Who Is Running in North Carolina Congressional District 9th in 2026?
Last updated: March 2, 2026
Richard Hudson
(Incumbent)Economy
HighRichard Hudson advocates for fiscal responsibility, aiming to halt wasteful spending and decrease government size, citing inflation and national debt as key concerns. He supported the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act under President Trump, which he believes led to larger paychecks and opportunity zones. Hudson prioritizes job creation through a strong education system and reducing government regulation for small businesses. His legislative record earned him an 83% Lifetime Score from Heritage Action.
Immigration
HighRepresentative Richard Hudson supports strict immigration policies, prioritizing border security and stating it is a "promise made, a promise kept." He advocates for reinstating the “remain in Mexico” policy, maintaining Title 42, and requiring negative COVID tests for migrants to protect public health and end border chaos. He has voted to fund border wall construction, increase Customs and Border Protection funding by $110.6 million, and sponsored the HALT Fentanyl Act to address fentanyl entering the U.S. through the border.
Healthcare
HighRichard Hudson supports healthcare reforms aimed at lowering out-of-pocket costs, expanding competition, and protecting medical innovation, believing healthcare decisions should rest with doctors and patients. He applauded the President’s signature on the bipartisan Nancy Gardner Sewell Medicare Multi-Cancer Early Detection Screening Coverage Act (H.R. 842), which expands Medicare access to early cancer screening technology. He also introduced the Reforming and Enhancing Sustainable Updates to Laboratory Testing Services (RESULTS) Act of 2025 (H.R.5269) and secured $213 million for rural health investment in North Carolina through H.R. 1.
Democratic Candidate
No Democratic candidate has been confirmed for this race yet. Check back after the primary.
| Issue | Richard Hudson |
|---|---|
| Economy | Richard Hudson advocates for fiscal responsibility, aiming to halt wasteful spending and decrease government size, citing inflation and national debt as key concerns. He supported the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act under President Trump, which he believes led to larger paychecks and opportunity zones. Hudson prioritizes job creation through a strong education system and reducing government regulation for small businesses. His legislative record earned him an 83% Lifetime Score from Heritage Action. High |
| Immigration | Representative Richard Hudson supports strict immigration policies, prioritizing border security and stating it is a "promise made, a promise kept." He advocates for reinstating the “remain in Mexico” policy, maintaining Title 42, and requiring negative COVID tests for migrants to protect public health and end border chaos. He has voted to fund border wall construction, increase Customs and Border Protection funding by $110.6 million, and sponsored the HALT Fentanyl Act to address fentanyl entering the U.S. through the border. High |
| Healthcare | Richard Hudson supports healthcare reforms aimed at lowering out-of-pocket costs, expanding competition, and protecting medical innovation, believing healthcare decisions should rest with doctors and patients. He applauded the President’s signature on the bipartisan Nancy Gardner Sewell Medicare Multi-Cancer Early Detection Screening Coverage Act (H.R. 842), which expands Medicare access to early cancer screening technology. He also introduced the Reforming and Enhancing Sustainable Updates to Laboratory Testing Services (RESULTS) Act of 2025 (H.R.5269) and secured $213 million for rural health investment in North Carolina through H.R. 1. High |
| Climate & Energy | Richard Hudson is a founding member of the Conservative Climate Caucus, advocating for conservative policies to achieve American energy independence and foster innovation for affordable clean energy. He voted against the Obama-era Endangerment Finding in 2026, a deregulatory action easing rules for carmakers. Hudson prioritizes reducing energy prices and emissions through market-driven solutions, asserting the U.S. has led in emissions reductions. He holds a 3% lifetime score from the League of Conservation Voters. High |
| Abortion & Reproductive Rights | Richard Hudson is pro-life, stating, "As a dad, I believe every life has value and I am proud to be pro-life." He advocates for protecting "the lives of the most vulnerable" and opposes taxpayer funding for abortion, citing the Hyde Amendment. He voted against the Restoring the Right to Abortion Access bill and has emphasized that Republican candidates need to clearly communicate their positions on abortion. High |
| Foreign Policy | Richard Hudson supports robust military funding and national security, evidenced by his vote for the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act and the Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for FY25. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining a strong military to protect American interests and combat threats from various sources. Hudson also advocates for grid security as a component of national security and co-introduced legislation to establish defense technology hubs. High |
| Education | Richard Hudson advocates for state and locally-controlled education, emphasizing accountability and parent choice to empower teachers and parents rather than federal intervention. He voted for H.R. 7148, the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026, which included Labor-HHS-Education funding and aligned with Trump-era priorities. He supports fiscally responsible education reforms, workforce development programs, and expresses strong belief in Head Start programs for early childhood development. High |
| Gun Policy | Representative Richard Hudson strongly supports gun rights and opposes gun control measures. He has an A+ rating from the National Rifle Association and authored H.R. 38, the Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act, to ensure Second Amendment rights are protected across state lines. He also championed H.R. 615, the Protecting Access for Hunters and Anglers Act. Hudson believes the right to bear arms must not be infringed and addresses gun violence by improving mental health services and school safety. High |
Get updates on North Carolina 9th Congressional District
Enter your email to be notified when candidate profiles are complete.