Election 2024: Hunt, Weatherman in a tight race for lieutenant governor

(The Center Square) – Republican Hal Weatherman and Democrat Rachel Hunt remain statistically tied in the race for North Carolina’s lieutenant governor.

Hunt, a state senator and daughter of former two-time two-term governor Jim Hunt, has made abortion access and health care a priority for her campaign. Weatherman, a political newcomer, has labeled himself a “principled conservative” and has prioritized school choice, “deporting illegals,” and putting North Carolina back to work.

The candidates are hoping to succeed Republican Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson, a candidate in the politically-heated race for governor.

While Hunt faced off against just two other primary candidates and won with over 70% of the vote, Weatherman won the spring Republican primary with just 20% of the vote, in a race that had nine other candidates.

This put him in a primary runoff with Jim O’Neill, where Weatherman won by over 70%.

According to recent polling, both Weatherman and Hunt have taken turns slightly leading. In the latest poll from The Carolina Journal, Hunt led by 2%. In the previous poll from the same organization, Weatherman led by a 2% margin.

On the other hand, a High Point University survey found that nearly 70% of registered and likely voters were not familiar with either candidate. Perhaps surprisingly, Weatherman had slightly more name recognition.

Weatherman was willing and Hunt was not when the nonpartisan North Carolina Institute of Political Leadership asked for participation in their Hometown Debate Series.

Both candidates have spent time since Hurricane Helene working in disaster relief, as many counties throughout North Carolina were left devastated.

Weatherman, endorsed by former President Donald Trump, has called out Hunt for her alignment with the Biden administration.

“The Biden-Harris Administration, endorsed by my opponent and Josh Stein, released 13,000 murderers and nearly 16,000 rapists into the United States,” he posted on social media . “How many are headed to North Carolina? How can the Democrats call themselves the champions of women while releasing men into our country who are going to rape our women?”

Hunt has attacked Weatherman for his anti-abortion positions.

“We cannot let radical politicians take us backward and put North Carolina’s women and families in danger,” she said.

Hunt has been endorsed by a number of abortion-rights organizations, including Planned Parenthood Votes! South Atlantic and the progressive group Lillian’s List.

The North Carolina Fraternal Order of Police has endorsed Weatherman.

Going into the final stretch before the election, both candidates have rallied their supporters to push through the final month.

“In the closing days of this campaign season, I am asking those people who support my campaign and who are Believers to pray. Amidst all the TV commercials attacking and character assaulting, pray,” Weatherman posted on social media . “My message today and for the remaining days of this campaign, is simple . . . Pray.”

Hunt, following an appearance at a rally for Vice President Kamala Harris, posted on social media , “Together, we’re building a brighter future for North Carolina. Let’s keep pushing forward!