Rep. Patrick McHenry plans to retire at the end of his term, and a former Green Beret has launched a bid to take his place



Republican Rep. Patrick McHenry of North Carolina has announced plans to retire from Congress after finishing his current term. By the time his term ends in early 2025, McHenry will have been serving in the House for two decades.

"I will be retiring from Congress at the end of my current term. This is not a decision I come to lightly, but I believe there is a season for everything and—for me—this season has come to an end," McHenry said in a statement. "I look forward to what the next season brings for my family and me."

The lawmaker expressed optimism about the future of the House of Representatives.

"There has been a great deal of handwringing and ink spilled about the future of this institution because some—like me—have decided to leave. Those concerns are exaggerated," he asserted. "I've seen a lot of change over twenty years. I truly feel this institution is on the verge of the next great turn. Whether it's 1974, 1994, or 2010, we’ve seen the House evolve over time. Evolutions are often lumpy and disjointed, but at each stage, new leaders emerge. There are many smart and capable members who remain, and others are on their way. I'm confident the House is in good hands."

Earlier this year, after Rep. Kevin McCarthy was ousted from his post as House speaker, McHenry acted as speaker pro tempore. Weeks after the removal of McCarthy, Rep. Mike Johnson (R-La.) was selected as the new House speaker.

Former Green Beret Pat Harrigan has announced a bid to fill the congressional seat. "Harrigan brings seven-figure resources and has hired Congressman McHenry's former campaign Manager, Eduardo Andrade, to manage his campaign," a press release notes.

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GOP Candidate Claims Opponent’s ‘Vile And Nasty Lies’ Led To Shooting At His Parents’ Home

'I have received a very credible death threat'

Bullet enters home just feet away from where GOP candidate's children were sleeping; investigation ongoing



The FBI is reportedly helping investigate after a shooting occurred at a family home housing the children of North Carolina congressional candidate Pat Harrigan.

Harrigan, a Republican, is campaigning for North Carolina's 14th Congressional District. His opponent is Democratic state Sen. Jeff Jackson.

What are the details?

On the evening of Oct. 18, someone shot into the home belonging to Harrigan's parents, which is located in Hickory. Members of the family were present inside the residence at the time of the shooting, including Harrigan's children.

According to the Carolina Journal, a bullet entered the home only feet away from where Harrigan's children were sleeping.

Fortunately, no one was injured in the incident.

The Hickory Police Department initiated an investigation after the shooting, but so far investigators have not caught the perpetrator. The FBI has since joined the investigation to conduct ballistic tests. Harrigan's campaign manager, Brandon Craft, confirmed to the Carolina Journal that local, state, and federal authorities are working the case.

A spokeswoman for the Hickory police, Kristen Hart, said investigators discovered at least one bullet casing. It's not clear where the casing was located.

How did Jackson respond?

The incident is particularly concerning because Jackson and Harrigan have run a "fairly negative campaign," the Carolina Journal noted.

In fact, one ad that Jackson's campaign released included a visual of Harrigan's lake house, which is near the same house that was targeted. Jackson's campaign has since pulled down that ad.

"We fully support law enforcement as they investigate this incident and believe any wrongdoing should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law," Jackson's campaign said in a statement. "We at Team Jackson pulled our ad in an abundance of caution and concern, but to be clear, the home involved in the incident has never been featured in any of our advertising."

Meanwhile, Harrigan said Thursday that he will not be knocked off his mission.

"Jeff Jackson’s politics lead to rising inflation, economic ruin, & rampant crime–including political violence," he tweeted. "My mission is a better economy, less inflation & safe streets.

"A bullet & death threats aren’t enough to knock this Green Beret off that mission," Harrigan declared.