North Carolina congressional candidate suspends campaign days before primary runoff

By GARY D. ROBERTSON
Associated Press

RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — A candidate seeking the Republican nomination for a central North Carolina congressional seat has announced she’s suspending her campaign days before her primary runoff election. Johnston County attorney Kelly Daughtry announced her decision Thursday and endorsed her runoff rival Brad Knott in the 13th District race. In a social media post, Daughtry cited Knott’s endorsement by Donald Trump as the reason for her decision, saying that with ex-president’s backing it had become “clear that a pathway to victory is no longer feasible.” She remains an official candidate and her name will remain on the ballot. Early voting is already underway.