Brad Knott, the newly elected Republican representative for North Carolina’s 13th District, embarked on his political journey fueled by concerns about the impact of the Biden administration’s policies on his community and the nation. A seasoned federal prosecutor with an extensive background in law enforcement, Knott witnessed firsthand the detrimental effects of the border crisis on local communities, citing the increased availability of drugs, escalating violence, and the strain on law enforcement resources. He felt compelled to act, believing that the federal government’s response to the crisis was inadequate and detrimental to the safety and well-being of American citizens. This conviction, coupled with a deep-seated belief that the country was heading in the wrong direction, ultimately led Knott to resign from his position and pursue a seat in Congress.
Knott’s campaign was characterized by a strong emphasis on grassroots engagement. He prioritized door-knocking and town halls, valuing the opportunity to connect directly with voters and understand their concerns. These interactions revealed a shared sentiment of disillusionment with the current political climate and a desire for meaningful change. The top concerns among constituents included the border crisis, its impact on local resources, and the perceived mismanagement of taxpayer dollars. Knott resonated with voters’ frustration over the allocation of funds towards foreign aid and illegal immigration while American communities struggled with economic hardship and rising crime. This resonated with his own belief that the government’s priorities were skewed and that a fundamental shift was needed.
Endorsing a fiscally conservative stance, Knott criticized the government’s spending habits, emphasizing the mounting national debt and the perceived lack of tangible benefits for American citizens. He questioned the wisdom of sending billions of dollars abroad while neglecting pressing domestic issues. He also criticized the government’s handling of the border crisis, arguing that it incentivized illegal immigration and placed an undue burden on taxpayers. His campaign resonated with voters who shared his concerns about government overreach, excessive spending, and the need to prioritize American citizens.
Knott’s victory in the Republican primary was solidified by an endorsement from former President Trump, who praised his commitment to law enforcement, border security, and the Second Amendment. This endorsement helped propel Knott to victory in the general election, where he defeated Democrat Frank Pierce in a newly redrawn district. Knott credits Trump’s ability to withstand immense resistance from Washington D.C. as a key factor in his success. This, he believes, underscores the need to rebalance power and return it to the American people. Knott sees his role in Congress as part of this effort, aiming to leverage the power of the legislature to address the concerns of his constituents and the nation as a whole.
Looking ahead to his tenure in Congress, Knott intends to prioritize addressing the border crisis, tackling the national debt, and streamlining government regulations. He also hopes to reform the criminal code to provide law enforcement with the tools necessary to protect communities. While acknowledging that achieving these goals will require bipartisan cooperation, he remains committed to working with colleagues on both sides of the aisle to find solutions to these pressing national issues. He believes that these challenges are not partisan but rather American problems that demand collective action.
Knott’s approach to policy is grounded in his belief that the government should focus on serving the American people and addressing their needs. He advocates for fiscal responsibility, a strong national defense, and policies that empower individuals and communities rather than expanding government control. As he prepares to take office, Knott expresses a strong commitment to representing the interests of his constituents and working towards solutions that benefit the entire country. He aims to embody the principles of limited government, individual liberty, and economic prosperity, reflecting the values of the voters who elected him.
