Husser, associate professor of political science and director of the Elon University Poll, offered insights into how former President Donald Trump is impacting the GOP primary in the Congressional race.
The Republican primary in North Carolina’s 6th Congressional District race was heading for a runoff before former President Donald Trump lured one of the candidates away to work for his campaign.
The move paved the way for Addison McDowell, whom Trump endorsed in the primary, for McDowell to be elected to the seat this fall since there is no Democratic opposition for the seat this fall. Republican Mark Walker, who formerly represented North Carolina in Congress, placed second in the primary and had planned to participate in the runoff before ending his candidacy to join Trump’s presidential campaign.
Jason Husser, associate professor of political science and director of the Elon University Poll, told WFMY News 2 that the moves underscore the influence Trump can have in down-ballot races.
“Not only does he have a stick in terms of supporting an opponent, he also has a carrot which he can give people opportunities within the campaign apparatus and then potentially, if he becomes president, within the federal government itself,” Husser told WFMY News 2.
Watch the full segment to learn more.