Kate Barr rays she ran to point out gerrymandering in North Carolina.
DAVIDSON, N.C. — The Mecklenburg County Republican Party is criticizing what it calls “fake Republicans” running in GOP primaries — pointing to progressive candidates who run as Republicans and unaffiliated voters who choose that ballot in North Carolina’s open primary system.
One example is Kate Barr, who ran in the Republican primary for Tim Moore’s seat in North Carolina’s 14th congressional district.
Barr was upfront about not being a Republican. She said the goal of her campaign wasn’t necessarily to win the race but to highlight what she sees as a lack of balanced representation in some districts.
“Our politicians are trying to protect their power at all costs, including at the cost of like taking choice away from voters,” Barr said.
Barr ultimately lost the primary with roughly 17% of the vote despite acknowledging she is not a Republican. She said her campaign was meant to call attention to gerrymandering.
Melissa Price Kromm with NC for the People Action said North Carolina is among the worst states for the issue.
“Voters often know the outcome before a single vote is even cast,” Kromm said. “This discourages competition, limits accountability, and, frankly, leaves many communities feeling like their voices aren’t heard.”
Still, the Mecklenburg County GOP says the practice needs to stop.
“I’m interested in hearing about the quote, unquote, fake Republicans that are infiltrating the primary system here in Mecklenburg County,” said chairman Kyle Kirby.
Kirby discussed the issue on Flashpoint. Though none of the candidates he describes as “fake Republicans” in the area won their primaries, Kirby said North Carolina’s open primary system should be closed.
“If you are an unaffiliated person, you can request a Republican or Democrat ballot. So what they’ve done is they’ve exploited that loophole,” Kirby said.
Kirby also pointed to Kelly Van Horn in North Carolina House District 105 and four other races around the state.
Barr said she does not currently plan to run again but believes raising awareness about the issue is enough of a win for now.
“Whichever party is doing it, voters suffer. Voters lose their voices when we gerrymander,” Barr said.
Barr also believes the 14th District is winnable for Democrats. Moore will face Democrat LaKesha Womack in November.
