,697,075 since January 2025: 51% from PACs and other committees, 34% from people, 15% transfers and other income. The filing at FEC.gov
Paul Barringer
Democrat · attorney, tree farmer and health care consultant
No gradeNo grade yetI have no votes in Congress to count for Barringer, and what Barringer has said and done settles only 2 of my principles. I went through it on October 30. A grade needs 4.
Raised $1,215,151 since January 2025: 60% from people, 39% the candidate’s own money, 1% from PACs and other committees. The filing at FEC.gov
Voting in North Carolina: how to register, vote early or vote by mail. Election Day was November 3.
Side by side
A solid letter is a grade from recorded votes on that principle. An outlined letter is on the same scale, for a candidate with no votes: it comes from what that candidate has said and done, and every source is listed below.
Paul Barringer, on the record
I have no votes in Congress to count for Barringer, so the grade above comes from this list: what Barringer has said and done on my principles. Each line has its source, and each is marked with the same test I use for votes.
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He criticised spending on the war in Iran and its effect on prices, naming no policy or vote.
“they're spending a lot of money on the war in Iran and we're all paying the price for that”
- By the test I use for votes
- Not clear either way
Criticism of the war with no policy named is unclear for anyone.
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Asked about Israel, he said he believes in a two-state solution.
“I believe we have to have a two-state solution”
- By the test I use for votes
- Not clear either way
A two-state solution says nothing on weapons or defence, so it does not settle the measure.
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His campaign site says he wants stronger relationships with allies and partners, without naming Ukraine, NATO or Taiwan.
“I believe in strengthening our relationships with our allies and partners around the world, based on mutual respect, shared values, and free, fair trade.”
- By the test I use for votes
- Not clear either way
The words support allies in general but name none of Ukraine, NATO or Taiwan, so the measure is not settled.
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He opposes broad tariffs, which he says act as a tax on consumers.
“broad tariffs function like a tax on consumers”
- By the test I use for votes
- With liberty
Opposing broad tariffs is the with side of this measure.
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In the interview he backed securing the border and also pathways to work and citizenship, without saying whether that covers people already here illegally.
“we need to find pathways for people to come here and work and also we need to find pathways for citizenship”
- By the test I use for votes
- Not clear either way
He pairs a secure border with citizenship pathways and does not say who they would apply to, so the words do not settle the measure.
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He says border security needs smart, effective enforcement to stop illegal crossings.
“Border security is a basic function of government, and we need smart, effective enforcement to stop illegal crossings, drug trafficking, and exploitation.”
- By the test I use for votes
- With liberty
Enforcing the border and the law is the with side.
Also on the ballot
Steven Swinton (Libertarian).
Who is on the ballot: the state election offices, as listed on Wikipedia on November 3, 2026, checked against the candidate file of the Federal Election Commission. See a name that is wrong or missing? Say so in the discussion.
Who should win this race, and why?
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Discussion
North Carolina 13th District
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