North Carolina’s 9th Congressional District is like a ripe piece of fruit for Republicans—there for the picking. At least it is in any normal election.
In 2024, the Republican in this district won by a staggering 19 points. But in 2026, virtually all of that big GOP cushion appears to have vanished.
In a new Billy Ball Explains NC, Senior Editor Billy Ball (@thelivingsouth) digs into why this working-class and military district in central NC is a bellwether for Republicans in the age of Trump.
We break down the candidates, an unusual Democrat named Richard Ojeda and the Republican he’s running against, Richard Hudson. If this district winds up close or goes to the Democrat in 2026, it’s a sign of a bad, bad election for the GOP. Billy Ball tells you why.
Billy Ball Explains NC is a weekly conversation about North Carolina politics, culture, and news, led by Cardinal & Pine Senior Newsletter Editor Billy Ball. Make sure to like and subscribe to @cardinalandpine on YouTube so you never miss an episode!
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Billy Ball Explains NC created and written by Billy Ball
Edited by Kim Lawson
Video produced by Dylan Courbat
Graphics by Desirée Tapia
