Asheville Mayor Terry Bellamy, a Democrat, announced today that she will challenge Republican Congressman Patrick McHenry next year.
“Washington is broke, and people are tired of watching the bickering and political posturing while businesses and families are struggling,” Bellamy said in a statement. “As mayor, I'm expected to get results and we should expect no less from our representatives. It's time to send some people to Congress who can get the job done, and put North Carolina and the country back to work.”
Bellamy was the first African-American mayor and the youngest mayor when she was elected in 2005. She is married to Lamont Bellamy and is the mother of two.
In the past, Bellamy has not been in McHenry's district. But in order to weaken 11th district Democrat Heath Shuler, the legislature moved Asheville into the McHenry's 10th district. Although the 10th district is still Republican leaning, it will be more politically competitive now that it includes Democratic-leaning Asheville.
