Former Rep. Mark Walker weighs up North Carolina gubernatorial bid
Juliegrace Brufke
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EXCLUSIVE — Former Rep. Mark Walker is weighing another run for public office, with the North Carolina Republican considering a gubernatorial or congressional bid in 2024, two sources familiar with his thinking told the Washington Examiner.
Walker previously chaired the influential Republican Study Committee and served in House GOP leadership before opting against seeking another term in 2020 due to redistricting. He later launched a bid for the Senate seat being vacated by Sen. Richard Burr (R-NC) but was defeated by Rep. Ted Budd (R-NC) in the primary.
But one source with knowledge of his political deliberations said outside conservative groups “have reached out asking [him] to consider running for governor.”
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The source noted that North Carolina Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson (R) has come under fire for antisemitic and homophobic comments, adding that his ties to former President Donald Trump could hinder his chances of winning a general election.
“Not that there’s a huge dislike for the lieutenant governor, but with him being so aligned with Donald Trump, not just kind of supporting each other, but some of the things he’s done and said — Republicans might be getting to the place where they are recalibrating and realizing that candidate quality does matter, not just the rhetoric. You’ve got to be focused on results as well,” they said.
While the Old North State has largely skewed red with its congressional delegations in recent history, it has only elected one Republican governor since 1992.
If the conditions for a gubernatorial bid don’t appear right, the source said that depending on the outcome of the battle in the courts over North Carolina’s redistricting maps, another run for the House is not out of the question.
The source added that Republicans may have an advantage in the congressional maps if they prevail in court battles due to the supermajority in the state Senate and strong majority in the state House. Under the current conditions, the congressional map of North Carolina has an even seven-seven split, with the conditions potentially providing the opportunity to hold 10 of the state’s seats. The Supreme Court heard oral arguments in the gerrymandering case earlier this month.
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Since leaving Congress, the former preacher has been helping build a consulting company, which has partnered with industries to provide fellowships for students at historically black colleges and universities.