Butterfield's 'October surprise' comes early in NC-1 GOP primary
The 1st District was redrawn to be more competitive, and with a Republican wave-year predicted, whoever wins the GOP primary will find themselves in one of only two competitive congressional districts in the state. Republican Sandy Smith has her eye on the seat; she ran and lost to Butterfield in 2020 54% to 45%. She's running again in the primary, but she's not necessarily the front-runner. She has a well-funded primary challenger in Rocky Mount Mayor Sandy Roberson.
Source: carolinajournal.com