New Hanover County Commissioner Jonathan Barfield plans to run for the District 7 seat in Congress in 2014.WILMINGTON, NC (WECT) – New Hanover County Commissioner
Jonathan Barfield announced Tuesday he plans to file to run for the District 7 seat
held by incumbent Congressman Mike McIntyre in 2014.
Barfield made the announcement on WECT News at 5:00, telling
Frances Weller " I am excited to get the chance not just to serve the citizens of New Hanover County, but everyone in the Seventh District."
Barfield says he has had the conversation with McIntyre about possibly running for the seat. "It's a seat I have my eye on for a long time," he said in the live interview.
Barfield is the owner of Barfield & Associates Realty
in Wilmington. He was first elect to the New Hanover County Commission in 2008.
He served as Chairman of the Board on two occasions. The first year-long term
began in December of 2010. Barfield later served as Chairman for two months
beginning in October of 2012, when then-chairman Ted Davis resigned to fill the
legislative seat held by former Rep. Danny McComas. Barfield was re-elected to
a second term in November, finishing third to Woody White and Beth Dawson for
three open seats on the Board.
McIntyre is serving his ninth term in Congress, after
winning a close re-election campaign over former state Senator David Rouzer. The
margin of victory was less than 1,600 votes, according to the North Carolina
State Board of Elections, the closest re-election outcome of McIntyre's
political history. Should he run for re-election to a tenth term, the
Democratic attorney from Lumberton would have to run in a primary election,
something he has not had to do in years. Records show he defeated Randy Crow in
primary elections in both 1998 & 2000, winning easily each time.
The McIntyre for Congress campaign sent this statement to WECT after hearing Barfield's intentions:
"The last election ended less than 90 days ago. Starting campaign season is now premature since the courts have not finalized
whether the new district lines will be upheld or changed again. Congressman McIntyre has always based his service on striving to do what is
best for the people back home - and not based on anyone else's campaign. From national security to jobs to agriculture to coastal concerns to
issues affecting our children and senior citizens, Congressman McIntyre is
working day in and day out to help our citizens and communities improve their
lives and create opportunities for future generations. He looks forward to continuing to serve the people of 7th District and is very
appreciative of the trust they have placed in him."
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