North Carolina’s Attorney General candidate, Congressman Dan Bishop, appeared on the Wednesday WarRoom to discuss what the media is reporting as a significant GOP upswing in early voting. He discussed what this means for this key battleground state in the upcoming elections and emphasized the critical role of conservative enthusiasm. Bishop, now running for Attorney General, explained the factors energizing Republican voters and why he believes North Carolina could be a decisive win.
GOP Early Voting Gains in North Carolina
Bishop noted that early voting in North Carolina has showcased an unexpected surge of Republican voters. He said, "Republicans are turning out strongly even in swing states like North Carolina.” Bishop detailed how the first six days of early voting have seen GOP supporters coming out in large numbers, especially compared to previous election cycles.
According to Bishop, Republican voters are replicating the strong turnout seen in 2020 but with a twist: in-person early voting is up significantly. "On the in-person early voting, Republicans are up by about 75,000,” Bishop stated, indicating a promising start for the GOP. This early enthusiasm, he believes, could make a substantial difference in a state often seen as a political bellwether.
Economic Concerns Fueling GOP Enthusiasm
Bishop attributed this spike in Republican engagement to economic dissatisfaction under the Biden administration. "Most people just don’t believe families can stand the cost structure that Biden and Harris have imposed,” he said, underscoring the economic frustrations felt by many North Carolinians. Bishop emphasized that the conservative base is united in its belief that another four years under the current administration would be disastrous for the economy.
Democrats Face Enthusiasm Gap
The congressman highlighted what he described as a "significant enthusiasm problem” for the Democrats. He noted that while Democratic early votes are down, Republicans are steadily gaining ground. Bishop was critical of Vice President Kamala Harris, calling her a "catastrophic empty suit” and attributing the lackluster Democratic turnout to doubts about her leadership. "It may have been a sugar high,” Bishop said, referring to initial excitement around Harris, but he stressed that it seems to be waning as voting continues.
Conservative Voters Energized by Social Issues
Social and cultural issues remain a focal point for Republican voters in North Carolina. Bishop discussed the mobilization around conservative values, especially in the Christian community. "Christian Conservatives understand how jeopardized the country is,” he affirmed, pointing out that traditional voters are coming out early to ensure their voices are heard.
Grassroots and Church Support Drive Turnout
Bishop also highlighted the role of local churches and grassroots networks in driving voter turnout. He credited the evangelical community with spreading the word and pushing for a solid conservative vote. According to Bishop, this energy is pivotal in ensuring a GOP victory in North Carolina, which he described as critical for the broader national strategy.
Republicans Aim for a Decisive Win
Bishop said he is optimistic about the future of the GOP in North Carolina. He believes the increased early turnout clearly indicates the energy and urgency within the conservative base. "I’ve never seen anything like this,” he stated, confident that the momentum will continue to build. Bishop focuses on securing allies for President Trump and ensuring a Republican win in 2024 as he prepares to run for North Carolina’s Attorney General to strengthen conservative leadership.
For more context from Dan Bishop, watch this full WarRoom segment: