Surprises On and Off the Ballot
As we turn our calendars to 2024, we should note the upcoming elections. North Carolina candidate filing is closed and there are surprises on and off the ballot. One of the biggest shocks was Congressman Patrick McHenry (R-NC) not seeking reelection. How will losing the Chairman of the House Financial Services Committee affect North Carolina’s influence in Washington? A crowded Republican ticket for Congressional districts 6, 8, and 10 will make for an exciting primary race on Tuesday, March 5.
Another surprise was former Republican Congressman Mark Walker dropping out of the Governor’s race to run for the newly-drawn sixth Congressional district. Rental housing needs a Governor who understands how detrimental rent control is for that industry. Will it be Republican State Treasurer Dale Folwell, Republican Lt. Governor Mark Robinson, Democratic Attorney General Josh Stein, or former state Supreme Court Justice Mike Morgan? The list of candidates is extensive.
Former South Carolina Governor and presidential candidate, Nikki Haley, remains on the Republican ballot, for now. Recently, she’s come under fire for her controversial Civil War remarks which could cost her the election. Will a candidate from the Carolinas remain on the primary ballot or is a Trump vs. Biden match up inevitable? According to a poll conducted by The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research, most U.S. adults (56%) would be “very” or “somewhat” dissatisfied with Biden as the Democratic presidential nominee in 2024. Ironically, a similar majority (58%) said they would be very or somewhat dissatisfied with Trump as the Republican nominee. Will unfavorable candidates affect voter turnout?
According to The New York Times and Siena College survey, 81% of registered voters said the condition of the U.S. economy was either “Fair” or “Poor”. A seven percent interest rate is causing homebuyers to pause and rent demand to increase. Will voters elect candidates who are passionate about solving housing affordability and do their part to drive the economy? Which candidates will be advocates for the rental housing industry and prioritize housing affordability and accessibility? The Greater Charlotte Apartment Association will continue to follow the elections.