Republican Bo Hines announced Thursday that he will run for North Carolina’s 6th Congressional District, challenging Rep. Kathy Manning (D-N.C.) in the state’s triad region.
Hines, a 28-year-old political novice, narrowly lost a 2022 bid against Rep. Wiley Nickel (D-N.C.) in the 13th District. In that race, former President Trump and the influential Club for Growth endorsed the congressional hopeful.
“Our nation under Joe Biden faces a crisis of leadership, and many in the next generation of Americans – my generation – have abandoned the values that made this country great,” Hines said in his announcement. “I cannot sit on the sidelines and watch the nation I love decline any further.”
A former college football player at NC State and Yale University, Hines earned a law degree from Wake Forest University last year.
The 6th District announcement sets up a competitive GOP primary against former Rep. Mark Walker (R-N.C.), who launched his race for the seat last month.
Walker criticized Hines as a political opportunist. North Carolina’s 6th is the fifth different district Hines has pursued since the 2022 cycle, due to a redistricting process.
“I look forward to comparing my proven record to someone who is still trying to buy his first job,” Walker said on X, formerly Twitter. “Bo lives 100 miles from the Triad, has announced in five Congressional districts in two years, and lost to a weak Democrat last year.”
“Bo’s dad can buy him a Yale degree, a new house in Union County and even matching Lululemon pants, but I’m confident it can’t buy this district,” he continued.
The 6th District is considered to favor Republicans after redistricting last year. The Cook Political Report placed the race as one of three Democratic seats “likely” to flip in 2024.