Barringer Defeats Incumbent Brad Knott In Congressional Upset

RALEIGH – Democrat Paul Barringer defeated first-term Republican Congressman Brad Knott in Tuesday’s general election, flipping North Carolina’s 13th Congressional District seat from Republican to Democratic control.

Barringer received 159,981 votes, or 50.50 percent, compared to 152,329 votes, or 48.09 percent, for Knott. Libertarian Steven Swinton finished third with 4,479 votes, or 1.41 percent.

Barringer defeated Knott by 7,652 votes, a margin of 2.41 percentage points, according to final unofficial election returns.

The victory marks a significant political shift in the district, which includes Johnston, Harnett, Lee, Franklin, Caswell and Person counties, along with portions of Wake and Granville counties.

Knott won the congressional seat in 2024 by approximately 17 percentage points. Two years later, voters elected Barringer, a political newcomer from Lee County.

“I’m honored that the folks here in District 13 have placed their trust in me to represent our community,” Barringer said in a statement following Tuesday’s election.

“Even with such an uphill battle, this campaign and our supporters stood up and made it clear that our community wants a representative who will fight to lower costs, stand up to corruption, and help protect access to health care.”

Barringer said he looks forward to representing the district in Washington.

“I’m excited to get to work on strengthening our district, and deliver real results. I will always make sure our community is heard in Washington, and I’m so thankful for every voter, volunteer, and supporter who helped us achieve this win.”

Barringer is an attorney, healthcare consultant and farmer whose family has owned land in Lee County since the 1800s.

During his campaign, Barringer emphasized reducing the cost of living, protecting access to affordable healthcare and providing what he described as an independent voice for the district in Washington.

His campaign focused heavily on concerns facing rural communities and working families.

Barringer will take office in January 2027.